OOBE worked with MODA Living and Glen Howells Architects to develop a mixed-use residential tower on Broad Street in the heart of Birmingham.

At OOBE, we understand the importance of creating comfortable, healthy living spaces in Build to Rent projects. We have successfully delivered projects across the UK including The Mercian, in Birmingham. At The Mercian, residents enjoy a beautifully designed communal garden with a variety of plants and seating areas, perfect for socialising or quiet contemplation.

A key element of our design focus on this project was engaging residents with their outdoor spaces. Biophilic design plays a key role in achieving this by exposing people to their environment, boosting cognitive function and creativity, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety, and fostering a sense of community.

By incorporating biophilic design, we can create Build to Rent developments that are not just places to live, but sanctuaries that nurture our connection with nature and promote overall well-being.

Forty-two stories high, the building boasts a large landscaped amenity roof terrace on the third level with two private terraces on the fortieth level.

Our design is based on a formal structured grid following the geometry of the building. The grid creates a seamless relationship between the internal and external spaces. The podium is split into a series of different spaces varying in character that provide different external rooms for different activities enclosed by a 200m running track around the perimeter.

The podium provides residents with a variety of BBQ and outdoor dining areas, an indoor / outdoor events space, a large expanse of lawn, pockets of secluded seating areas and flexible spaces for exercising.

IMAGE CREDIT: MODA