A BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
A modern urban oasis in Birmingham’s city centre redefines the concept of city living with a refreshing build-to-rent concept. The 481-unit residential tower is rich in texture, paying homage to its brass foundry roots. It is also a beautiful architectural landmark that serves as the western gateway to the city centre.

The tower was designed to use smart building technologies such as 100% renewable energy and to meet both well-being and environmental standards.

With such structural and internal excellence, the concept of the 42-storey tower expanded to foster community gathering through high-rise living whilst meeting the needs of residents more intuitively. Consideration was given to more personalised planning of the space to incorporate key needs such as home-working, promoting an active lifestyle and bringing neighbours together.

To support the vision, Vtec’s MaxiBeam, a lightweight feature beam system was specified for the foyer and reception area, setting the elegant and aspirational tone of the space.

TRIPLE-HEIGHT RECEPTION AREA
Reception areas are more than just a passageway for users to move between spaces; they are the first point of contact for welcoming occupiers. These areas must convey a variety of messages, including feelings, brand values, comfort, and loyalty.

The reception area of the project is part of a triple-height area that adds to the majestic and contemporary city living lifestyle. MaxiBeam was chosen for the interior ceiling due to its lightweight system design and acoustic support in such a large area. The design is a stunning grid matrix format that ties into the foyer’s other surface materials in a scalable format.

HOW TO MANUFACTURE AND PRODUCE A GRID CEILING WITH INTEGRATION?
Access to support services and networks above is critical to the overall maintenance and upkeep of a commercial space. This was especially important in this residential high-rise, which incorporated more modern technology into the overall design and function of the building. MaxiBeam was specified in a European Walnut finish, which provides a soft and warm tactility that complements the premium furnishings. The ceiling design was 3D modelled by the CAD and Production Teams to include provisions for:

- Access Hatches built into the acoustic backing for easy entry to M&E services
- Inclusions for shadow gap and expansion gap allowances
- Access provisions
- A meticulously designed grid sequence
- 3D modelling and extensive drawing ensured that the design’s quality was supported throughout the entire journey, resulting in a visually and functionally seamless look.

SOUND FOR COMFORT
MaxiBeam is optionally acoustic, making it much easier for specifiers to design for both space and sound at the same time. The sound-proofing on the walls was 5 decibels above the necessary requirements for a residential high-rise. This attention to sound ambience was intended in order to achieve a calm and intimate interior. The MaxiBeam ceiling grid included a premium acoustic backing in Guadeloupe Grey, ensuring that the system met the sound performance requirements while also maintaining a high level of aesthetic qualities in the design.

PRODUCING AN EASY-TO-INSTALL GRID CEILING
A customised detailed installation bundle that is bespoke to the system’s unique needs and designs is included as part of the Vtec production package that each system comes with. This package includes 3D modelling as well as the provision of set-out drawings and installation sequence drawings. These guidelines included the following:

- Set-out drawings on the Uni-strut where the ceiling was being installed onto
- Access provisions
- A detailed step-by-step guide to assist with the simple installation of the grid design
- Drawings of pattresses and support location for lights

In 2022 the contemporary residential tower achieved a 3-star Fitwel Certification, the highest rating for its status as one of Europe’s healthiest buildings.

The MaxiBeam grid ceiling, which was bespoke designed and manufactured, allowed for a cohesive narrative to shape the overall space. With its hidden access hatches and sound attenuation, it also aided in the adoption of modern clean technology with a premium aesthetic look and feel. The innovative ceiling design of the MaxiBeam matched the futuristic vision of shaping neighbourhoods and cities together.