5 St. Philips. Birmingham
A comprehensive refurbishment in the heart of Birmingham’s Core Business District.

A comprehensive refurbishment in the heart of Birmingham’s Core Business District and Colmore Row/Environs Conservation Area. Proposals have been considered within the context of this sensitive setting. Introducing a modest top floor extension containing commercial workspace or flexible amenity space. The space leads out onto a generous, dual aspect, external rooftop terrace which overlooks Cathedral Square and the Grade I Listed Birmingham Cathedral.

Other works include the comprehensive refurbishment of all commercial workspace including the replacement of all services’ installations. The creation of a new entrance lobby/reception, a completely reconfigured core, lifts, and washroom facilities along with new staff facilities provides a high quality and sustainable development for the future.

The building, originally constructed between 1935-1937 is the former Prudential Assurance building and sits on the site of the former The Birmingham Blue Coats School which was established from 1724 – 1930 before moving to Edgbaston.

The focus of this project is to contribute towards achieving Net Zero in line with Birmingham City Councils aspiration to become net zero by 2030. To achieve this, the following items are considered: embodied carbon, operational energy, and whole life carbon.

Embodied Carbon:
5 St. Philips is predominantly a comprehensive refurbishment and alteration project.  It has the potential to result in almost 50% the Embodied Carbon Emissions compared to the LETI design target, for a new build of similar size.

Operational Energy:
5 St. Philips is an all-electric building.  With a clear trajectory from the national grid to reduce carbon emissions, the building has the potential to gain an 80% carbon reduction (kg/CO₂) over its lifespan.  This compared to no carbon reduction associated with gas.

Whole Life Carbon:
5 St. Philips has an estimated improvement of 40% carbon reduction (kg/CO₂) over its lifespan compared to the LETI design target, for a new build of similar size.

Energy Performance:
The existing buildings’ emissions rate is currently at EPC D (96), 62.04 kg.CO₂/m² and 370 kWh/m² per year.  The comprehensive refurbishment and alteration is set to achieve EPC B (31), 6.35 kg.CO₂/m² and 134 kWh/m² per year.

The building is targeting BREEAM Excellent, WELL Building Standard Core Gold, WiredScore Platinum, Smart Enabled and NABERS UK.

The Main Works Construction is due to complete in December 2023.