Blake Tower, Barbican Estate – Fully Internal Air Conditioning for Iconic London Apartments

Iconic architecture meets modern comfort.

Blake Tower, once the Barbican YMCA, is now one of the most sought-after addresses in the City of London. Recently refurbished and awarded Grade II listed status, this landmark building is a striking example of brutalist design. But like many London apartments, it faces one unavoidable challenge: heat. Large glazed areas and over-insulation mean that, in summer, these beautiful apartments can quickly become uncomfortably warm.

The Challenge: Listed Status Meets London Heat

Installing air conditioning in a Grade II listed building is far from straightforward. Planning restrictions make traditional systems with external condensers impossible. Our brief was clear: deliver discreet, effective air conditioning that respects the building’s architectural significance while providing the very best in modern comfort.

Savva, our Managing Director, personally led the project. Starting with a video survey, he carefully planned each installation to ensure a seamless fit with the building’s structure and the individual requirements of each apartment.

Swift, Expert Installation in Blake Tower

Every installation at Blake Tower was completed in just one day, with minimal disruption for the owners. Our team placed the internal condensers discreetly within utility cupboards. From there, they powered sleek, wall-mounted room units installed in:

• The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining spaces
• The main bedroom
• The second bedroom, which can double as a home office

This configuration ensures that residents enjoy cool, consistent temperatures across their entire home, day and night.

The Solution: Quiet, Efficient, and Tailored

Each system used DC inverter internal condensers, engineered for energy efficiency and whisper-quiet operation. Our High Wall Room Units deliver powerful cooling without intruding on the tranquillity of the apartments. Together, they provide seamless climate control while preserving the integrity of the building’s listed façade.

The Results: Cool, Comfortable Living in the City in Blake Tower

With fully internal air conditioning now in place, residents of Blake Tower can enjoy:

• Year-round comfort, even during London’s hottest days
• Peace of mind, with an industry-leading 6-year warranty
• Flexibility, with home offices kept as cool and comfortable as bedrooms and living spaces

This project demonstrates how Cool You’s expertise in fully internal air conditioning can transform even the most challenging properties. For Blake Tower, we delivered solutions that protect its heritage while enhancing the everyday lives of its residents.

Cool You – making London’s most iconic homes comfortable, stylish, and effortlessly cool.

Ready to Cool Your Own Apartment?

If you live in a listed building, a conservation area, or a modern London flat with planning restrictions, you don’t need to suffer through another hot summer. Our fully internal air conditioning systems are designed exclusively for homes like yours.

Call us today on 0207 043 2275 or book your free survey using the form below.