We were asked to design a refurbishment for a Type 21 flat in the iconic Barbican Estate, which came with a feeling of responsibility to protect the modernist and brutalist aesthetic of the estate. Our client had a very developed sense of style, a blend of Carlo Scarpa inspired mid-century detail alongside a passion for wabi-sabi values, including a collection of Japanese ceramics. We bonded discussing calm, visually silent sanctuaries and a sense of beautiful, functional ritual away from the busy life of the city. Grade II listed planning consent was required for this project, bringing the design strategy under careful scrutiny.
