Creatively unlocking the potential of a former car park to deliver a modern, sustainable residential development

Bristol Zoo

Following the relocation of Bristol Zoo to Wild Place Project (its sister site) in 2022, the Bristol Zoological Society wanted to leave behind a positive and sustainable contribution to the local community. One space with significant potential to benefit the area was the former staff car park adjacent to the main zoo site.

Robust analysis was vital to making the most of the constrained 0.51-hectare (1.2-acre) brownfield site and consideration of a variety of creative options was essential. Our interdisciplinary team of planners and architects worked collaboratively to engage with residents, the local community, and stakeholders. The resulting affordable, high-quality sustainable housing responds to local needs, with most of the sensitively designed homes benefiting from balconies or gardens, and dual aspect windows.

Sustainability was the golden thread running through the project. Our designers took a fabric-first approach to reducing energy demand, using high-performance materials and low carbon air source heat pumps. The plans also include bat and bird boxes and bee bricks to improve biodiversity, alongside plentiful cycle parking and electric vehicle charging to support the sustainable lifestyle of residents.