McGregor Coxall collaborated on the public realm design for Zeal Hotels’ new net zero carbon 142-bedroom hotel at Exeter Science Park, UK. Developer Zeal Hotels embraces the concept of ‘mindfully modern’, aiming to design, build and operate hotels that have a positive impact on guest wellbeing, local communities, and the wider world.

In alignment with this ethos, a green, pedestrian friendly urban environment was designed in partnership with architects ECE Westworks, and a multi-disciplinary consultant team: McGregor Coxall, Hydrock, Red Construction, DPP, SCS Partnership, Sweco, Pierce Hill, Mach Acoustics, Elementa Consulting, and GE-Consulting.

Key landscape initiatives for the green, pedestrian friendly urban environment include a green buffer that provides significant biodiversity gain through native rich planting while also protecting people from adjacent road pollution. The introduction of multi-purpose green roofs reduces urban heat and pollutants and facilitates smart water collection. A broader water sensitive strategy enables control of surface water run-off, reducing flood risk.

A defined public area with multifunctional spaces was proposed to utilise the site’s south-facing space, featuring a terrace for outdoor socialising, designed using locally sourced timber and naturally shaded areas. Further encouraging visitor connection with nature, a sloped terrace and scattered herb garden provide space for education and feature rich herb species for use in the site restaurant.

The building achieved the BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practice.

It is scheduled for completion in December of this year, with the official opening set for January 2025.