Thomas More House
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Living room
Ben Blossom (website) Download Original
Refurbishment of a Barbican apartment Type 20
This Type 20 one-bedroom apartment is located in Thomas More House at the Barbican Estate, one of the largest examples of Brutalist style.
When our client bought the flat it retained some of its original fabric including the bathroom and WC but the kitchen had been completely removed and replaced by one with no relationship in design to its predecessor.
The client was very keen to have the kitchen reinstated as close to the original as possible, so we designed it in that spirit: as a pod with white-and-stainless-steel cabinets. We also kept the cabinet detailing very much in line with the original. The ‘kitchen pod’ is enclosed by a series of cherry panels and doors, which cover a cloaks cupboard and dining room cabinets. The utility room was also integrated within the pod. Geometric-patterned tiles are used across the back wall of the kitchen, while brown sheet rubber covers the floor.
The bathroom and WC have been simply refurbished with additional lights and shelving
ince the original sliding doors separating the study area had been removed by the previous owner we designed a new set to allow the space to be divided again and provide a spare room for guests.
The master bedroom has been fitted with a bespoke bed and bedside tables. A purpose-designed shelving unit acts as a headboard whilst also facilitating a dedicated dressing area.
A stripy carpet with zigzag pattern has been fitted throughout the apartment giving it a strong and distinctive identity.
The original timber veneered sliding doors had been removed by the previous owners were reinstated. The new cherry wood doors slide across to partition the dining room from a small living room, which can be used to create a spare bedroom for guests.
The original doors and door furniture have been retained. There are new light fittings and new bespoke curtains and blinds.
Data
- Begun: Jun 2016
- Completed: Sep 2016
- Floor area: 70m2
- Sector: Residential
- Total cost: £120,000
- Funding: Private
- Tender date: Mar 2016
- Procurement: JCT Minor Works Building Contract 2011 edition with contractor’s design
- Address: 87 Thomas More House, Barbican, London, EC1, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Azman Architects
- Client: Private
- Main contractor: Make Interiors Ltd
- Built in Joinery: Barn 6
- Photographer: Ben Blossom
Suppliers
- Fitted Carpet: Crucial Trading
- Kitchen Tiles: Domus Tiles
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