The iconic design of Bournville College's new £66 million building is starting to appear as main contractor Shepherd Construction begins to install a series of huge wooden beams that will lend a distinctive appearance to the college frontage.

At nine metres high and 26 metres long, each of the 34 glulam beams, so-called because they are glued and laminated using sustainably-sourced wood, will create the frame for the Learning and Resource Centre's glass roof as well as providing a design feature externally.

The beams, each weighing 5.5 tonnes, are being lifted into place by a tower crane over the next nine weeks by Shepherd Construction, which is building the 250,000 sq ft development on behalf of regeneration specialist St Modwen.

The main building structure is due to complete in the next six weeks with the external appearance undergoing a dramatic transformation during the next few months as the cladding programme progresses.

Construction is due to complete in September 2011, bringing together the three existing campuses onto one site, and serving up to 15,000 students.

The project team is working closely with St. Modwen, Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and the Environment Agency to deliver the new College, which will be situated off the A38 Bristol Road South at the heart of the 468-acre former MG Rover car production plant. Architect Broadway Malyan has designed the college and a further Birmingham-based company Gifford is providing the structural engineering expertise.

Richard Fielding, construction director for Shepherd Construction comments: "It is unusual for glulam beams to be used externally and they are set to be a striking addition to the new college. Construction is on-track and over the next couple of months people will really notice the change as the building's external walls take shape."

Mark Batchelor, construction manager for St. Modwen, said: "As construction of the new Bournville College continues to move forward, the scale and distinctive appearance of the building are becoming more and more evident.  The addition of the glulam beams clearly demonstrates the high standard of the design and construction of this landmark building, providing an early indication of what can be expected from the completed project."

Norman Cave, Principal of Bournville College added: "Our new campus will feature state-of-the-art learning and training facilities. With over 23,000m2 of concrete, glass and steel, glulam beams will add to the contemporary appearance of the new campus. We look forward to the day when we finally move in."