We recently completed a full refurbishment of a duplex penthouse apartment in Gilbert House, reimagining every space with a careful balance between original Barbican character and modern sophistication.

Ground Floor: Warmth and Texture Underfoot

Throughout the lower level, natural cork flooring creates a warm and tactile base that ties the kitchen, living, and dining spaces together. Its subtle texture and durability make it both a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for contemporary living while paying homage to the mid-century ethos of natural materials.

Kitchen: A Tribute to the Original with a Modern Twist

The kitchen design takes inspiration from the original Barbican detailing, featuring a brushed stainless-steel worktop reminiscent of the period’s industrial aesthetic, complemented by a cloudy black quartz worktop on the open side for a modern contrast.
A bespoke metal bar and custom switch panel, crafted to echo the original Barbican fixtures, bring authenticity and charm. The terrazzo floor provides a timeless foundation, while a Quooker tap offers instant hot, cold, and sparkling water for everyday convenience.

Reeded sliding glass doors above the worktop add texture and depth, concealing ample deep overhead storage. Discreet pocket doors allow the kitchen and hallway to be separated from the living area when desired, ensuring both openness and privacy.

Living & Dining Room: Honouring Original Design

In the living room, the original feature shelves have been lovingly restored and painted a cheerful yellow. Integrated LED lighting adds a subtle modern edge, celebrating the craftsmanship of the past while introducing a playful contemporary glow.

Bedrooms and Colour Accents

Colour plays a crucial role in this refurbishment. A calm green palette defines the bedroom, where the original “flying saucer” wardrobe handles have been retained—an iconic Barbican detail that ties the new design to its original roots.

Bathrooms: Subtle Luxury and Timeless Materials

In the main bathroom, a Corian worktop pairs beautifully with terrazzo tiles, creating a seamless blend of durability and understated luxury. The WC showcases an original Barbican sink, now fully integrated into its modernised surroundings, preserving the spirit of the estate’s original interiors.

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This Gilbert House refurbishment is a testament to how thoughtful design can celebrate original Barbican details while enhancing modern living comfort. From bespoke metalwork and hidden doors to restored fittings and warm natural finishes, the result is a home that feels both authentic and refreshingly contemporary.