The pioneering Zeal hotel will include the integration of renewable energy sources both on and within the building fabric, to deliver an exceptionally low Energy Usage Intensity below 55kWh/m², generating more energy each year than it consumes.

Its design has been four years in the making bringing together both teams from Zeal Hotels, architect ECE Westworks, Introba and Hydrock Bristol and RED Construction South West.

Zeal Hotel’s planned scheme will be built at the Exeter Science Park and spans 55,000 sq ft. It will use cross-laminated timber in its construction and renewable energy to power it.

Black building integrated photovoltaic panels (BIPV) will be fitted across the majority of the eastern, all western and all southern facades

As well as PV panels on the roof, the building will be fitted with 1,300m2 of non-reflecting PV facade panels on key elevations.

Made by Danish firm SolarLab, the panels are coated in a dark grey tinted low-sheen self-cleaning glass with integrated PV generating crystals behind.

The net zero carbon hotel will include 142 bedrooms, restaurant space and bar with private dining, conference facilities and a gym, as well as electric vehicle and electric bike charging points.

Targeting an industry leading BREEAM Rating of Outstanding, The building will also be constructed achieving the RIBA 2030 embodied carbon built target of less than 750kgCO₂/m².

Set to open in late 2024, the hotel will be completed with a minimalistic internal fit-out including living trees within the main hotel

RED Construction South West managing director, Derek Quinn, said: “We were elated to hear that Zeal Hotels had secured planning permission from East Devon District Council, and we at RED Construction South West are delighted to be breaking the ground to bring the first sustainable ‘Zeal Hotel’ to life.