voco Zeal Exeter Science Park
Architecture & Design
New build hotel
hotel
The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park launched in March 2025 as IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first branded net zero carbon hotel in the UK, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality.
Earning a BREEAM Outstanding rating, voco Zeal is 100% electric powered. The 142-bedroom premium 4-star hotel stands out with its industry-leading sustainable design.
Constructed with materials selected for their sustainability, the hotel achieves best-in-class energy efficiency.
Following Passivhaus standards, the comfort cooling is cutting-edge; using adiabatic cooling and heat-reversible heat pumps to power the solution, including Artus units.
This forward-thinking approach to cooling has enabled a significant reduction in energy consumption.
Client
Zeal Hotels
Address
vocoZeal Exeter Science Park
Build Type
New build hotel
Developer
IHG Hotels & Resorts, Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality
Architect
ECE Westworks
Interiors Architect
Westworks Interiors
MEP contractor
Keyplan Engineering Ltd
Contractor
RED Construction Group
“Artus units are pretty simple, really – they perform a vital function whilst being hugely sustainable and looking good, which made our job far easier.”
Ruth Wainwright | Founder & Director | Westworks Interiors
Artus Air’s AR60 units were chosen as the comfort cooling solutions for Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. As the most sustainable cooling systems on the market, the Artus AR60 provided Westworks Interiors, the interior architect on the project, with a compact way to uphold the design philosophy whilst also offering a higher-performing, low-carbon alternative to traditional systems. Compared to traditional fan coil units, Artus units deliver*:
86% less operational energy
45% lower embodied carbon footprint
The unique Artus unit has a compact design that creates a discreet aesthetic presence, and its patented air distribution is near silent in operation. Most importantly, it maintains a consistent yet flexible temperature to ensure optimal comfort for guests and staff in the hotel’s communal spaces.
*Independently proven through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and compared to the market average of providers in the UK and Europe with existing EPDs.
The whole-life carbon credentials of Artus Air Solutions are industry-leading. This made it the clear choice for incorporation into a net-zero branded hotel. Sustainability is at the core of the project, in every aspect of its design, construction, and future operation.
From the outset, the principle of considered, simple and refined design of solutions was paramount, particularly in the space planning and the FF&E specifications. Not only do the materials and products matter, but also how people use and maintain them.
All of these choices drive operational sustainability and ease, which is vital. Crucial to the design philosophy is ensuring the hotel stands the test of time, and solutions like Artus Air’s comfort cooling are ideal for this type of environment.
Artus Air’s products were easily integrated into the overall design aesthetic whilst creating a sense of calm and belonging for every Voco Zeal guest. The feeling of being at complete ease and finding ‘at home’ compatible comfort was key to the project. The interior architects noted that they are happy to showcase the Artus comfort cooling solution in and around their designs, rather than struggling to hide traditional, cumbersome systems.
The vision and foresight of Zeal Hotels was to create a driver for enhanced sustainability standards, which premium, elegant hotels can deliver. This was a holistic approach that was filtered across the entire design team and created a blueprint for more developers and hoteliers to use, as seen at Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. This project is an excellent example of how doing things differently can improve outcomes.
“By harnessing renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs, and utilising innovative technology like the Artus solution, we have created a space that not only provides comfort and luxury but also prioritises environmental responsibility”
Tim Wheeldon
Founding Director
Zeal Hotels
Explore other projects where Artus air conditioning solutions have been used to lower carbon and energy use whilst creating comfort.
This product is protected by the following patents and other pending patent applications:
The Trademark ‘Artus’ is registered as GB 3220151.
The following designs are registered: GB 6350052 to GB 6350063 and EM 15052307-0001 to 0012
