Type 56 is a three-bedroom flat type which appears at each end of Defoe House. Because they are at the end of the terrace, these flats each have a flank wall with windows, as well as the usual front and back windows. This allows for extra living space. The living room is in the centre with windows in the terrace’s end wall, looking out over either Smithfield or the Barbican Centre terrace. On either side of the living room, taking in the corners of the terrace, there are bedrooms. There’s a third bedroom behind one corner bedroom and a dining area behind the other.

The flats at either end of Defoe House, overlooking the Barbican Tube Station or the Barbican Centre, are either Type 56 or Type 54 flats. The flats of the two types are very similar – the chief difference is that the main bedroom of a Type 56 is 3 feet wider than the corresponding bedroom in a Type 54.

In all there are five Type 56 and six Type 54 flats, which alternate at each level. The odd number of flats is probably due to the fact that the flats at the Smithfield end start at the 2nd floor to accommodate the steps up to the north podium level.

Please note. These plans are illustrations and approximations only. They illustrate types of flats as built. They don’t show the actual demise, size, layout or dimensions of any particular flat. Individual flats may differ, or have been altered.