This is Rhubarb, an office development located on Heath Mill Lane in Digbeth, just opposite the Custard Factory. We were appointed by Blok Properties back in 2007, planning was granted a few months later and work started on site in 2008.
There are 18 self-contained studio units available for rent or purchase and every unit comes with its own folding bicycle in an attempt to wean commuters off car dependency.
One of the most interesting elements of the project is the section of “green wall” which is to be located on the elevation facing the Old Crown Pub car park. No doubt this was inspired by our office trip to Madrid in 2008 to see, amongst other things, The CaixaForum building by Herzog & de Meuron which features a dramatic 24 metre high “vertical garden” in the square at the front of the building.
A thread on skyscrapercity.com has been following the progress of the development – this is how it looked in December. It’s due to be completed by the Spring.