![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-01-876x584.jpg)
London-based practice Architects of Invention (AI) has submitted a design proposal for 500 residential units in Birmingham’s Digbeth area.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-02-876x584.jpg)
The practice was approached by Chinese private equity fund PGC- Capital whose The Jewel Court, 77 one-two bed luxury apartments, is already on site in Birmingham.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-03-876x619.jpg)
The design concept – ‘Garden Hill’ – is inspired by The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: an oasis-like residence for Birmingham’s growing, multicultural population.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-04-876x620.jpg)
The two dramatic 25-storey staggered towers, hung with gardens at every level, give all occupants and visitors access to private and shared terraces and a spacious rooftop garden.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-05-876x545.jpg)
The entire block is made of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) as an exercise in highly sustainable construction.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-06-876x620.jpg)
The proposal suggests a new model for live / work / play, where the units are small, but there are large shared facilities for communal living and working, including music recording studios and small rental units for startups.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-07-876x637.jpg)
The scheme proposes ground floor retail onto High Street Bordesley. Of the 500 residential units, 60% will be one beds (40-50m2) and 40% two beds (63- 75m2). The brief also specifies parking for 120-200 cars.
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-08-876x504.jpg)
The 7500 m2 site is located in Digbeth, ten minutes walking distance from the City Centre. The renowned Custard Factory scheme sits nearby, home to a number of media companies, artists and small creative enterprises. Source by Architects of Invention (AI).
![Proposal for a 500 unit residential](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/500-unit-residential-development-in-Digbeth-by-Architects-of-Invention-09-876x600.jpg)
- Location: 175 High Street Bordesley, Digbeth, Birmingham, UK
- Architect: Architects of Invention (AI)
- Project Team: Dominykas Daunys, Carlos Hurtado de Mendoza, Nikoloz Japaridze, Anton Khmelnitskiy, Vano Ksnelashvili, Davit Tsanava
- Consultants: Engenuiti (Structure), DSA engineers, HED (Landscape), GAP (Interiors), Alpha Omega, FUTIQUE Developers
- Client: PGC Capital (China)
- Structure: Combined CLT & Concrete
- Programme: 40m2 & 60m2 residential units, co-working, co-living communal shared spaces, retail, car park
- Status: Concept Proposal
- Size: 38 500 m2
- Budget: £70 mil
- Stories: 25
- Year: 2017
- Images: Courtesy of Architects of Invention (AI)