Press releases

Reaching New Heights as Calthorpe House Tops Out

October 2008

Completion of one of Birmingham’s prime commercial developments, Calthorpe House, moved one step closer this week with the building reaching its highest point.

A ‘topping out’ ceremony marked the structural completion of this high-profile, 105,600 sq ft office development in Edgbaston situated near Five Ways Island.

The City’s prominent business leaders joined contractors from BAM Construction to watch Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby and Calthorpe Estates principal, Sir Euan Anstruther-Gough Calthorpe, place a yew tree atop the six-storey office development. As well as marking the end of vertical construction of a building, the traditional ceremony is believed to ward away ancient tree dwelling spirits and associated bad luck.

The £40 million Calthorpe House development is one of the first in Birmingham to achieve an environmental BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and will provide open-plan Grade A office accommodation with truly green credentials, core to Calthorpe Estates’ 300 year old ethos.

Mark Lambert, director of development of Calthorpe Estates said: “Topping out recognises the efforts of the contractors and site workers involved in a scheme. It’s great to be able to celebrate the result so far.

“Calthorpe House is a sustainable landmark development at a prominent gateway to the city, and will deliver long term benefits for its surrounding environment for many years to come. It has been designed to provide the highest quality office space and represents best practice at every level.”

Speeches from Councillor Whitby, Sir Euan and Paul Goodall of BAM Construction marked the occasion, which was followed by a lunch reception at the nearby Marriott hotel.

Paul Goodall, commercial director of BAM Construction, said: “From conception the scheme was designed to set the standard in sustainable development in the city and it’s been great to oversee the progress from paper to construction.

“From the contextual design of the building to the installation of energy efficient solar control glass, sustainability has been key at every stage”.