BM3 Architecture on behalf of Walsall Housing Group designed and built 73 new dwellings for social rent on a vacant site in Blakenall, Walsall. Consisting of two distinguishable blocks, the scheme provides a mix of 39 1 and 2 bedroom apartments along with 34, 2 and 3 bedroom houses, all of which have been designed in accordance with Housing Quality Indicators, Lifetime Homes and Code for Sustainable Homes level 3.

Using a combination of apartment blocks and individual houses the scheme attempts to address the lack of quality, affordable houses within the area by providing a broad mix of unit sizes.

White thru coloured rendered box elements to apartment cores and gables to the houses create a rhythm to the street scenes and contrast the use of blue / grey Cedral Weatherboard panels at upper floors. Recessed balconies have been used to punctuate the apartment elevations, creating a contemporary and dynamic facade.

Throughout the scheme materials have been chosen to reflect the aspiration and contemporary nature of the development whilst also acknowledging the sites surrounding context. As a result of the areas ongoing problems with antisocial behaviour, it was essential to specify materials not only based on their aesthetic qualities but also on their robustness and durability.