Whalebones
- Client: Hill Developments
- Contacts: Jason Rudolph, Callum Graham
Whalebones will be a new-build residential scheme that aims to breathe new life into a currently inaccessible, but idyllic hillside site, with the profound commitment to preserving the sites rich history and ecological integrity. It will provide sensitive solution appropriate to conservation area.
This masterplan is designed to blend the architectural forms in to the natural landscape, whilst responding to the surrounding context and retaining an existing sense of openness. Hill first brought forward plans for this site in the London Borough of Barnet in 2019, and after being refused, they sought for another design to realise this sympathetic project which seeks to integrate itself into this special location.

The development will deliver 115 new homes, 40% of which will be affordable housing (by unit), with a mix of dwelling typologies. Approximately half of the site will be transformed into publicly accessible open space, including play areas, healing gardens, ponds, and meadows, inviting people to connect with nature in various ways. The new Woodland Walk will weave across the site, and an increase in trees and enhanced vegetation will encourage new ecological characteristics and habitats.
The architectural design thoughtfully respects the conservation area, with strategic placement of sensitive forms, retaining a sense of openness. The architectural forms, materials and details pay homage to the local vernacular, whilst creating a new contemporary character that echoes elements of the surrounding context and the sites historic values. The use of carefully selected brick variations, details and roof tiles respect the conservation area, the site’s history, and heritage.
The project opens new, previously inaccessible green space to the public, providing meandering woodland and grassland walks, play space and a new studio building with facilities for the artists and beekeepers that currently use the site. The buildings are designed to nestle into the natural landscape. To the north the house designs draw upon a barn vernacular in terms of their form and character.
Whalebones is designed to be a low-carbon, low-energy, and low-impact development. The proposed energy strategy is fully electric and therefore takes into account decarbonisation of the national grid, providing a future route to net zero carbon. Sustainable features such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs), Solar PV panels, and Air Source Heat Pumps will be integrated, promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle for the residents. Dual aspect apartments ratio has been maximised to enhance cross ventilation.


