Reviving an Architecturally Timeless Apartment


Thomson Brothers recently completed this transformative project within The Golden Lane Estate in London. The Estate was listed in 1997 for its special architectural and historic interest. Golden Lane is one of Britain’s most important post war social-housing developments, characterised by modernist design principles and community-focused amenities. It was built during over ten years from 1952-62 by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, who later went on to build another landmark London estate – the neighbouring Barbican.

The original architects’ meticulously designed the layout of the space and it remains highly functional today. The apartment’s entrance door opens onto a spacious hallway, with the kitchen and bathroom opposite each other on either side, two doors then lead to the partitioned bedroom and the main living area. We installed smooth sliding doors to the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom for space-saving and to create a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.

The flooring sets the foundation for any interior, and for this project, the choice of a deep coloured wood exudes elegance and sophistication. The rich, distinctive tones enhance the apartment’s aesthetic, creating a warm and inviting feel throughout. The grey porcelain tiles in the hallway, bathroom, and kitchen create a cohesive visual narrative, seamlessly connecting the three areas and infusing the space with a sense of continuity and elegance.

The restoration of the original arched window frames and book shelf was carried out by our skilled French polisher, breathing new life into these interesting architectural features. Complementing this, specialist-installed window shutters were added to provide both privacy and elegance.

In-line with Thomson Brothers’ commitment to both form and function, surface-mounted conduits and pipes were discreetly concealed throughout the space, plus the skirting boards were all installed flush against the walls, enhancing the seamless flow of the interior.

An essential inclusion for any home is the storage solutions. We addressed this need by installing bespoke full-height storage cabinets with sliding doors along the main living area wall.  The cabinets offer both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

We refurbished the walls to the partitioned bedroom and installed new smooth sliding doors, which enhance functionality while maintaining a sleek and cohesive look.

We redesigned the compact kitchen and installed the bespoke cabinets to provide a tailored storage solution that marries effortlessly with the overall design scheme. A beautiful white Corian® worktop was chosen for its streamlined and luminous appearance.

In the bathroom, we adjusted the plumbing to optimise the layout, resulting in a bright, sleek room which includes bespoke wall cabinets with ample storage, a spacious Corian® vanity top and a wall-hung, heated towel rail. The upper space within the bathroom, floating over the hallway ceiling, offers another useful storage area which is accessed via the bathroom.

This full apartment refurbishment embodies the essence of bespoke luxury, where every detail is carefully considered and expertly executed with our usual meticulous attention to craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Thomson Brothers’ prides itself on delivering unparalleled, personalised solutions that elevate the living experience for each of our unique clients.