University Design Forum are delighted to congratulate Birmingham City University (BCU), developers Goodman and architect Aukett Swanke’s STEAMhouse project as winners of University Project of the Year at the Education Estates Awards 2023, especially given the variety and high quality of projects on the shortlist. Both BCU and the architects are founder members, and have trustees on the board of the University Design Forum.

The very premise of the STEAMhouse project is unique, being a venture which encourages both forward and sideways thinking, linking the academic world with the wider commercial and neighbouring communities. It was born from a highly collaborative ethos, working very closely with John Plumridge, Director of Estates and Facilities and the team at Birmingham City University, which engrained a design process that produced an environment and an architecture emblematic of the collaborative STEAMhouse way. It is a project which all parties involved in are very proud of and feel fortunate to have been a part of the wider team.

“The Steamhouse project has acted as a regeneration catalyst for the East side area of Birmingham. Over four years in the making we have created a new building typology where arts/science based and engineering teaching and learning takes place alongside product design, development prototyping and innovation. Private companies and startup micro businesses share space in a technology enabled environment clustered around central social areas. The quality of spaces created mean the building has transcended the pandemic and it is constantly in use”

John Plumridge, Director of Estates and Facilities, BCU

Team:

• Client – Birmingham City University
• Developer – Goodman
• Architect – Aukett Swanke
• PM – Stantec
• SE – Baynham Meikle Partnership
• ME – Kier
• QS – Faithful+Gould
• Landscape – MacGregor Smith
• Main Contractor – Bowmer and Kirkland
• Fire – Jensen Hughes
• Planning – Delta