Alben Works, Legge Lane, Birmingham, B1

A fabulous three bedroom, four storey townhouse with two balconies and secure parking is part of a brand-new collection of nine individually designed loft style homes in a private gated courtyard with exceptional views from the upper floors, inspired by the rich history of the Jewellery Quarter by RIBA award winning architects Sjolander da Cruz.

THE DEVELOPMENT
The design is inspired by the rich history and architecture of the Jewellery Quarter, it is modern but draws on the industrial legacy and architectural language of the area. Legge Lane was at the centre of manufacturing in the area for 150 years. There was a multitude of factories, manufacturers, traders and craftspeople throughout the quarter and Pen manufacturers, cigarette case makers, jewellery Box producers and safety razor works are a few of the trades which have been based at No 1+2 Legge Lane over the last century and a half. The houses are a reinterpretation of the Georgian terraces which were converted into the first factories of the JQ after the industrial revolution. The living spaces are upstairs to take advantage of better views and light but also ensures you can see the sky from the back of the ground floor. The houses have open plan double height living spaces, with big triple glazed windows, eliminating dark corridors. There is a great connection to the outdoors with a terrace on both the second and third floors. The emphasis is on simple principles of sustainability and energy efficiency to create a better living experience: increased insulation, triple glazing, energy saving lighting and natural ventilation.

THE PROPERTIES
Through the front door the houses have a generous entrance area which has a double bedroom, shower room and utility/cloakroom leading off it. The open steel staircase is a distinctive feature of the house - its contemporary open tread design allows light to permeate through from the roof lights on the top floor. Standing next to the staircase and looking up allow a view up through all floors of the house to the sky. The first floor accommodates a large master bedroom, with generous en suite bathroom and bedroom three with its own suite shower room. At second floor the landing opens up to the kitchen and dining room. This open plan area is part of the connected living space which makes the house so special. The kitchen faces and an island cooking and breakfast bar with family seating area and dining space next to this. Beyond the kitchen is a two storey window and double height volume above which links the dining space to the living space on the floor above. There is also access to a breakfast terrace which overlooks the courtyard. Above, the stairs rise straight into an open plan living area which features exposed steel roof trusses following the pitch of the roof. The living area has a double height volume looking over the kitchen to the two storey window. Its also has its own terrace overlooking the courtyard and the roofs beyond. Each of the houses have their own car parking space in the courtyard and there is a duct provision for an individually metered EV charging point to be installed adjacent to each space.

SPECIFICATION
Double height open plan living spaces • Custom designed SieMatic kitchens with 20mm Silestone worktops • Integrated Siemens appliances & Quooker Flex 3 in 1 boiling tap • Duravit sanitaryware • Hansgrohe chrome finish brassware • Large Ideal Combi Futura+ triple glazed windows • Living space upstairs to enjoy better views from your terrace • Sustainability and energy efficiency with natural ventilation and increased insulation • Pre-oiled Kährs engineered hardwood flooring to living and bedroom areas • Velux roof lights • Designer industrial style lighting • Secure allocated parking • 2 way video/audio access control *see brochure for full details and specification

LOCATION
The JQ is always evolving, but it keeps a unique bustle, sense of purpose and innovation at its heart. Legge Lane was at the centre of manufacturing in the Jewellery Quarter for 150 years. There were a multitude of factories, manufacturers, traders and craftspeople representing a selection of those throughout the quarter. Pen manufacturers, cigarette case makers, Jewellery box producers and a safety razor works are a few of the trades which have been based at No 1+2 Legge Lane over the last century and a half. Located just outside Birmingham's city centre, the Jewellery Quarter is an attractive mix of narrow streets, fine architecture and listed buildings. In the 18th century, the area boasted some of the city's most sought after residential addresses. In the 19th century, it became a centre of jewellery manufacturing, producing many iconic items including the original Lonsdale belt, FA Cup and the trophy for Wimbledon Ladies Singles. Although its heyday was in the early 1900s, the Jewellery Quarter still produces 40% of the UK's jewellery and is home to more jewellers than anywhere in Europe. A designated conservation area, it is now being reinvented as an urban village and hub for creative enterprise. Combining style, culture, commerce and residential accommodation, it's an appealing and vibrant quarter within a major European city.

The JQ is always evolving, but it keeps a unique bustle, sense of purpose and innovation at its heart. Legge Lane was at the centre of manufacturing in the Jewellery Quarter for 150 years.
There were a multitude of factories, manufacturers, traders and craftspeople representing a selection of those throughout the quarter. Pen manufacturers, cigarette case makers, Jewellery box producers and a safety razor works are a few of the trades which have been based at No 1+2 Legge Lane over the last century and a half.

Located just outside Birmingham's city centre, the Jewellery Quarter is an attractive mix of narrow streets, fine architecture and listed buildings. In the 18th century, the area boasted some of the city's most sought after residential addresses. In the 19th century, it became a centre of jewellery manufacturing, producing many iconic items including the original Lonsdale belt, FA Cup and the trophy for Wimbledon Ladies Singles. Although its heyday was in the early 1900s, the Jewellery Quarter still produces 40% of the UK's jewellery and is home to more jewellers than anywhere in Europe.

A designated conservation area, it is now being reinvented as an urban village and hub for creative enterprise. Combining style, culture, commerce and residential accommodation, it's an appealing and vibrant quarter within a major European city.