Introducing The Narrowhouse.
The Narrowhouse has a clear ambition: to become the world’s tallest energy-positive building.
As the UK’s first multi-story energy positive building, located on Gas Street in the heart of Birmingham’s canal network, this pioneering development will generate more energy than it consumes through high-efficiency, building-integrated solar panels.
The project supports the wider regeneration of the Westside Zone while setting new standards for sustainable urban living.
With 249 modern co-living apartments, communal gardens, stylish lounge areas, and fitness facilities, The Narrowhouse is designed for the future—offering affordable, high-quality city-centre living powered by clean, renewable energy.
4,070m² of solar panels seamlessly integrated into the building’s façade 
249 brand-new co-living homes in Birmingham’s city centre 
87.9 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually (compared to standard building requirements) 
Excess clean energy fed into a microgrid, benefiting the local community 
£60 million investment into Birmingham’s urban future
Show your support.
We need your support to help demonstrate to Birmingham City Council that the city is excited and ready for the UK’s first energy-positive building and that 249 new homes are much needed.
Add your name to the list of supporters and make your voice heard by completing the form. Your feedback will be sent directly to Birmingham City Council for them to consider when the scheme is presented to Planning Committee.
Together, we can help build an exciting future for Birmingham.
An energy pioneer.
The Narrowhouse will stand as a beacon for sustainable development in the UK. Fully covered in solar panels, the building will capture more energy than the estimated needs of its residents, feeding the excess back to the grid. As the world’s tallest energy-positive building, The Narrowhouse cements Birmingham’s reputation as a leader in green innovation, aligning with the city’s net-zero carbon goals.
A greener future for Birmingham
The Narrowhouse’s design incorporates cutting-edge technology to harvest energy from the sun. The building’s exterior will be clad in high-efficiency solar panels, which will generate more electricity than the residents consume. This surplus renewable energy will be fed back into the national grid.
The Narrowhouse will therefore provide a clean, and reliable, source of energy to the national grid. Powering not only the residents living in The Narrowhouse, but contributing a clean energy source back to the national grid, which supplies power to homes up and down the country.
Aesthetic innovation – BIPV solar façade
Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, The Narrowhouse’s building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system is seamlessly embedded into the structure, blending sustainability with stunning architecture.
Blue-green solar panels reflect the surrounding canal, ensuring the building complements its environment. Dynamic colour-shifting panels will change throughout the day, creating a living, breathing façade.
This groundbreaking design proves that sustainable buildings can be both high-performing and visually spectacular.
A new legacy for Birmingham’s canals.
Located just a stone’s throw from the heart of Birmingham, The Narrowhouse will bring a new, attractive building to the dynamic mix on Gas Street canal side.
The Narrowhouse will make use of this prime location in Birmingham, and transform what is currently an unused piece of land into a community with 249 new homes.
Historic buildings on the site, such as the toll house, will be retained and repurposed, preserving the area’s heritage.
A new pedestrian walkway, enhancing access to the canal and nearby amenities, will be built, creating better connectivity and access to the canal ways for all.
Preserving heritage
- Restoration of the 1875-built toll house to provide additional living accommodation as part of the co-living scheme.
- Sustainable reuse of original materials—steel beams become bespoke communal tables, and historic bricks are carefully preserved.
- Commitment to the circular economy, ensuring surplus building materials are repurposed instead of wasted.
Looking to the future while respecting the past
Gas Street is an important street in the history of Birmingham: as the name suggests, it was the first street to be lit by gas lamps, which were fuelled from burning the coal which came off the barges on the canal network. Energy therefore has always been important in this corner of Birmingham.
In the future, The Narrowhouse would welcome a new era of energy for Birmingham and would see energy once again made in this part of the city.
Instead of the gas to power the street lights, surplus energy captured by The Narrowhouse would be fed back to the grid, and could be used to power street lights using clean and green energy. Truly a 21st century chapter in this street’s history.
Investing in our best asset: our canals
- A new pedestrian walkway will improve access to Birmingham’s canals.
- A vibrant coffee shop will animate the towpath, making the area more welcoming.
- 249 new canal-side homes will bring energy and life to the community.
Co-living at its best.
Birmingham is a young city, with 37% of the population under 24. The Narrowhouse is designed with this demographic in mind, offering affordable co-living spaces that foster a sense of community.
What is Co-Living?
- Private, high-quality rooms combined with shared spaces such as kitchens, lounges, and work areas.
- Lower rent costs compared to traditional apartments, thanks to shared amenities.
- A vibrant community—perfect for young professionals, graduates, and newcomers to the city.
At The Narrowhouse, the focus will be on creating quality shared spaces, which will be developed with forming and promoting a sense of meaningful community in mind.
Communal kitchens, dining areas, social lounges, co-working spaces, game rooms, and a gym provide ample opportunities for residents to connect over hobbies they enjoy.
Making the most of its setting, rooftop terraces offer unique views over the city and canal, while green spaces within the building provide areas for relaxation.
Affordable and accessible living
With increasing property prices making it harder to get on the housing ladder, many young people are turning to long-term renting in the city centre. Co-living provides an ideal solution, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional apartment rents. The Narrowhouse’s co-living model is designed to be cost-effective, making it accessible to young professionals, students, and anyone looking for a vibrant urban lifestyle without the financial burden of high rents.
Residents living in The Narrowhouse will enjoy lower energy bills, as all of their energy will be generated from a renewable, ultra-local source: the sun which shines on the building they will live in.
Community
Communal kitchens and dining areas throughout the building encourage residents to develop a sense of community, providing spaces where they can naturally bump into each other, share meals, and build friendships.
This sense of community is further enhanced by shared amenities such as social lounges, co-working spaces, game rooms, and a gym. These facilities provide ample opportunities for residents to connect, collaborate, and socialise, creating a supportive and engaging living environment.
A perfectly connected location
10-minute walk to Birmingham New Street Station. 
Direct transport links to London, Manchester, and major UK cities. 
Walking distance to Birmingham’s best shopping, dining, and cultural spots. 
Car-free living in a sustainable, well-connected neighbourhood.
The Narrowhouse makes city life effortless and eco-friendly—encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport over private car use.
Support Birmingham’s future: have your say.
We need your support to help demonstrate to Birmingham City Council that the city is excited and ready for the UK’s first energy-positive building and that 249 new homes are much needed.
By adding your name to our supporter list, you help demonstrate public backing for The Narrowhouse. Your message will be sent directly to Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee—ensuring your voice is heard.
Together, we can help build an exciting future for Birmingham.
- Add your name to the supporter list
- Show that Birmingham needs sustainable housing
- Help shape the city’s future
Support registration
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