Brutalist Brixton London Coasters, featuring Southwyck House Brixton. 10 x 10cm, Cork Backed. Southwyck House. A neo Brutalist Icon of Brixton, London, is known locally as the Barrier Block and presents a daunting edifice on Coldharbour Lane. The block's layered construction towers over the street outside, with the horseshoe-shaped structure giving the appearance of a medieval fortress. The windows are uncomfortable tiny, giving a feeling of claustrophobia from the outside. It's harsh, neobrutalist-inspired architecture and concrete lines zig zagging through the length of the building, curling around the estate are a striking visual. The Barrier Block was designed to protect the Somerleyton Estate from the inevitable pollution and traffic noise, which explains its tiny windows and unusual 'zig-zag' design - this was intended to 'bounce' the sound back to the ground. On a recent visit to Brixton, we walked through the estate. Surprisingly after entering, the flats themselves look well laid out with large balconies, a stark contrast to it's prison like exterior and pigeon hole windows. After illustrating the more popular Barbican and Trellick towers, I wanted to take a building that is not so common but yet so unique in it's structure and design. Specs: The coasters measure 10 x 10cm, about 5mm thick. Cork backed hardboard, and matte laminated finish. Care: Please wipe with cloth only.