Traditional Elements with Modern Design : A Penthouse Renovation


In the heart of London’s iconic Barbican Estate, we recently completed a stunning refurbishment of a spacious, corner penthouse apartment. The seamless blend of the apartment’s new contemporary design coupled with the location’s unique architectural heritage is breathtaking.

Stepping into the flat, the warmth and natural beauty of the white Oak flooring is both calming and welcoming. This choice of flooring material not only brings a timeless elegance, but also ensures durability and ease of maintenance, essential for modern living.

The bright kitchen area features exquisite quartz Arabescato worktops, complementing the bespoke, matte white kitchen cabinets. The resilience against scratches and stains makes quartz the perfect surface for the hustle and bustle of everyday kitchen use. The sophisticated and minimalist design of the space guarantees functionality meets art.

A key feature of this refurbishment was the introduction of suspended ceilings. This design element is not just an aesthetic choice but also serves a functional purpose too. It conceals window treatments and houses recessed lighting, creating a seamless and uncluttered look that enhances the overall spacious feel of the apartment.

We transformed the bathroom into an oasis of relaxation and style. White Quartz wall tiles, combined with Arabescato marble, provide a sleek and modern look that is easy to clean and maintain. A highlight is the heated wall with D-rails, ensuring the towels are warm and ready after a refreshing bath or shower. The stylish Vola taps add to the blend of functionality and design.

The original Barbican vaulted ceiling, with the strategically placed uplighters create a sense of openness and tranquility in the bedroom. The stunning centrepiece of the room is a bespoke, American black walnut headboard with integrated floating bedside cabinets, showcasing classic Thomson Brothers’ craftsmanship. The original Barbican window frames were meticulously restored by our skilled french polisher to maintain the historical integrity of the space.

At Thomson Brothers, we believe in creating spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also functional and durable. This refurbishment is an excellent example of our dedication to quality and our ability to blend traditional elements with modern design. To find more photos of this apartment, see the Gilbert House 1 page within the Projects, Barbican tab on our website.