VolkerLaser's project at the Barbican Centre has been awarded Special Commendation at the Brick Awards, the longest-running design and construction awards in the UK, recognising excellence in brickwork.
The Barbican Estate is a unique architectural gem within the City of London, constructed between 1969 and 1980 after bombing damaged the city during the Second World War. The network of pedestrian precincts contains the world renowned Arts Centre, residential towers and blocks, a school, a music college, various commercial premises, gardens and lakes. Listed as Grade II in 2001, to maintain the quality of the surroundings requires a continuous programme of maintenance and replacement.
A logistically challenging project, the scheme was an exercise in working under tight constraints of space, noise reduction, working hours and listed building requirements, all of which VolkerLaser adhered to with the high standard of workmanship that our clients expect.
The scheme demonstrates the enduring appeal of clay pavers whose rich colours provide a warm focus amidst the surrounding concrete structures of the estate. This has set the standard for further parts of the Barbican podium paving to be renewed in future years.