Frobisher Crescent

---

Case Study Details

• Client: Fribisher Crescent Developments Ltd
• Contract Duration: August 2008 - June 2010
• Contract Value: £13,500,000
• Contract Form: JCT Design and Build
• Contract Location: Frobisher Crescent, Barbican, London EC2

---

Images

Click thumbnails to enlarge

---

Description

With stunning views across the London skyline, Frobisher Crescent, a dramatic grade II listed semi-circular building, sits in the centre of the iconic Barbican Estate.Conceived by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and inspired by the work of Le Corbusier, the truly remarkable Barbican houses some 2,000 residences along with Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue.United House Developments is transforming Frobisher Crescent to its original purpose with the creation of 69 stunning residential apartments (a mix of studios, one, two and three bedroom) on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors. Interior design by TP Bennett is sympathetic to the original Barbican design ethos, whilst providing homes for 21st Century living. The Barbican has undergone many developments since was first completed in the early eighties.

Work on Frobisher Crescent began on site in August 2008 and it is anticipated the entire development will be completed in June 2010. The apartments are situated above the theatre and conference complex and involve the conversion of the top three floors from its previous use by City University Business School.Complementing the renovation of the existing design features, the apartments will offer contemporary yet retro interiors, with sleek white lacquered kitchens, oak floors, bespoke retro bathrooms with oversized tiles, crome light fittings, celings with ‘shadow gaps’ and cabling for digital home systems.

Challenges

Overcoming the challenges of a conversion in challenging surroundings, United House has successfully restored Frobisher Crescent to its original glory and created highly covetable homes with massive appeal. Imaginatively converted from office use to their original purpose as residential apartments, the new homes meet the lifestyle demands of the 21st Century while respecting the integrity of the Grade II Listed building and retaining the essence of the original Barbican design ethos.One of the key issues of this project that had to be addressed was the concern over noisy working and deliveries. As Frobisher Crescent sits directly above the theatre complex of the Barbican Centre, work could only be carried out between rehearsals and concerts. Managing noise, demolition and deliveries, with just one loading bay, was an enormous challenge.

The noise limit was set at 75dB; the United House team achieved a 50-60 dB range.

• Download Case Study PDF (2MB)