Keyland shortlisted for two awards at The Yorkshires Residential Real Estate Awards 2022

Sept 2022 – The Keyland Team are thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for The Yorkshires Residential Real Estate Awards 2022!! We are up for TWO categories Best Small Development and Best Design Project for the conversion of the former Yorkshire Water reservoir at Bardsey, Leeds.

The site constituted a 4,000sq ft concrete tank service reservoir which was identified by Yorkshire Water as being surplus to their operational requirements, and subsequently transferred to Yorkshire Water’s development arm Keyland to explore development potential and disposal. A former Yorkshire Water service reservoir offered a rare opportunity to create a one-off home in a sought-after area in Yorkshire.

Given the site’s position in the Green Belt the design team knew that sensitive design would be critical. Thanks to the contours of Wyke Ridge, the property is largely hidden from the outside world but has spectacular uninterrupted views across the countryside in north Leeds, towards the Harewood Estate.

Keyland identified the site as an exciting opportunity to create a ‘Grand Designs’ style home which is truly unique in its construction and location. Working with Enjoy Design they designed a sensitive conversion that would blend into its surroundings, whilst also preserving the location through the repurposing of this former service reservoir.  The finished scheme provides its residents with breath-taking views alongside a contemporary style and finish.

The dwelling is single storey and contained entirely within the reservoir void, and is therefore fully assimilated within the existing landscaping. The floorplan is centralised around an internal courtyard to maximise the potential for natural light and reduce dependency on artificial light.

The majority of the existing structure was retained, including the large concreate support pillars which now form part of the integral structure, although large portions of the western flank and sections around the perimeter were been removed to create an impressive entrance and large picture windows/sliding doors framing the stunning views. The external walls were retained as buried where possible with an earth bund retained on the northern and eastern elevations to reduce the exposure of the concrete tank.  In additionally a green roof was added to further minimise the effect on the openness of the Green Belt.  The design proposals result in the creation of an architecturally outstanding, innovative and bespoke dwelling which delivers a sympathetic and sensitive conversion of the existing structure without adversely affecting the openness of the green belt.

Acquiring sites from Yorkshire Water enables Keyland to not only revitalise redundant land but to also create homes which are sensitive to the surrounding landscape with a minimal visual impact as well as offering a rare chance to own homes that are one-of-a-kind.  Recently described as ‘wonderfully secluded lair for a Bond villain’, the extremely unique home demonstrates spectacular architectural design.

With thanks to ENJOY DESIGN LTD as architects, Lichfields UK as planning consultants, @Illuminating Investments and PDS Construction as developers