The first part of this talk will be an exploration of the post 1955 work of Atelier 5 in Switzerland, specifically the concept of collective living and the creation of places of solitude within the home. This will also cover Atelier 5's influence on LB Camden's housing projects from the 1970s, led by Sydney Cook. From this starting point, the topic will broaden to Levitt Bernstein's recent work in Waltham Forest and Islington which explores how to design housing which is both intensely communal but also has moment of intimacy and privacy. All the case studies, both historic and current, will be examined through drawings, photographs and personal insight.