Garden Hill, Birmingham
In April 2017, London-based practice Architects of Invention (AI) revealed design proposals for a new residential complex in Birmingham.
Located in the Digbeth area, Garden Hill is said to be inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; being described as ‘an oasis-like residence for Birmingham’s growing, multi-cultural population.’
The complex will be 25-storeys high, designed as staggered towers hung with gardens at every level. It will include 500 units, 60% of which will be one-bed (40-50 sq. m), and 40% two-bed (63-75 sq. m). All occupants will be able to access private and shared terraces as well as a spacious rooftop garden.
Constructed using combined cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete, it is said to be ‘an exercise in highly sustainable construction’.
AI was approached by the Chinese private equity fund PGC-Capital, whose apartment complex The Jewel Court is already on site in Birmingham.
The complex aims to provide a new residential model to live, work and play; with large shared facilities for communal living and working, including music recording units and small rental units for creative start-ups.
The budget for the development is £70 million.
Content and images courtesy of Architects of Invention.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.