Love it or Hate it, Ernö Goldfinger’s Brutalist Balfron Tower Will Now Hold Posh Flats
Designed in 1963 by Hungarian architect Ernö Goldfinger, Balfron Tower was among the first high-rise solutions for residents of London’s post-war social housing program. The Brutalist-style building was a striking addition to the neighborhood and London skyline from the very beginning—and one of Europe’s tallest structures at the time. Historic reports from early residents heralded the apartments for their spacious interiors and natural light, something Goldfinger himself enjoyed while residing in the building for several months in 1968.
A view of Balfron Tower circa 1971. Goldfinger’s unique design included eight walkways connecting the main tower to a second, smaller one, which created physical separation for elevators and service areas, such as laundry rooms and trash chutes.
Among the building’s most distinctive features is the second, castle-like tower that Goldfinger designed to separate the elevator and service areas—a feature he later repurposed in his nearby and better-known Trellick Tower. The spacial sequence created by these isolated areas was intended to create greater interaction among residents, who arrive to the building via a single bridge connecting the outdoors with the elevator lobby, and cross to the main building via eight, open-air "streets in the sky."
Erno Goldfinger at his self-designed modernist home in Hampstead, London, where he lived with his wife Ursula until his death in 1987. The Hungarian-born architect is most famous for his residential tower designs in London, including Balfron and Trellick Towers.
Through the years, challenges maintaining Balfron Tower led to its decline in both popularity among residents, as well as its condition. Plans to demolish the building in the mid-’90s were fortunately met with efforts to save the building, which is now officially listed as grade-II* historic landmark. Yet, as London’s housing boom continues, a new wave of interest surrounds the structure—this time with a controversial project that aims to bring new life to the building with a complete restoration, albeit one for the private market.
Rising some 27 stories, Balfron Tower continues to dominate its neighbors. Here, a look at the renovated facade, which received all-new windows as part of the conversion project.
The latest initiative is led by development group Londonewcastle in partnership with design firms Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design: it includes the renovation of all 146 apartments, as well as common areas and the facade. While the plans to convert public housing into luxury apartments drew criticism and controversy, the team is going to great lengths to respect Goldfinger’s original intention—from reintroducing his color-coded floors and doors to restoring the entrance hall with marble flown in from Portugal.
The two show apartments were individually styled to showcase the each team’s vision for modernizing Goldfinger’s apartment designs. Here, a two-bedroom unit renovated by Studio Egret West includes interior design work by 2LG Studio.
Studio Egret West and Ab RogersDesign are each responsible for designing half of the 146 new residences, which range in size from one- to four-bedroom. Additionally, communal spaces will be reintroduced to align with Goldfinger’s original vision, including a table tennis room, music room, library, and workshop as well as more contemporary additions. Scroll ahead to check out the interior of two recently completed show apartments, starting with one renovated by Studio Egret West that includes interior design work by 2LG Studio.
The interior design combines elements of Brutalism with contrasting materials, textures, and color palettes. Contemporary finishes include 2LG Studio’s Capsule light and Stanley table.
Say Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, founders of 2LG Studio, "We are thrilled to have been invited to work on an interior for Balfron Tower. We pass [the building] on our route into London, and it has become a symbol of homecoming for us. It is also a unique opportunity for us as designers: Brutalism has always been a source of inspiration."
A look at one of two bedrooms in the 2LG Studio-designed space.
2LG Studio also created a new series of wallpapers, soft furnishings, and photographic artwork inspired by the Grade II*-listed building. Here, a look at some of these pieces on display in the apartment’s other bedroom.
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The second show apartment includes both renovations and interior design by Ab Rogers Design. The one-bedroom space, completed in collaboration with creative consultant Blue Farrier, draws on principles of Goldfinger’s original scheme for the building, adapted for the 21st century. The team also commissioned the Goldfinger Factory to create several bespoke pieces using reclaimed materials from the construction site.
A look at the living room in the show apartment by Ab Rogers Design. Bespoke pieces by the Goldfinger Factory include the aluminum planter base and glass table with cardboard base.
A view from the dining room into the kitchen, which features an original sash window design over the sink. The protruding light box opens onto the walkway facing east—one of Goldfinger's ideas to capture natural light as daylight conditions change throughout the apartment.
Ab Rogers, founder and creative director of Ab Rogers Design, says, "It has been a great privilege to be involved in the restoration of Balfron Tower, and a fascinating journey, working with the bones of the building, pushing the philosophy of Goldfinger, and breathing new life into his iconic building."
A look at the bedroom, which is styled with a bespoke felt headboard from the Goldfinger Factory. The modern fenestration aligns with the original design as closely as possible.
While the London skyline has changed a lot through the decades, new residents will continue to enjoy unobstructed views from outdoor areas connected to each flat. Original, cast-concrete planter boxes offer a place for greenery where early residents held their own gardens as well.
Launching in early 2020, six heritage apartments planned for the project will be available, including the restoration of the apartment that Erno and Ursula Goldfinger lived in during 1968. Each of these apartment will represent one of the original flat typologies designed by Goldfinger for Balfron Tower, and all will remain as true as possible to the original design and layouts, including period fixtures and furnishings.
Renovated flats at Balfron Tower are currently listed for between £365,000- £695,000 (~$475,000 - $900,000) by The Modern House.
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