NEVER TOO SMALL Barbican Brutalist Small Apartment - 41sqm/441sqft

Check out our new merch - teespring.com/stores/nevertoo...
Follow our favourite illustrator Candy Ng / yanyancandyng
Built in the 1960's, Barbican Estate is a brutilist utopia for inner city living. The estate is a massive complex of 2000 apartments, surrounded by gardens, lakes and arts spaces, known as one of Londons ugliest buildings.
Architect Melanie Schubert from SAM Architects samarchitects.co.uk redesigned the 41m2 apartment, dividing the existing open space with a multifunctional central unit that subtly organizes each area. Concealing a washing machine, a wardrobe, and allowing for flexible storage.
The apartment can be further divided with layered curtains, separating the living space from the bedroom. Restrained materials and colours throughout allow the apartment to retain it's history and blends each division together seamlessly.
#microapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Barbican Studio
Architect: samarchitects.co.uk/project/ba...
Website www.nevertoosmall.com
Instagram / nvtsmall
Facebook / nvtsmall
Produced by newmac.co
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Lawrence Phelan
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Camera: Lawrence Phelan
Editor: Colin Chee
Music: The Faint Dotted Line by Young Collective. Start your free trial subscription on Musicbed by using the link here share.mscbd.fm/nvtsmall

[@MelisaKarolina]

Growing up in London. I used to dream about living in the Barbican estate. Not only the architectural structure but the peace that surrounds it. Now I’ve managed to move into a home that’s 10 min away from there. I find myself coming to the Barbican and studying or reading until 1am. Or drawing in the massive conservatory they also have. Thank you for featuring this episode. One day my home will be a feature on your channel 🌿

[@nadiakotaishova557]

Yes, it will! ♥️

[@roob9747]

This sounds so lovely

[@tamasbarath8659]

imo the bathroom slider should be controlled from the bathroom not from the bedroom. Just for privacy reasosns.

[@woodbrettm]

*clicks button* oh shit someone's showering . . . wait wtf who is that!?!?!

[@rosaalfe9261]

I think so!

[@Churros1616]

Well in a place like that you would live alone or with your partner, so privacy is not that big of an issue.

[@soilent9618]

Seriously. What a dumb idea. Even if you live there by yourself imagine the pain in the ass it is when you go to the bathroom, get undressed, then realize you left the window open and need to get redressed, go around the big center console, climb over your bed, then close the window. Annoying. I would just screw it shut permanently.

[@Iguana93]

@@soilent9618 I would think that if you lived there by yourself, that's precisely what you wouldn't have to do, because you could just walk around the whole appartment without anyone seeing you.

[@TonysScrapbook]

I was vibin to the peaceful atmosphere that never too small always has until i saw that toilet...

[@1989FFA]

Totally!

[@zuziakras1632]

For me is not a peaceful, but FROZEN atmosphere.

[@WomanOnTopOnline]

Same here, the toilet ruined it for me. It’s too small. A larger person won’t fit.

[@fcdl5688]

Same. The toilet ruined it.

[@xyverjaze]

Right?!? My ass won’t fit! Haha

[@jedzheng]

Love everything except the toilet, it doesn’t look comfortable and seems difficult to clean

[@rafaz.695]

You don't clean it, it's 19th century style :D

[@Renkencen]

That and the fridge is too small for my liking!

[@jedzheng]

Ren Cen I don’t think there is a rangehood, the fridge I can live with lol

[@klapaucius-dkopf]

I agree. I don’t think it’s practical at all and I find their logic to be flawed. Yes, people do spend the least time on the toilet but it is also the most frequently used object in the bathroom. And what you “gain” is isn’t even a gain imo.

[@jenocean824]

I know it isn't, but it looks like a composting toilet.

[@Cut_Throat_Girl]

The thing about all these small spaces that i'm seeing they have in common is HUGE WINDOWS like wall to wall space. Something that most modern block of flats don't have and what makes them gloomy and dark regardless of being much larger!

[@IagoVital]

For sure. I think nowadays people forget that it doesn't matter if the space has a big amount of sqm or 2021 installations... If it looks and feels like a prison then there's no need to live in those horrible places. To be honest when I was moving to a new condo last year, after watching NVTSmall for years, I went for the one with huge windows. Best choice ever.

