![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4942d9134ffb3facf84c1e567482ff7c 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=236&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=0499c02f7cbdbe9a44b33539354da3b4 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=432&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=8149a9b43eda8965a1e71c2c4e2e1bfa 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=8a16f160e376a2eaa2081b38184fcc34 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=788&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=f30d5f6c62b2c946979296fa85898b6e 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=900&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=06da2963bb106657c2831f9a3fb3f597 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=cdb47289aa67ca0723e81730044b27da 1920w)
The project
We’re converting a former department store, above New Street Station, in Birmingham’s Grand Central into a future-focused workplace with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart. Our design retains the existing structure and innovatively opens up the atrium with a new glulam rooflight extension, creating a full-height, expansive 5-storey communal space in the centre of the building.
The atrium is key to the project and creates a sweeping, open space that widens as it rises through all four floors, providing visual connectivity between the levels and drawing the eye up to the glazed rooflight above, which will bring daylight down through the heart of the scheme.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=148&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=cf5c50b15e9accb7a7aa1b515da56d2f 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=296&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=9d21a37621cd8662165e89ee07a6b5a8 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=541&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=80fc97ba79c73d54389e9c1208946daf 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=721&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=6959114dbe1d1d2906e3eee6ab11e694 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=986&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=beb24c747b811c5cbe10ea6ba7619f51 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1127&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=f2b6e8099cdb31c7f951c940deeb026b 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1352&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=81b12149e1e4069ce0c1ae60fa991e53 1920w)
Concept sketch of the Drum atrium by Ken Shuttleworth.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=a252594fe71c4323780d871e35b2bfb0 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=2360fefccedfe9829be48d1c63dbd5f5 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=ae7936cc0d14c3634ba30e639c16a04f 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=624eff92aac1951cbfedf80f600b86d9 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=4a29774504a40609e3b047c4c6eff028 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=85fc91263e7bd8cdd053c373ca306c3f 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-5-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=051cddee15e5e478a9429ecc34f1d597 1920w)
The model
To demonstrate our vision for the atrium, we constructed this conceptual, handmade wooden model to show the new glulam timber structure which will be inserted into the atrium space.
The vertical arches form the new roof, and we used the same arched shape in plan to create the floorplates with the curves forming the atrium’s edge.
To achieve the right look and create one continuous sculptural effect, our model version of the glulam timber structure showcases the continuous grain of the wood curving around the arches and floorplates.
First up, we built a steam box to soften the wood and make it flexible enough to bend into the sinuous shapes. Using a sheet of maple veneer, we cut a number of strips or leaves out of it. We then put all the leaves in the steamer and left them for 5–10 minutes to become pliable.
Once the leaves were out of the steamer, we brushed them with powdered resin glue and clamped the pieces in a specially constructed jig to shape the wood into the exact dimensions of the model. We left the pieces for 12–24 hours to allow the glue to dry and the wood to release excess moisture.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=f021cf90cb3e734bdb8cb17202c091f0 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=81e944301ca7afabf1924fbde223cbfb 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6caa66e2d5d029ee2ef35fc79485a1b3 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=ac9f6618ef3c2715d108c61f83d9efeb 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=0e2c779cb051196fba0ca3e583dfef8e 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=fe2838bc6d6a762f3ef5db9ca9ec192a 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=1b582b8645f88cac57d29f6382acb03e 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=6eefed6ceeb6af441697381faf1ae39b 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ee51613f2d35ec4f870bfb6554f6ea95 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=e47ef723931980d19fb430f2e388d088 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=9d75d7e916af79f26b17b11ac43147f0 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=994f65de467be762cac7f7576a999c1b 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=805c997ca45abf21d82422eb0b4c4b54 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=f9daa8f2d1c2fe4a8938cae096033dd3 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=8d2c1120d3285c05bea737dc7e686cd5 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ef99b75dc781aa325472c096520fb8a5 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=c5dfd994382f7d0989492095bfb1b6d1 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=68f6208dfdc0b42d8a57344c1341ee42 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=9a259f65ca33caa6ebfe012a1a8417b8 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=b507790c62edafeaf4a82be6b44e4f8e 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=825c77c5b16f930f9758df3fc14c41ba 1920w)
Our next step was to notch some of the floorplates and arches to ensure the pieces would fit together to create a solid structural model without any fixings.
Assembling the model was the trickiest step. With the vertical arches sitting both inside and outside the hoops, we had to do a lot of assembling, marking, dissembling, notching and reassembling again. This process was further challenged by the floorplates shrinking due to moisture loss while we worked.
Finally, the walnut base was cut to size by a timber merchant, and we then used a router to create a circular recess for the mirror, achieving a smooth transition between the walnut and glass surfaces. We laser cut a second ring on the other side of the base to insert a small circle of maple veneer to mark the base of the atrium. These circles, along with the circles on each floorplate, showcase the new design insertions.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=2d4ed4f61e53f3248b5ad2c85cdf4d24 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=32e723550b5281118e4d4da28217ac35 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=48610cf44c5183f81cda4a2ffd2cafb0 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=d012e16f1b24ff27dd3afe8b74b5ffd0 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=2d1cc6fdf402a353c6e7b024d251c7bb 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=c3b4fc46f5f4932f928a872c36aaef46 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F01%2FDrum-cMakeArchitects-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=37cace32b8f3318c405ef5cdb7f00b0c 1920w)