Pressworks, Birmingham

Pressworks is a 23-storey residential development in Birmingham’s Digbeth district, delivering the first phase of a two-phase scheme comprising 687 apartments, 15% of which are affordable. FPCR was responsible for the landscape design through RIBA Stages 3–4, including a full submission to the Building Safety Regulator.

A rooftop garden at Level 8 provides high-quality amenity space for residents, incorporating paving, balustrades, planters, seating and lighting. An extensive sedum roof is located at Level 9.

At ground level, the public realm includes a substantial rain garden, with clay paving defining the primary circulation routes and contrasting materials creating more informal pedestrian connections. Rows of trees provide separation between the amenity spaces and the adjacent highway, while generous planting softens the built environment. The landscape design is complemented by coordinated external furniture, signage and lighting.