[@OK-wb1dy]

Personally I don’t like big windows. And I do live in a place with big windows currently.

[@4oh4200]

I love the Barbican and this apartment is fantastic, however, that toilet looks like a nightmare.

[@velvetindigonight]

Reminds me of a composting toilet but actually wood is very hygenic!

[@somedude2954]

Sure it looks kinda nice and unique, but all the hassle for the clean-up :(

[@aayotechnology]

John Paul but there is a pane of glass there

[@limrosemary8536]

so that one wont lau 🥚 in it

[@kaysengraham572]

you all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@CARMARCUSO]

I was so calm until the toilet show up I SCREAAAAAM. 😊

[@twraia]

4:14 The sleeping area inside the flat is backed onto the bathroom so you can hear the bowel movement of your partner and guests loud and clear

[@JoseMVelazquez]

At 41sqm I think you can hear it no matter where in the apartment you are.

[@quinosonic82]

@@JoseMVelazquez exacto, y dependiendo del sistema de ventilación, otro sentido puede verse involucrado.

[@Freepouli]

You can even smell "things" when there's a windows between bathroom and sleeping area...ewww

[@B612uTube]

...and look from the window to see if they are ok! :oD

[@twraia]

@@B612uTube Alright in there, mate? Sounds like you could use some extra fibre in your diet

[@kalebjen4506]

Always a good day when Never Too Small uploads

[@admortor]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

[@ingwermoschus5630]

4:49 whenever you use the bathroom the least time you spend on the toilet. Hmm ._.

[@Halbmond]

I’m sure that’s true when the toilet looks like that

[@ZakiWasik]

Was scrolling down to comment just that :D

[@WHOMP-wv2qs]

@pj bakes lol

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

Quite. Speak for yourself, architect lady!

[@kelliethorne1200]

Written by a person who has no IBS issues, obvs.

[@knycxjourneying]

I love this. This is an apartment that's actually for "living" - not some hotel show-rooms where it looks funky and dramatic in 100 sq feet but in reality you cannot put anything in there.

[@mariebernier3076]

Really??? Not with that narrow sink, tiny fridge and no dishwasher! No living going on in there, not in my book.

[@knycxjourneying]

@@mariebernier3076 Oh I have seen "worse" :P

[@IagoVital]

@@mariebernier3076 I've been living with a fridge that size for over a year and it still hasn't given me issues. I guess that depends on each person's needs, tough. If one is in a space where 3 or more people are sharing the same house than I would advice on going for a bigger fridge. But for living alone or couples it does the job 100%.

[@Cloudburst2000]

@@ej3016 Not everyone cooks. That is exactly what they said about the person who owned this unit. I am assuming the person who owns this unit usually does take out, delivery, etc. That fridge would work fine for someone like that. I know plenty of people that hardly ever cook anything and would get along just fine with that fridge. Now, I like to cook so it would definitely be too small for me, but not everyone is like me. What works for me doesn't necessarily work great for the next person and vice versa. And they may have a decent amount of non-perishable foods...canned soup, ramen, etc that don't require refrigeration.

[@peradabanbaruindonesia1546]

Wow. This apartment is amazing. I love how every element has practical use not just a decoration. This place is so functional and i can see my life living in this. The architect is amazing!

[@stevenreichertart]

I love the sense of continuity with the cabinetry. The way the kitchen design just blends into the center cabinet area. I’ve never seen anything like this.

[@asteriskesque]

I love everything about it... except... for... I know you know what I'm going to say... the toilet.

[@vani6690]

😂😂

[@exzobree9158]

Yeah me too. Looks nice and all... Until at the toilet part.

[@sandrabrott8580]

Yeah it looks like an out house toilet

[@yourlandladysson6395]

I love the fact there's a balcony just right in front of the living room. I also love the curtain division. I hope to bring these innovations to my countries real estate.

[@jijumonm2345]

Replace the toilet and this house is perfect IMO. Beautifully done 👏

[@Andrea-hc4mm]

Okay... We had this toilet in our cottage and you would be surprised, how comfortable it is :D PS: I like the whole design, just would add lot of plants...

[@djeyeskold1279]

Yes but not every use is"spray-free'...yikes.... It looks like it would get dirty and difficult to clean...

[@jayjaydubful]

And art...it looks very sterile atm

[@MARIOLANZO]

Beautiful, functional apartment. I really love the central unit; it's like the spine of the entire space.

