It’s without much dispute that the Grade I-listed Isokon Building, designed by Wells Coates in the 1930s, is one of the most important residential buildings in the UK. Not only was it the first-ever block to be built chiefly from concrete, but its modest, modernist apartments paved the way for minimalist living for urban dwellers to come. Coates argued that, with a well-planned kitchen, bathroom and dressing area, one-room living should be possible – a particularly progressive idea at the time. It’s been almost 90 years since the project was complete and, as this one-bedroom flat, currently on the market, proves, it’s as appealing today as ever before.

For those unfamiliar with the story of the Isokon Building (or Lawn Road Flats, as it was known until 1972), it was developed by Jack and Molly Pritchard, a furniture entrepreneur and psychiatrist respectively, who founded the Isokon company with Coates in 1929. Following an influential trip to Germany, Coates – who took cues from Le Corbusier’s theory that houses should be “machines for living in” – designed what became known as Britain’s answer to the Bauhaus. Along with professionals, the building attracted a roster of artists, writers and designers (such as Agatha Christie, Marcel Breuer and Walter Gropius) and in 1937 a club called Isobar opened in the basement for its residents. Jack and Molly lived in the building’s penthouse until the mid-1970s, which we sold to Tom Broughton, founder of Cubitts, in 2018 – and you can virtually tour here.

When it comes to this particular apartment architecture buffs will be pleased to hear that many original features remain intact. The sliding wooden doors, which connect the bedroom with the living space, balance form with function and bring plenty of character to the place, while encouraging a truly flexible way of living – whether you want to create a sense of flow or peaceful, private rooms. The sliding doors also sing in tune with other modernist accents, such as the ribbon windows, which allow natural light to pour into the south-facing living and dining area. From here, there’s a verdant view of trees planted in the communal terrace – perfect for a quiet morning coffee or alfresco lunch. It’s not quite a members’ club, but rather a wonderful place for residents to come together nonetheless.

There have been some lovely light touches made to the place too. A pared-back scheme, for instance, has been employed throughout, from the white-washed walls to the soft-grey carpet, which let the original features shine. The owners have also added bespoke wall-to-wall shelving along one side of the living space. The cabinet’s smart design includes a mirror, which tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is, as well as round corners – a homage to the curved edges of the building. Elsewhere, the bathroom – a tranquil space reached via the bedroom – has been sensitively refurbished with cream cupboards and neutral tiling. Bath enthusiasts will find joy in the tub, which is kept separate from the rest of the room thanks to an original glazed partition – ideal for a soothing soak at the end of the day.