Orion Building, Birmingham

The Orion Building is a notable high-rise residential structure located on Navigation Street in Birmingham. Standing at 90 meters (295 feet) tall, this complex includes a 28-story main tower complemented by lower-rise sections that incorporate the original facades of some previous buildings, blending historic architectural elements with modern design. The building's construction commenced in 2004 following the demolition of an existing structure and reached completion in 2007.

Designed by fashion designer John Rocha, the Orion Building is distinguished by its stylish interiors and includes Birmingham's first penthouse. Rocha's involvement marks a unique cross-disciplinary collaboration, branding the complex as a "fashion first." The building hosts 200 residential units and features an array of amenities, including four retail spaces on the ground floor, with one occupied by a Sainsbury's Local supermarket.

Architecturally, the Orion Building is characterized by its glass-dominated upper sections and lower levels composed of pre-cast concrete panels. Initially, these panels displayed varying tones of beige but were later uniformly painted over in December 2006 for reasons not clearly documented. The building is also known for its striking nighttime appearance, illuminated by strips of LEDs.

The development's final phase, named 'Sirius', is an extension of the Orion complex yet marketed separately. It is currently under construction, with the façade nearing completion as of August 2008. This phase will add 182 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 8,240 square feet of retail space spread across five units, incorporating the Victorian façade of 99 John Bright Street. This addition underscores the blend of modern living spaces with historical architecture, a characteristic feature of the Orion Building.