[@addm15]

Love how the materials unite all the spaces and those subtle hints of wood is just eye-catching!

[@karolmendoza5901]

In this case I love how they divide the place by means of a piece of furniture without using walls, making it a clean place with a lot of ventilation, adding white to the whole apartment to make it look bigger. I feel that it would be a beautiful apartment for a single person or for a couple.

[@shegog]

Reading the comments I thought the toilet was going to have swords coming out if it or something.... I love it!

[@evolsirhc123]

Same!!!

[@tjmmckelvey]

How would you like your toilet? Medievil torture device thanks!

[@u.v.s.5583]

The perfect present for your mother-in-law!

[@huub1989]

I can feel the lines impressed into the backs of my legs by that toilet surround throbbing already! No thanks!

[@lauri397]

I love it. It is indeed a small appartment and even so, it has all the necessary spaces to live comfortably. The distribution is simply perfect, the bedroom can be hidden with only a curtain. Love the colors, the white makes it look bigger and lighter. Beautiful ❤

[@fodinski1]

Beautiful building and beautiful apartment. One of the best realized projects on this channel.

[@missymegha5680]

You had me till the toilet😬

[@aryamansinha9309]

I've binge-watched all of your episodes due to the quarantine and I've gotta say staying home has never been this fun :)

[@ricardovera116]

Excellent work! I love how she matched different pieces with the window frame.

[@andybillington7638]

I love this! Not only is it beautiful, but also an incredible use of space.❤️

[@DannySullivanMusic]

If anyone ever spilled red wine the whole thing would be ruined lol

[@fayholm1490]

Yesss I was thinking the same

[@davidthaler7018]

@@fayholm1490 Indeed....no spag bol being eaten in this place.

[@smitti9915]

Lovely, clean space. I love the Barbican. The central island is a great solution. As far as the loo goes, I have not sat on it, so I cannot comment on its comfort. It is ingenious to pop a lid on it, so it doubles as a seat. The office space though feels like the client came up with that.

[@Alyssa82]

Bravo! So well done! So unified, bright, clean, human! I love the finishes and the choice of materials. Quibble, like a few others, may be over the toilet BUT I appreciate the thought that went into it and that it is different.

[@JazzaTV]

Incredible video guys! Love the updated format you've introduced

[@RahelE.Photography]

This is awesome, love everything about it except the toilet.

[@Tree_D]

I love this design, very clean 😍. That furniture looks uncomfortable as heck though :)

[@humminbirrrd]

I agree! I love the layout but if this was my space I'd find some comfortable furniture, still light-colored and small to keep the space light and uncluttered.

[@Tree_D]

@@humminbirrrd It's probably very expensive design as well :D

[@humminbirrrd]

@@Tree_D I bet it is! With the population growing and people moving to smaller spaces, I would love to see more beautiful-AND-affordable spaces like this

[@TheHowlingDawn]

Ahhh finally a new video from my favorite YT Channel. So Satisfying. 😊

[@0731meimei]

I love this, minimal colours and textures, very charming!

[@leondroidgeeks]

Funny how the clients wants this kind of toilet 😄 Also even though I like natural sunlight in a bathroom, I would like to know if there is still enough storage space there since the window takes up a lot of space.

[@VitalyGagaSmile]

The apartment looks comfortable for living. Apparently I'm another one who have to mention how horrible the toilet looks.

[@mariebernier3076]

Heads! What an image. Freak much? 😉

[@absurdfool]

Smart layout All areas are functionally exclusive. Very good design

[@ShivsGhost]

So incredibly charming! I love brutalism architecture a lot, and I've always been attracted to small and compact living spaces (I'd live in one, if I was on my own) I ADORE the big unit in the middle to give the division, to add to the flow of the apartment, I'm absolutely in love with this

[@sherina5165]

I've watched this episode many times. One of my favorites. Though every time I see the toilet, I always wonder how you're supposed to keep it clean, with the lid and the wood and all that. I wish they turned on all those hanging lights in the living room too; I'd love to see their overall effect.

[@nurramlan1184]

Say whatever you want, but that folks is my dream toilet! I didn't know such a design was possible. Excellent work! Thank you Never Too Small 🥰

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

It's getting some hate, but I do like how it disappears and turns into a bench.

