Bluebrook House

Location
Norris Green
Client
Cobalt Homes
Contract Value
c.£10m
People

The Brief

Bluebrook House is a circa £10m, five-storey later-living development in Norris Green, Liverpool. Built on the site of the former Langholme Heights tower block, the scheme will provide 50 affordable apartments for people aged 55 and over, including residents with care and support needs.

Designed for Cobalt Housing, it combines 15 one-bedroom and 35 two-bedroom apartments with communal lounges, gardens and assistive technology. The approach supports independent living while allowing homes to adapt as residents’ needs change.

A considered approach to scale

Five storeys with well-being at every level

Bluebrook House brings apartments and shared spaces together across five storeys, with a dedicated dementia suite and rooftop garden at the upper level. This arrangement makes effective use of the site while giving residents safe access to outdoor space above ground.

Our Role

BTP is acting as Lead Architect and Building Regulations Principal Designer, having developed the scheme from its early design stages for Cobalt Homes. Our appointment was subsequently novated to Vistry Group for the construction phase, where we continue to lead the architectural design and coordination.

During Covid-19 restrictions, we used 3D modelling to explain the proposals and continue consultation remotely, helping secure a positive pre-application response. Early site analysis also identified infrastructure and boundary constraints, allowing these to inform the developing design.

A new chapter for Norris Green

Designed for independence, with community at its heart.

Bluebrook House brings 50 affordable homes to a once-disused site, combining bright, adaptable apartments with welcoming shared spaces and a rooftop garden. A place where older people can enjoy their own space, stay connected and access support as their needs change.

Design Development

Redeveloping the former tower-block site required careful investigation of existing drainage, gas apparatus and an anomaly in the planning application boundary. Addressing these issues early helped establish a sound basis for the building’s layout and delivery.

The design follows HAPPI principles for older people’s housing and incorporates Modern Methods of Construction. High ceilings, generous layouts and good daylight create bright, comfortable interiors, while lift access to every floor supports residents with differing mobility needs.

One-bedroom apartments provide approximately 55–60m² of accommodation, with two-bedroom homes ranging from around 66.5–70m². The additional bedroom offers flexibility for visiting family, hobbies or other everyday needs, helping residents downsize without losing useful living space.

Open-plan lounge and dining areas, a communal kitchen and TV lounges on several floors provide places to meet beyond the individual apartments. Landscaped gardens offer opportunities to spend time outdoors, while mobility-scooter storage and charging facilities support everyday independence.

The upper floor includes a dedicated dementia suite and a rooftop garden enclosed by full-height glazing, providing a secure outdoor setting where residents can move freely. This brings access to fresh air and outdoor space into the building’s upper levels.

A tablet-based assistive technology system in each apartment provides access to 24-hour emergency support, combining the privacy of a self-contained home with reassurance when help is needed.

Leanne Beirne, BTP Director

"Seeing Bluebrook House take shape is really rewarding. We’ve put a lot of thought into how residents will experience the building, from bright, generous apartments to shared spaces and safe access outdoors. Working with Cobalt and now Vistry, it’s been fantastic to see those ideas becoming a reality."

Outcomes

As it nears completion, Bluebrook House is bringing a disused site back into use as 50 affordable homes designed around older residents’ needs.

The scheme combines spacious, adaptable apartments with shared facilities and outdoor spaces across its five storeys. Dedicated dementia provision, accessible circulation and integrated support technology allow the building to accommodate a range of needs within a welcoming residential environment.

For Cobalt Housing, the development will widen local housing choice, offering older people the opportunity to move into a manageable home while remaining connected to their community.

Read bio
Director
Leanne Beirne

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB
Director
Leanne Beirne

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

I’m an architect with specialist experience in housing and heritage projects, with a particular focus on fire safety and cladding remediation. I qualified in 2015 and joined BTP in 2017, following roles in Singapore and Sweden working on public buildings, BIM management and accessible design.

I am qualified as a Certified European Passive House Designer, a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect, and became one of the first Architects to be listed on the RIBA Principal Designer Register for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs).

Outside work, I like to keep fit with running, hiking, weightlifting, skiing and rock climbing. Travel and adventure are a big part of my life, from completing the Inca Trail and climbing Kilimanjaro to running my first (and probably only) marathon on the Great Wall of China.
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Architectural Assistant
Alin Pal

BSc (Hons), M.Arch.
Architectural Assistant
Alin Pal

BSc (Hons), M.Arch.

I joined BTP in 2018 as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and have since completed my master’s degree in architecture. I’m now working towards my Part 3 qualification, with experience across new-build housing, retrofit, retirement living and high-rise remediation.

My projects include a 50+ unit extra care home, Bowland House 17-storey high-rise remediation and 70 unit Booth Street housing scheme in Stoke. I also lead BTP’s CGI and animation studio, creating architectural visualisations that help clients understand and explore their projects.

Outside work, I enjoy travelling, exploring new places, photography, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

I qualified as an Architect in 2017 joining BTP the same year, was promoted to Associate in 2019 and became a Director in 2023.

Since joining BTP, I’ve led projects from concept through to completion, ranging from large-scale housing developments to refurbishment and high-rise fire remediation. These include an award-winning 34-home affordable housing scheme in Wythenshawe and successful Gateway 2 applications for Hatton Gardens in Liverpool and The Blake in Southampton. I’ve also built a strong relationship with a major national contractor, delivering high-rise remediation and refurbishment projects across England and Scotland.

As an accredited Building Regulations Principal Designer, I have a particular interest in building safety and compliance. My strengths lie in job running, detailed design and project management, helping projects progress smoothly and meet the required standards.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling where possible to explore different cultures and running recently completing the Great North Run 2025 and London Marathon in 2026.