The Claves

Residential respite

A former Ministry of Defence site in north London is transformed into a verdant residential development.

Comprised of 188 residential units including townhouses and apartments, in a mix of privately owned and affordable housing, the development is set within a garden environment. Focussed around two communal gardens offering outdoor amenity space for the residents, the gardens will cater for a variety of needs including family play and outdoor learning, rest and relaxation, dining and socialising.

Celebrating the traditional English Garden, the planting design will provide a rich tapestry of flowers and foliage through the year creating a visual spectacle and biodiversity asset. The private courtyard gardens for each of the townhouses will provide sheltered and intimate outdoor family space.

A pedestrian route running north-south connects the development into its context as part of the wider masterplan, encouraging walking and cycling.

The eastern garden has a playful character with undulating lawns sculpted by lush and verdant planting, trees, serpentine walls and clipped hedging. The lawns provide space for a wide range of activities, with trees providing dappled shade in which to rest, relax and take in the surroundings.

The western garden has a more formal and structured character with elegant multi-stem flowering trees elevated at either end as living sculptures. A series of pathways wind through the space, leading to hidden seating spots, allotments, and a stunning central pergola – ideal for a lunchtime picnic or social gathering.