We're pleased to share that the Royal Agricultural University's new Innovation Village, an exceptionally low-carbon research, development and entrepreneurship hub, has been granted outline planning by Cotswold District Council.

Developed in partnership with the university, Architype led the architectural and sustainability design, partnering with BD Landscape Architects who were responsible for the landscape design crucial on this important campus.

Welcoming researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, policymakers and community members, the new village will achieve:

• Up to 27,600 m² of mixed-use floorspace across four development areas

• Passivhaus Plus / Premium, BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Building Standard

• Carbon-negative operation

• Energy-positive buildings — generating and exporting surplus renewable energy

• Embodied carbon below 100 kgCO₂e/m²

• 20% biodiversity net gain (double the statutory requirement)

• 100% bio-based (stretch target), circular material strategy across the campus

• Car-free green core with 100% EV transition pathway

• AECB Best Practice

• A Landscape Framework that carefully considers and responds to the parkland setting, heritage buildings, ecology, historic ridge and furrow field pattern and site hydrology.

This project realises a shared commitment between client and design team, of enhancing biodiversity, designing sustainably and utilising all the tools available to us for a resilient, low carbon green haven. 

The new Innovation Village will drive economic growth, research and development into sustainable solutions for agriculture, food production and biodiversity recovery, building on 180 years of pioneering work from the University.

Read more: https://www.rau.ac.uk/about-rau/news-and-events/news/universitys-proposed-innovation-village-gains-outline-planning