great hampton street works
Client
Pimlico Capital + Hanehouse Developments
Overview
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
Project Status: Appointed 2023. Completed 2025.
No. Apartments: 29
Listing Status: Grade II
Services
Apartment Design
Communal Area Design
Space Planning & Interior Architecture
CGI Visuals & 3D Design
Technical Design & Tender Package
Design Implementation
Scheme Branding & Wayfinding Site Signage
Furniture Pack Design & Procurement
Show Home Design & Property Staging
In-House Art Making
Photography Direction
Team
Architect: BPN Architects
Principal Contractor: KC2
Quantity Surveyor: PMP Consultants
Interior Design: San Stae
Landscape Designer: Robert Colbourne
Photography: Keith Kaselampao
Awards
Refurbishment of the Year: Institute of Structural Engineers
Nestled in the heart of Birmingham’s celebrated Jewellery Quarter, Great Hampton Street Works is a Grade-II listed former button factory, built in the late 19th century in the Venetian Gothic style. Rich in detail and craftsmanship, the building once played a vital role in the city’s industrial output, renowned for its “Very Button” and other smallwares crafted in pearl, silver and linen.
Over the last two years, San Stae has had the privilege of being involved in the transformation of this historic industrial landmark into 29 characterful loft apartments, delivering a thoughtful interior design scheme that celebrates the building’s heritage while creating contemporary, comfortable homes.
From the moment we stepped inside, the spaces were full of potential - dark, tired, but brimming with history. Our design approach focused on revealing and enhancing the building’s industrial soul - exposed brickwork, rhythmic arches and soaring windows were restored, while warmth and texture were layered in through a considered material palette, soft furnishings, and bespoke details. Signature touches, such as button-mould inspired tiles and hand-crafted furniture, nod to the building’s past while keeping interiors fresh and contemporary.
Beyond the apartments, we were invited to shape key communal and exterior spaces. Courtyards now blend steel, brick and soft planting to create quiet urban oases, while circular stone details and original machine belt wheels reference the site’s button-making heritage. Jewel-green apartment doors harmonise with the brickwork and hand-painted signage and murals inspired by historical adverts and original painted signs proudly mark the building’s new identity.
The transformation is not only architectural but experiential. Every space has been considered, from wayfinding to bespoke furniture packs, with styling incorporating unique pieces from local artists and ceramics to celebrate Midlands creativity. The result is a collection of homes that feel contemporary yet deeply rooted in Birmingham’s history, with courtyards, light and detail creating a unique living experience.
"Aly brought experience and enthusiasm to the interior design element of the conversion of a Grade II* Listed building in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. She advised on the appropriate finish across the whole of the interior ensuring this was not only sympathetic to the heritage of the building but also delivered a quality and design to satisfy the demands of the discerning residential market to which the building was targeted. All this was done in line with the budget, with Aly advising on where best to spend the available finance to achieve the optimum finished product."
"Aly's involvement has continued after completion of the construction works as part of the all important settling in period and the marketing of the apartments. If you want to work with an interior designer who combines experience, enthusiasm, passion and commitment with the ability to work within a budget and deliver the vision for a scheme, then Aly at San Stae is definitely worth the call!"
- Richard Whitehouse, Hanehouse Developments
"Aly is very easy to work with and makes the whole experience fun. We found her ideas to be thoughtful and rooted in a good understanding of design / practicality / budget and she was always happy to explore alternative options whenever required."
- Richard Newman, BPN Architects
