Mountjoy House apartment, Barbican
Apartment at Mountjoy House, Barbican
We provided engineering advice for the reconfiguration of a large, two-level apartment within the Grade II listed Barbican estate.
For this small but striking project, our engineers’ principal input was on the structural design of the new stair. We also devised the concept for extending the mezzanine with a plywood structure with desk space and shelving. We also conceived of a separate timber mezzanine over the new bedroom.
The existing arrangement on Level 06 was reorganised to create a generous open-plan living, dining and kitchen area adjoining the balcony. The existing bathroom, separate WC and associated spaces were consolidated into a combined bathroom, whilst a bedroom and playroom, entrance lobby and cloak storage were also provided, improving the everyday use of the lower floor.
At Level 07, the arrangement was altered to provide clearly defined private and family spaces. A new study and gallery area was introduced overlooking the double-height living space, together with a mezzanine that enhanced the use of the apartment’s volume and created a stronger visual relationship between the two levels. The new stair and balustrade were designed to reflect original examples at Bunyan Court and Ben Jonson House, with clear acrylic infill. The existing terrace still serves the upper floor.
The works included the selective removal of later internal elements, redundant fittings and parts of the previous kitchen including the Barbican’s original Garchey connections , which were closed off as required by the landlord.
Overall, the scheme preserved the apartment’s principal structure and external appearance while improving circulation, storage, servicing and flexibility through carefully considered internal alterations that support contemporary family life without diminishing its significance.
Client: Private
Architects: Anderson Orr Architects