Long Lane
Site History and Context
181d Squires Lane / 172 Long Lane is a residential property in Central Finchley, within the London Borough of Barnet. Formerly part of an ancient parish in Middlesex, Finchley became a municipal borough in 1933 and has been part of Greater London since 1965. Today, Central Finchley is a predominantly residential suburb with vibrant centres at North Finchley, East Finchley, and Finchley Church End (Finchley Central), offering a strong sense of community and good connectivity.
The site occupies a rectangular plot fronting Squires Lane, with pedestrian access from the street and secondary access to the rear via a narrow alley leading to a private car park. Vehicular access is provided from Long Lane to the south. Although situated within an Urban Area as designated in the Unitary Development Plan, the property benefits from proximity to open space, lying around 750 metres from Metropolitan Open Land to the east. Public transport accessibility is moderate, with a PTAL rating of 2.
The site lies outside a conservation area, with no adjacent listed buildings, enabling contemporary design interventions without heritage constraints. Previously, it accommodated a single-storey industrial unit positioned between a three-storey Edwardian terrace and a two-storey post-war terrace.
Design Response
Our proposal redevelops this redundant industrial site to create four new residential units within a carefully considered infill scheme.
Drawing inspiration from its immediate surroundings, the new building mediates the change in height between the Edwardian terrace and the neighbouring two-storey post-war development to the east. A restrained material palette of clay brick and ceramic tiles establishes a strong architectural dialogue with its context.
Internally, a central triple-height communal space provides visual connection across the four levels, enhancing the sense of openness and shared community. Externally, the considered combination of brickwork and glazed tiles produces an elegant, contemporary elevation that respects and complements the established streetscape.
