The first phase of The School Yard scheme saw the development and complex refurbishment of the existing 19th Century buildings. Central to the development is a Grade II clock tower building which was built in times of Birmingham mayor Joseph Chamberlain. Situated off Harborne High Street in Birmingham the School Yard is a destination to eat, live, learn and meet.

As well as brick repairs to the exterior, the existing building underwent significant alterations internally including forming large openings through the 327mm wide, solid, load bearing masonry walls. We used bearing plates to minimise the size of pad stones and not overload the remaining brick piers. A review of the floor capacity was also undertaken and in some parts of the building, a new mezzanine floor was added.

The second phase comprised of thirteen 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury homes in a newly constructed, zinc clad building constructed within the existing playground. The building finishes off the landscaped public square: the first of its kind in the area and inspired by the school’s former playground.