HAND-CAST IN SOLID CONCRETE WITH CARE BY SPACEPLAY
Barbican YMCA (Blake Tower) – Miniature Concrete Model
Barbican YMCA (Blake Tower) – Miniature Concrete Model
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Model 046_Barbican YMCA – Miniature Concrete Model
Hand-cast in fine concrete. Shaped by memory.
Some towers hold whole chapters of city life. Blake Tower, once known as the Barbican YMCA, was completed in 1968 as part of the Barbican Estate. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, it originally housed young professionals and visitors before being converted into residential apartments in recent years. With its crisp concrete frame and vertical rhythm, it stands beside the Barbican’s three taller towers as part of one of London’s most celebrated architectural ensembles.
This model focuses on its strong profile. The vertical bays, the depth of the windows, and the balance of height and solidity were carefully translated into a smaller scale. I wanted the cast to carry the same clarity that makes the tower distinct among the Barbican’s forms.
A small cast of one of the estate’s most intriguing towers.
Features
• Solid cast concrete, individually hand-poured
• 9cm high, 7cm wide, 3cm deep (approx)
• Laser-etched cork base with building name
• Comes gift-boxed for the perfect concrete gift
• Designed, modelled, and finished in the UK
Made for those who lived there, stayed there, or admire the Barbican as one of the great modernist achievements. This model is a keepsake of a tower that has evolved with the city while remaining rooted in its original vision.
15% off when you order two or more models
EU customers: please order via my Etsy shop due to customs regulations
Building Information
Location: Barbican Estate, London, UK
Architect: Chamberlin, Powell and Bon
Completed: 1968
Status: Residential apartments (formerly YMCA hostel)
Brief Overview:
Blake Tower was originally built as the Barbican YMCA, providing accommodation as part of the Barbican Estate. Its concrete structure and vertical emphasis mark it as part of the estate’s architectural language, while its adaptive reuse into residential housing shows the flexibility of Brutalist design. It stands as a companion to the estate’s three landmark towers, forming part of London’s most ambitious post-war development.
Please note:
ALL EU ORDERS processed through our Etsy Store HERE
My concrete sculptures are individually hand cast in solid concrete. This means that each piece will have distinctive markings and minor blemishes due to air bubbles in the concrete. This is a natural part of the material and will mean that no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
Shipping:
I aim to make and ship your artwork within 30 days. If you require your order by a specific date before this please let me know.
Express shipping options at checkout for additional costs
Materials
Materials
My concete models are all made using a fine grain quickset cement with a polymer additive. This gives a good balance between strength and detail casting. However concrete is a brittle material so the models are delicate and can break with impact.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Free standard shipping on all UK orders.
We aim to ship within 30 days but priority shipping can be purchased if you require faster delivery.
You can cancel or return you order at any time. Once I receive the product back undamaged you will receive a full refund (excluding postage).
I do not refund damaged parcels. If your order arrives damaged please contact me immediately to arrange for a replacement.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
Concrete is a brittle material so these models are delicate objects. They can be chipped or cracked easily and need to be protected from knocks or falls.
My concrete mix is also not waterproof so you should protected your model from damp and moisture.
Extreme changes in temperature will cause expansion and contraction inside the concrete model potentially leading to cracks forming. Keep your model out of direct sunlight and away from heating systems.