[@ileanor1863]

Nur Ramlan I’ve tried these types of loos, and they are a lot more comfortable than standard ones. They’re really great!!

[@0SilentStone0]

I liked it too. Maybe to appease everyone else the 'bench' seat could be a part of the lid (including some folding legs), so you'd have a normal toilet seat underneath

[@geelynguyen]

I really love it. All in white with subtle pattern of material, simple and sophisticated

[@sofiagamboa8950]

I really liked the apartment in general, I like that it has defined and clear spaces for each function, but above all that strange relationship bathroom and room that creates, it is quite interesting and curious; I also liked the fact that they divided the apartment with that double functionality of wardrobe and storage.

[@zenmaster24]

beautifully minimal - love it! wonder how the small kitchen does during quarantine?

[@pierac.6034]

I’ve officially became addicted to this channel 🤩

[@carlvlaeminck2171]

Beautiful concept. The perfect color for this interior is white indeed. Love all about it. Very clever ideas.

[@mihatabi]

The ceiling light bulbs in the living room are incredibly practical!

[@theenthusiast9708]

I was hoping this was gonna be an episode about living in a tiny dollhouse, missed 1st of April opportunity ;)

[@gettinbattered]

Big up barbican. Always dreamt of living there

[@carolynbostic5784]

I like the placement of the bedroom farther from the natural light source. I also appreciate both curtain systems, sheer-like but gives privacy too.

[@SpiceScholar]

wow that's a very well designed fluid space. The transitions are very elegant and inviting. One of my favourite layouts so far - solid German ingenuity at work here - functional, stylish and gemuetlich.

[@allybaby1248]

I want to see the apartments that have those gorgeous huge windows and the top of the building

[@roelheijmans]

You know you're in London when they talk about "knick knacks" and have two tea pots on the stove.

[@makiburgess5733]

I think at least one of the pots on the stove is for making espresso.

[@candyjamaican]

I love love loooooove the toilet. Reminds me of home from the early days.

[@nedaajassaim9508]

i love how light the design is !

[@remigijusmatukaitis4383]

Nice! Although too much hanging ceiling lights - not so good for taller guys and rearrangement.

[@amir-razzak]

the real question is : can u squat in the toilet tho

[@ChaserFTW]

Underappreciated comment

[@mariebernier3076]

It's the only comfortable position that could be maintained.

[@FakhrulIslamFahad]

Every single video of this channel is Mesmerizing!!

[@Bray_TheVibe_]

I absolutely love the aesthetic of this space. It is so soothing.

[@Bptor1092]

Gives me a reason to hire a "Keeper of the Stool".

[@annafre1789]

Dalarhäst och toa likt ett utedass - är ägarna eller arkitekten svenska? ;)

[@patriciarussell7487]

It's all I need! Great design! Wow,what a location!

[@Dark_Aeon]

having the storage space in the central unit elevated makes the floor (and thus the entire flat) look much bigger. Nice touch.

[@0biwan]

I love the layout, but all of the chairs look so uncomfortable...!

[@nia00210]

Okay, I love this design. I feel like this suits me as a single person, having a single studio that fits my taste, I like overall placement and such, including the bedroom. But I feel a little bit funny of having those slide window to the bathroom 😂 okay, that's first. Yeah, the kitchen is a little bit small, but I understand the client less time on kitchen. I am too a spend a little time on kitchen unless I have the need too. Everything is classy, elegant and simple. I like this. I also love the outside studio apartment environment. I don't know why it was voted one of the ugliest building. I like it, it looks serene and have some space with the fountain (?) garden, walking area and more. (1:10 - 1:17) I wish I can live in this place and sort of having my own time.

[@SureshReddy-vu5vf]

Loved this video... Great white color... Feels like the room is larger than it really is!!!

[@miriamc7139]

The moving division, adds interst, love it

[@vinnyvasquez]

'Client' is clearly someone rich who can't or won't cook. Fridge is no bigger than a minibar. They'd starve during lockdown. Shower window needs to be opened from bathroom not bedroom too.

[@chezmoi42]

I live in France. My fridge is the same size as that one; I drive ten minutes to shop once a week and cook from scratch. (Also, tbh, have too many pots of mustard and various condiments taking up space.) There are at least half a dozen grocery shops within six blocks of the Barbican Estate, and probably more restaurants.

