Sakura, Potters Bank

Location 

The easy accessibility into the City as well as its easy communication links will make this development a most desirable purchase to any family. The development itself is conveniently located on the doorstep of the City which offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, shops, bars and restaurants and the Castle and Cathedral complex have been designated World Heritage Sites attracting tourism from around the world. The Gala Theatre adds another dimension to the City which also offers meandering river and City walks as well as hotels, swimming pools, golf courses all within close proximity and a number of well regarded private and state junior and secondary schools including being in the catchment for Durham Johnston and St Leonards RC. Potters Bank has traditionally proved to be one of the most desirable parts of Durham City and is made up of individually designed and built detached properties.  The properties situated offering easy accessibility to destinations further afield via the A177 (1/2 mile) and the A1(M) (4 miles).

Design ICF 

ICF has been seen on Grand Designs for a few years now but rarely, if ever, used in a multi home development... until now! 

Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is a modern construction method that is growing in popularity and becoming more prominent within the international housing market on a daily basis. The high quality of the buildings as well as the lengthy benefits associated with ICF have made the general public become more familiar with this noteworthy building technique. When compared to more traditional building techniques, ICF stands out for its superior quality and comfort.  

Benefits 

Airtightness, Insulation is continuous throughout an ICF building, meaning there is no opportunity for the home to be penetrated by outside air, unless desired through windows. This ensures the building will be free from drafts and so allows the temperature to be controlled constantly. 

Reduction in Energy Bills Being incredibly energy efficient, ICF homes can easily achieve an ‘A’ rating. This level of efficiency means less energy is required to heat the home and thus reduces the energy bill. Owners of ICF buildings have experienced as much as a 60% reduction in their energy bills as a result of the system against traditional build. 

Durability of ICF buildings are incredibly structurally sound due to the concrete and steel reinforcement that is incorporated in the walls. ICF buildings are considered ‘disaster-proof’, and have withstood the most adverse conditions, including hurricanes. Many ICF buildings do not deteriorate at the rate of a traditional build. This durability ensures that ICF buildings maintain their quality and character throughout the duration of their lifespan, giving the owner great security and reassurance. 

Peace and Quiet Noise levels are increasing on a regular basis. if noise is an issue in your area, or if you would like to live in a city but still have a peaceful home environment, ICF may offer a solution. While more traditional construction methods consider sound proofing an afterthought, it comes naturally with ICF. The ICF blocks used in construction create incredibly thick and solid walls, which noise simply cannot penetrate . Once the structure is in place, sound proofing is guaranteed. It ensures a peaceful home, undisturbed by unwanted noise from busy roads or cities

Background  

The houses have been designed with all of the above in mind and benefit from having concrete floors (with underfloor heating on all levels) and stairways giving plenty of ‘thermal mass’ to store the houses ambient temperature and radiate it for longer without the need for extra energy input. This works to warm the house in winter and also help keep it cooler (if desired) in summer. When outside temperatures fluctuate day to night, high thermal mass within a building delays the internal temperature changes. The thermal mass of an insulated concrete wall stabilizes the structure’s interior temperature and provides a largely self regulating environment. By better maintaining the internal temperature of a building, ICF improves the overall building comfort and reduces the load on the mechanical equipment needed for heating and cooling. This reduces energy consumption and can drastically reduce utility bills throughout the year when comparing to traditional build properties. The homes are clad in standing seam Tata Steel roofing that comes with a 25 year guarantee. The Guarantee is “solar ready” - allowing the home owner to put clip and fix solar panels on the roof at any point in the guarantee duration. Design brief - To build exclusive, high end, modern, energy efficient, unique homes. A modern take on Japanese architecture was sought for the external design theme. Fukinsei – Asymmetry In Design and Kanso – The Art of Simplicity, are both evident in the finished products. The roof and ‘corbel’ (overhang at first floor) design give a unique take on traditional Japanese roofs that are curved up to allow more sunlight to come in through the windows, whilst also giving protection from rain & snow. Both elements of light and protection cleverly being achieved in a modern way. Colour tones and Minimalism were also key elements along with the planting and fencing. The idea was not to compromise on the internal living giving a beautiful flowing living space that connects with the outside nature and garden through large openings in social and bedroom areas. To be capable of entertaining but be intimate in day to day living. Baku Sakashita is a designer who said this about Japanese design: “The spirit of adapting something from the past is not about it being old or retro — it’s good design. It’s taking good components of older design and incorporating it into something new.” So, don’t be shy to tap into your creativity, create a space that is good, nurturing, and calm for you. All properties and the development as a whole are up for several design and style awards. Both internal and external