When two sites were put on the market just behind MI5 headquarters, we couldn’t resist the invitation to design facing residential buildings.  This corner site practically begs for a cylindrical building, and the proximity to M15 conjures thoughts and images of protection.  For us, that translated into visions of armadillos and porcupines, resulting in a design study that pays homage to these prickly creatures with projecting balconies serving as the building's protective exoskeleton.