[@vinnyvasquez]

Where this apartment is, is not relevant. If you shop once a week with this size fridge i doubt you cook with many ingredients in that fridge. The fridge in this video is a fridge you see in a holiday home where you might use it for breakfast and to make a sandwich during the day. Not 3 meals daily. Unless you visited a grocery store every 72hrs or so.

[@chezmoi42]

@@vinnyvasquez Where do you live, Vinny?

[@Jm-yq5yy]

Yea but you’ll gonna let visitors peek on the bedroom through the bathroom

[@imagineobvio5993]

looks nice, clean, but maybe too clean and cold for my taste

[@chefauri228]

the natural light from the balcony gave me goosebumps

[@joselito7776]

I liked the space as it was and I loved what this designer did with it. It may fall under the category of 'brutalist' architecture but there is certainly nothing brutal about it. Good job!

[@MartinDiscoo]

nice redesign. a bit too white for me, toilet is ugly and maybe there should be sliding door to toilet in bedroom (instead of window)?

[@mnrd888]

More of a bachelor pod look for me....

[@klgherkin]

Yeah, this one isn't for me.

[@Gez-C]

This place looks stunning, very minimal, sleak, like it!

[@user-rd6zw6oj6e]

It is normal in Japan for a single person to live in a room of this area, but it is surprising that it is so special overseas

[@j.flaner8506]

Everything was wonderful until the toilet.

[@sandraargo8382]

Looks like an outhouse!!!

[@LaisJesuspkz]

Awesome! gave a bunch of others ideas, so creative!

[@R.E.A.L.I.T.Y]

Great job! Well done.

[@9481xyz]

I love how the average HOUSE size in the UK is about 70 sqm, and this 41 sqm APARTMENT is called SMALL.... #microapartment haha. The average house in Eastern Europe is around 40 sqm....

[@ancaas7945]

@@bbb-th1vu It depends on the social- economic of each person and the part of the country you live in. This is the official figure, 40sqm, but I've never seen myself such small apartments.

[@markgil4855]

I love everything except the toilet. I don’t find it comfortable.

[@coffeytnmilk7]

Loved the design and I’m amazed by all the storage!

[@charmo3049]

This is BEAUTIFUL!

[@marcoperez3212]

Last time I was this early human beings were living in caves.

[@EricaGamet]

So, yesterday, then? #lockdown

[@MonicaHolly143]

Last time i was this early human comments are about the video

[@penbunk]

its me or there's always a feature in these videos that make you wonder "what in hell they were thinking?" example: big boxy medieval toilet with an sliding panel to the bedroom

[@hotelierid9029]

i really like the kitchen design. it fulfills the need of client but also very connected with the other room.

[@katmastroianni557]

My favourite project so far, I love the furniture in the living area :)

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

"Decided not to have a dishwasher" couldn't be me. Lived that way only once and I will never live that way again.

[@annie_violet]

You can't wash a couple plates?

[@U_vejs]

no offence....... but I kinda like the one big space the original design had better but I totally understand what the new layout is about

[@MR-tn5kv]

Fantastic building - love it. And. Perfect studio apartment!

[@annbee8772]

I like the way you organized the space, it’s not an easy task in one window apartment

[@jaggynettles8382]

I think you could have made better use of the space.

[@Mycatlovesmetoo]

This is NOT small. I'm livin in 21sqm studio apartment...

[@havingalook2]

Well done. I think it is beautiful and comfortable and VERY liveable. Clean and efficient.

[@deezoe3753]

I love that these videos are never too long

[@3506Dodge]

She called it an "estate" but it looks like a high rise apartment building.

[@emanuel65000]

except a flat in the barbican like this would fetch more than £500,000... Its a very sort after area.

[@3506Dodge]

@@emanuel65000 What do Brits call a large area of land with a grand house owned by a single person?

[@benben0629]

Everything is nice but I hate the office table, ugly and less functional

[@Devi_Sugandika]

So useful this space is! Great

[@coco2396]

this apartment is so simple yet elegant. love it!

[@p4puslive]

41sqm is normal apartment, GTFO with that "never too small" bs.

[@ok-consumer]

No, it's really not normal here. 40m2 is widely-cited as the minimum floor space required to even get loans these days, most large tier lenders don't even like to loan for sizes like this.

[@thanhhn410]

exactly, i think small is