Shrub place is a set of two listed buildings and connecting space situated to the north east of the city centre. Currently redundant and derelict, their original use was as a tramway cable engine-house and workshops.

Modern nomads are travelling workers with location specific purpose, using permanent dwellings temporarily rather than living mobile lives. Life is often a lonely, singular existence full of forgettable time in impersonal accommodation. A nomad does not exist without their community; similarly the modern nomad can find purpose and connection through social collective participation.

The brief aims to create modern nomadic dwellings where they can live, work, socialise and interact internally and with the host city, by giving more opportunity for gathering, meeting and collaborating.

The design involves wrapping the current linear streetscape around the building's interior, creating a central internal garden that connects through the spaces and provides a focal point and gathering place. Raised and seemingly afloat, the space beneath provides for an internal marketplace and café/bar, allowing interaction with the city. Dwellings are personalised through adjustable floor plates and removable cladding, which can be packed up and moved to the next nomadic location, providing familiarity and identity.