Thomson Brothers At The Barbican: 2012

Thomson Brothers are just completing this full refurbishment of a type 20 flat in Thomas More House, creating a stunning "pied-a-terre" which includes some clever space saving ideas to enable the whole family to stay in comfort when they are in town. (Scroll down for more images. Click any image to view as a slide show, clicking through the subsequent images will partially animate features such as the screen wall and pull-down bed in action)

The original, sliding screen room dividers, found in this type of flat are usually worn out and have often been removed; we have replaced these panels and added state of the art sliding track gear which makes it effortless to convert the open plan study area into a seperate room.

The newly installed study storage cupboard conceals a pull down double bed; it only takes a minute to pull the screen wall across and lower the double bed creating a comfortable second bedroom for guests.

This image shows the pull down bed as it begins to be lowered for use.

The bed fully lowered, it just remains to pull the screen wall across to create a large guest bedroom.

To the left of the bed is handy study storage with space for a printer, stationary etc. On the right the wardrobe provides hanging space and drawers for clothes when the guest bedroom space is deployed.

In the hall leading to the master bedroom, another wardrobe slides open to reveal two extra "yacht" style bunk beds ideal for younger family members weekending in London.

A neat nautical twist which pays homage to the original space saving ethos at the Barbican exemplified by the "Brook Marine" designed kitchens

The sliding doors close to hide them when not in use. Beyond the bunks, an additional wardrobe is provided in the corridor behind a second, matching sliding door. Each bunk has it's own low energy reading light.

Thomson Brothers have fitted one of our increasingly refined Barbican kitchen replacements.

Taking the "Brooke Marine" originals as our starting point, we have developed a beautiful, flexible and efficient range of update options; using the latest materials, fittings and appliances while remainng true to the origianl Barbican spirit.

Several wide drawer units provide generous and easily accessible storage.

The bathroom has been adapted to create a large walk-in shower. A bespoke corian vanity top has two inset sinks with lots of useful storage in the cupboards below and the wall to wall mirrored cabinets above.

The newly replaced doors include vertical glazed light slots and just need their handles fitting to be complete.

Space for a washing machine is provided in the tall mirrored airing cupboard behind the walk-in shower

A newly installed false ceiling allows for the installation of inset spot lights and speakers, it also conceals the Silent Gliss blind mechanisms and blinds when raised. The original alcove storage units have been replaced with new simple cupboards and illuminated display shelving.

This cupboard conceals the broadband hub as well as a Sonos wireless audio system.

The Sonos audio system includes an Ipod dock and is controlled wirelessly from an Ipad. Connected to the Internet via the broadband hub the Sonos system has access to a vast library of radio stations from across the world.

As part of the refurbishment the flat has been completely rewired and includes the latest "future proof" connections and cabling for TV, Data and Audio.

A piece of bespoke furniture is currently being made at our workshop to house the cable TV box and DVD player. It will soon be fitted below the TV which is mounted on a swing out wall bracket.

Thomson Brothers have installed a number of mezzanine platforms in the double height penthouse rooms found in some Barbican flats. This latest one is an interesting variation. Because the platform is only intended to be accessed occasionally for storage of clothing and suitcases, our client opted to not have a permanent staircase. In place of a fixed staircase, a sturdy pull-down loft ladder and hatch was fitted, freeing up all of the bedroom floor space below for normal use; the flat has effectively acquired an attic! A solid balustrade to the front still allows you to look over and down onto the bedroom space below.