Midlands buildings receive architectural praise

Beetham Tower, Fort Dunlop and Birmingham Town Hall are among 14 of West Midlands structures that have been praised and short listed for a national architecture award.

The Royal Institution of British Architects (Riba) describes the Beetham Tower as a "single sculptural object defining a new positive identity for an otherwise unprepossessing ring road site", the Birmingham Post notes.

Furthermore, the glazed edifice is noted as being symbolic of the confidence and ambition of Birminghams urban regeneration.

Other glass-rich structures on the shortlist include a five-bedroom bespoke house in Handsworth Wood which features expansive glazing that opens the interior up to landscaped gardens as well as providing naturally-lit living spaces.

Meanwhile, industry commentator Philip S Wenz wrote in the San Francisco Gate that sky lights can improve the habitability of a living space by illuminating poorly-lit areas with natural light, adding that they can also reduce the need for artificial lighting in the daytime.