Chatwin Building, 81 Colmore Row
Birmingham, UK
project overview
Grade II listed office reimagined for the modern worker
Located in the heart of the Colmore Business District, the refurbishment and extension of the Grade II listed 81 Colmore Row breathes new life into the office building. Now an important part of the prime business address, we repurposed the building to provide more lettable floorspace and modern amenities, whilst sensitively preserving its historic attributes.
Our refurbishment addresses the recent changes in ways of working. With flexible breakout space and meeting rooms, increasing employee connectivity, interaction, and collaboration.
The new terrace extension promotes strong connections to the outdoors, encouraging people to enjoy more time outside to benefit their wellbeing and productivity.
Original architecturally significant features, such as Corinthian columns, cornices and panelling have been preserved, highlighting the building’s distinct heritage.
![81 Colmore Row1744](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1744.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=a26f3137a21855ad32503af055002b23 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1744.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=813de9fcdf16456e0237f0e254f68246 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1744.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=a8f082d0a35779f915efdd4c716b988e 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1744.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=4026876e0a6f7c395c640e67bada58b0 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1744.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=263c65a5d3ecfc133ade96e873245481 1920w)
project aims
Developing a space that meets the needs of the 21st century employee
Set to be the new home to leading employers within the district, the brief outlined the requirement to provide better amenities to benefit employees. Creating not only just a place to work, but also somewhere employees can relax, connect and collaborate. The space had to be fit for the future, matching the needs of the occupants, whilst retaining existing and heritage features.
We also had to address the existing upper floors, from poor daylight, minimal floor to ceiling heights, outdated facilities including a lack of disabled toilets, and windows not up to thermal standards. We expanded upon the existing space to create a contemporary workspace, incorporating unisex changing rooms, cyclist and welfare facilities as well as more collaborative socialising space.
design concept
Creating a contemporary workplace
design development
Transformation of the reception space
A key part of our client’s brief was to include a generous and welcoming reception entrance at ground floor level off Colmore Row. The existing entrance to the building was slightly awkward and felt dated. We introduced a strong front presence which complements the neighbouring buildings, whilst creating an entrance in which people felt proud to arrive at.
![81 Colmore Row1518](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=4baf9983b062832007e1456e2f0453c3 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=c4bec6f2665b4afba691c92e4d88b713 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=4621dc7906f289ac47c7e02fb3024d3e 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=44f765f99c1af2af1015d1c65a3fac67 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908795&s=ed03bd29070a3a039d6682b92a8e3e10 1920w)
![81 Colmore Row1518 before](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518-before.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=1e0e67fe78bf6a51cb28c06d7cb2eab2 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518-before.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=dedf3e823ceb0e67295235a70c53d8c0 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518-before.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=5176dd5caac845689133825f0a75f8bf 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518-before.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=adeed64dd965f4ebf32dd0ac4093136d 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow1518-before.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=54657b8e17627c28434d52eda0ed145e 1920w)
interior design
Bringing old and new together to create a harmonious, cohesive workspace
Through extensive consultation and collaboration with heritage consultants, the planning and listed building team, our interior designers have created a space which successfully and harmoniously marries together the existing building front with heritage Victorian spaces and the rear modern 80’s extension.
By using stone effect finishes, heritage Victorian colours and bronze, we are reflecting building’s origins of metalwork, gold and silversmithing. We have integrated old with new into a cohesive design, retaining and complementing the original arched windows of the frontage with feature lighting and flooring design.
Interior design
Minimal, clean lines sitting alongside classic features
transformation
Exploring the project’s inspiring revitalisation
Hear from project architect Simon Lamprell and interior designer Jenny Flower as they explore the visionary journey behind the transformation of the Grade II listed building into the vibrant, sustainable office space it stands as today.
design development
New bespoke contemporary office space
An increase in office floorspace was needed to enable the building to accommodate tenants with more employees. We refurbished the floor plates to bring them up to current standards, maximised ceiling heights and adapted the core levels to avoid level change within the floor plate and improve accessibility. The new core arrangement also allows for disabled WCs and two new lifts.
![81 Colmore Row2849](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2849.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908793&s=b89bfd1f820b91560ada2939ea0ddbd0 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2849.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908793&s=3d493da31c6019315699a8f60c103b4a 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2849.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908793&s=66b3d8705e1199707d69412020451632 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2849.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908793&s=f3761e4164bd97eaad1c2103023ca41a 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2849.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908793&s=2b04aed29d5730d84e7feac9f2e76ac4 1920w)
![81 Colmore Row2873 b4](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2873-b4.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=e203eb4248764a71c801f608598bf449 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2873-b4.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=4ba5eb911a34a3b125476a7d4b9b0886 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2873-b4.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=9f926729d6156bb3f885c09c511423f7 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2873-b4.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=984619fdd4a9b2a0e62af2d5a81d2dce 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/81-Colmore-Row/81ColmoreRow2873-b4.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1695908790&s=1c61cb8c78ce9fddd921af7ce3613889 1920w)
Sustainability
Preserving and enhancing historical significance
key information
Project summary
Location
Birmingham, B3 2BA
Client
Floreat Group
Completion
2023
Value
£5m
Environmental
BREEAM Excellent
EPC B Rating
Size
2,581 m2
Includes
Grade II listed building
Office space
Break out space
Terrace area
Ground floor restaurant
Team
Meet the team behind the project
Contact
Interested in
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