Botanical Place, a 197-apartment retirement community in West Byfleet, has officially opened. The development by Retirement Villages Group and designed by PRP Architects transforms a vacant 1990s office building into a mixed-use destination. Hoare Lea provided MEP, sustainability, and fire engineering services. The project uses an all-electric energy strategy, triple glazing, and enhanced facade performance to cut operational energy demand. Rooftop solar panels generate nearly 50,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually. Retaining parts of the existing structure reduced embodied carbon compared to a full new build. Retail spaces achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. The scheme includes shared amenities like a restaurant, wellness facilities, and roof gardens. It aims to demonstrate how sustainable engineering can support independent living while lowering emissions. The article provides concrete details on energy and carbon strategies.
