Show Flats: Barbican Redevelopment by David and Miriam HowittBarbican Centre
The Barbican Flats
The flats were divided into types, with various types arranged like a puzzle in the buildings to make the best use of the space. Penthouses at the top of the towers were the largest. This drawing shows the floor plan of three of the different smaller types side by side.
Some flats have space for one bedroom.
Others for more.
The price of the flats meant that they could be finished to a very high standard, with modern technology and conveniences.
Kitchens included fittings designed by companies who normally worked on yachts, and knew how to make the most of small spaces. One feature of the kitchens is the Garchey waste disposal unit, which carries waste from food preparation directly and discretely down a chute into a tank underneath the building.
Kitchen and Closure and Additional Equipment (1966) by Chamberlin, Powell & BonBarbican Centre
Kitchen Design
This drawing is intended to show how this Barbican kitchen functions
with details about the layout of the appliances in each kitchen.
The drawing also shows the kitchen being used by a woman,
highlighting the gender roles of the 1960s, when this drawing was made.
Andrewes House: Sales Brochure - Page 11/12 by Corporation of London and Barbican Estate OfficeBarbican Centre
Photographs showing the kitchen space as the woman's domain are included throughout the Barbican Estate sales brochures.
Thomas More House: Sales Brochure - Page 9/12 by Corporation of London and Barbican Estate OfficeBarbican Centre
Decorating the Barbican flats
The sales brochures also illustrate the interior design planned for the Barbican flats. Find out more here.
