The building draws on Hampstead’s unique historical connection to both the performing arts and washerwomen industry, serving as a costume atelier for elderly women during the day, and a drag cabaret by night. The co-habitation of space fosters interaction across generations as a form of urban rehabilitation in London’s loneliest borough.

Deeply rooted in the concept of convalescence, community plays a key role in the building design. Spatial studies of precedents inform the designs for human interaction in the building space, while the pitched roof and glass brick façade draw strongly on the site’s context to reflect the rhythm of the city.

Ramps are incorporated not only as the main circulation method, but also as an experience. By synthesising studies of Le Corbusier’s iconic ramps, as well as Olafur Eliasson’s manipulation of visibility through colour, a new interpretation of fluidity and fabric-inspired distortions ultimately become the key elements found in the exterior glass brick façade and interior distorting ramps.