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DLG Architects go from Strength to Strength
December 2004

London and Leeds based architects DLG, are nearing completion on work to convert the former Church of St James?, an exceptional Grade II Listed stone church building into twelve duplex apartments.

Located in the leafy district of Edgbaston in Birmingham, the overgrown site and derelict building have been transformed to provide a diverse range of individual contemporary flats, juxtaposed with an appealing mix of restored original features and stonework.  A new steel frame insertion supports the accommodation over five levels to maximise the use of the original building volume.

The inspiring beauty of the materials and the architectural attention to finite detail enhances the apartments.  The internal spaces are designed to maximise natural daylight from the original window openings to the large open plan living areas with quality modern finishes.
The apartments range from 930 sq.ft to 2,400 sq.ft, each over a series of two, three or four levels, designed to provide two to three bedrooms and bright modern living spaces. The open plan layouts are finished in a high quality contemporary style, with solid oak floors, sophisticated kitchen areas and solid oak open staircases.

Double-height spaces heighten the dramatic, individual feel of the living spaces, and respect the original structure of the Victorian building. Minimalist bathrooms, en-suite facilities and built-in storage facilities are provided without compromising the generous proportions of each space.
Original design features of the Gothic church have also been restored or replaced, and feature in the unique interiors of each apartment. The external stonework has been cleaned and repaired, restoring the outside of the church to it?s former glory.  The existing church tower has been restored to contain one of the new shared entrance cores, with lifts provided for access to all of the apartments.  The areas surrounding the church have been cleared and replanted, leaving space for car parking and communal lawned gardens, surrounded by retained mature trees.

The developer of the scheme, Astley Towne Group was named winner in the Special Development category at the 2004 Birmingham Post and Mail House Design Awards.  The awards were launched in the 1970s to promote good house design.

The scheme?s architects, DLG have recently been included in a list of the top 200 Biggest Consultants in the Industry and also in the Top 100 Architects listing.  Andrew Gardner, partner at the Leeds office comments ?It is fantastic to be acknowledged in both these categories.  The practice was established 30 years ago and we are continuing to grow and provide the best work for our clients to help create a vision for the future.?  DLG specialise in architectural design within the residential, leisure, retail, mixed use, conservation and education sectors.

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