Certain elements of the surrounding area have remained unchanged over time, particularly its rich tradition of art and performance. Prior to its development as a residential neighbourhood, the site was home to The Grand National Hippodrome. Founded by William Batty in 1851, it was swiftly constructed to attract visitors attending the Great Exhibition that same year. The structure—an oval, timber-built arena open to the sky—was primarily used for equestrian spectacles, most notably chariot races driven by women from Paris, which drew captivated audiences from across the globe.

Today, the neighbourhood continues to attract visitors, largely due to its close proximity to a cluster of renowned cultural institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Serpentine Gallery, and the Royal Albert Hall.

The intention was to reference these landmark institutions and celebrate the area’s enduring creative legacy. The scheme seeks to evoke the grandeur of the surrounding architecture, incorporating both historic and contemporary materials. Art plays a central role within the home, serving as a unifying thread that ties together the colour palette and materiality.