zaha hadid architects develops plans for ecotricity's eco park

energy company ecotricity has revealed two concept designs by zaha hadid architects (ZHA) for a green technology hub. the structure would form part of eco park, a proposed 100 acre sports and green technology center in the english county of gloucestershire. dubbed the ‘gateway to stroud’, the development also includes a football stadium made almost entirely from wood, and a footbridge that connects the site — both designed by ZHA.

green technology hub concept by zaha hadid architects (main image: alternative proposal)

developed by ecotricity, eco park will offer state-of-the-arts sporting facilities, alongside a green technology business park capable of creating up to 4,000 jobs. as part of the development, zaha hadid architects unveiled plans to build a new football stadium for forest green rovers in november last year. the wooden scheme sits low on the terrain, while the venue’s roof is covered with a transparent membrane that helps the turf to grow naturally.

the scheme has been dubbed ‘gateway to stroud’

‘the green technology hub proposals apply the latest sustainable design technologies with ecologically sound materials and construction methods to create an integrated campus for world-leading research and development,’ explains ZHA. the footbridge, which serves as a welcoming landmark element, also utilizes wood as a natural resource. ‘the eco park bridge is designed as a single, fluid form by fusing together individual timber elements,’ continues the design team. ‘this important, unifying gesture builds connections for the community, conveying eco park as a facility for all.’

a footbridge will connect the 100 acre site

‘with eco park we hope to push the boundaries of sustainable development, create 4,000 jobs in the green economy, a world class football stadium and make more room for nature with a big biodiversity boost,’ adds dale vince, founder of ecotricity. a decision on the final design will be made as part of the full planning application, which ecotricity hopes will be granted within the next few months.