BM3 Architecture Ltd was instructed to provide 66 new apartments for people over the age of 55, for affordable rent.

The site is located behind Carl Street, in Bloxwich, Wallsall and has a site area that measures 0.61 hectares. The site was vacant and was ideal for an apartment block, due to it’s location, close to amenities and the canal, allowing residents to benefit from it’s views.

For the proposed building it was felt that 4 stories would be appropriate on the canal side, as it provides a robust elevation and sits well in the surrounding context. Externally it has the form of a courtyard, created by the shape of the building, where users can spend their time in if the weather is good. Internally there are spaces on the ground floor, which will provide areas for the users to spend time if they wish to, as well as spaces that will provide vital services. The internal communal spaces have access to that courtyard to allow for strong connection of both areas. Having one building is very crucial, as residents could have mobility issues. With one building they would have easy access to all the communal spaces provided within the building, without limitations.

A proposed street and parking space will provide more security for existing dwellings and would improve the parking situation for the existing properties around the proposed buildings.