Residents of the three towers at the Ampthill Estate, Camden are victims of outdated architectural wisdom and disruption from current High Speed Two (HS2) construction. Originally constructed from brick, the towers were later reclad in aluminium panels which in turn require further upgrading to meet modern efficiency standards. Around London, such poorly performing housing stock is usually demolished and replaced, however this comes at great cost to the community and the environment.

This project seeks to retrofit three existing tower buildings in Camden to provide an alternative vertical living scheme by challenging the function of the façade. Akin to a vivarium, a new cladding language creates a spatial condition that enables the towers to host a variety of activities and become more than housing but rather 'a place for life'.

As the existing tower is comprised of identical living units, it is unsuitable for the variety of current residents. By using an inhabitable cladding catalogue, 240 households will reconfigure their towers to provide family living units, courtyard gardens, workspaces and vertical villages, thus enriching domestic and community life.