Images by French + Tye
Built in the 1960s, Barbican Estate is a utopia for inner-city living. The estate is a massive complex of 2000 apartments, surrounded by gardens, lakes and art spaces. Its iconic Brutalist design has seen it voted as one of London’s ugliest buildings. Architect Melanie Schubert, from SAM Architects, redesigned the 41sqm/441 sqft apartment, dividing the existing open space with a multi-functional central unit that subtly organises each area. The unit conceals a washing machine and a wardrobe, allowing for flexible storage. The apartment can be further divided with layered curtains, separating the living space from the bedroom. Restrained materials and colours throughout allow the apartment to retain its historic character and blend division elegantly.
