Welcome To Leeds Society of Architects

Blue Granary Wharf is a £12 million mixed-use development by Country and Metropolitan Homes.

Completed in 2004, the striking development features distinctive blue cladding, which gives teh building its name, and enjoys stunning views across the waterfront and south of the city. Located on the edge of Holbeck Urban Village, the development also affords easy access to Leeds city railway station.

The mainly residential development is made up of penthouse suites, one and two bedroom apartments and a bar/ café area at the ground floor level. Tenants are currently sought for leisure / retail units situated on the ground floor and it is hoped they will be let by the end of the year, adding to the already lively mix taking shape further into Holbeck Urban Village.

Apartments range from 711 sq ft excluding balcony up to 913 sq ft in size. Duplexes are 1420 sq ft plus decking and penthouses start from 1198 sq ft plus decking and balcony area.

Greenhouse is one of the UK's most exciting and pioneering mixed use sustainable developments incorporating innovative contemporary design, providing modern living, working and amenity without compromising the environment.

Greenhouse is the part refurbishment and part new build of a redundant 1930’s art-deco period hostel, in south Leeds. Set around a tranquil private courtyard, Greenhouse comprises 172 apartments and live work units, office spaces, residents’ gym, cafe deli and office support facilities. Through the installation of three renewable technologies - ground source heat, solar thermal and rooftop wind turbines - innovation, the developers, Citu, are demonstrating that energy efficiency measures and onsite renewable technologies can be successfully integrated within an existing building to dramatically improve the air tightness and building performance. IP (Internet Protocol) network has been installed to each apartment to enable Voice over IP (VOIP), high speed data access, Door Entry Systems, and tangible energy usage data translated into kg CO2 and £’s to each residents’ TV, which will provide real-time consumption data which will be benchmarked against the average user. When completed in the first quarter of 2010, the combined sustainable technologies along with an off-site wind turbine that Citu is looking to install will mean that Greenhouse will use less energy than it creates - effectively carbon neutral in operation.

Zero-carbon
Renewable energy onsite includes a borehole system with Ground Source Heat Pump and VRF heating and cooling distribution system. (Predicted energy generation of 612,083kWh/yr.) Solar thermal technology is installed to distribution hot water system (predicted energy generation of 64,068kWh/yr), and rooftop turbines (17,000-24,000kWh/yr electricity predicted per anum) are connected to the landlords’ supply to provide the energy for communal lighting. Particular attention has been given to the air tightness of the building envelope, which ensures exceptional U-values for new and existing build elements of: walls: 0.15; ground floors: 0.15; roof : 0.1; windows: 1.42; doors: 1.30. More than 75% of the buildings have dedicated energy efficient lighting. Communal lighting is activated by PIRs. The net effect is carbon reduction of circa 1 tonne per apartment per annum. SAP calculations estimate that the percentage emissions reduction is circa 57%. The above is monitored through extensive metering onsite to record the generation from three renewable technologies and provides actual evidence of COP’s equipment. Reporting is undertaken to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme from whom grant funding was received.

Zero-waste
Built-in recycling bins are provided to each apartment, which are linked into the local authority recycling collection scheme. An average of 89% of construction waste has been recycled offsite to date. Residents have the option of a local allotment for harvesting their own fruit and vegetables. Organic waste is composted and reused on the development’s allotments.

Sustainable water
Water conservation is practised through low flush wcs and airflow taps. Rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling is incorporated into each building which results in circa 80 litres of potable water per person per day saved.

Local and sustainable building materials
The responsible sourcing of all construction materials, eg, the use of GGBS concrete has been undertaken. Fixtures and furnishings too have been responsibly and sustainably sourced and shipped (where necessary) and include 100% wool carpets, solid bamboo flooring, plus A & A+ rated white goods.

Sustainable transport 
Secure cycle storage and free bicycle rental is provided within the development. Residents are invited to join the onsite electric car club. Car parking spaces are provided although the developer says these will be kept to a minimum.