Greenfields

Project: GREENFIELDS, BARNET
New leisure centre below ground level, side extension and complete refurbishment including hill retention
Location: Mill Hill, London Borough of Barnet

The site lies within the Mill Hill Conservation Area and the Green Belt. Due to conservation and Green Belt policies the Local Authority has always resisted any substantial addition and renovation to the house. Following lengthy negotiations with the conservation officer and English Heritage, the current scheme provides for a leisure centre below the existing house and a substantial side annexe design to complement the existing house. The remodelling of the existing areas take advantage of the existing split level sections and double storey heights to maximise views on to the splendid vistas of the mature gardens and long views oh the hillside.

The original house had suffered from serious subsidence due to the failure of the existing piled foundations. Constructing the leisure centre below ground presented particular construction challenges but ensures minimum impact on the existing landscape and the existing house.