University’s iCon shortlisted for prestigious architecture award

iCon, which opened in 2011, was praised by the jurors for its ‘impressive use of timber frame construction’ and effective use of reusable materials. The WAN shortlist features other innovative buildings from around the world, including Hysan Place in Hong Kong and NASA’s Sustainability Base in the USA.

Kristie McFarlin, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at iCon said: “We are really proud that the iCon building made the top 10 in the Commercial Sector shortlist. For World Architecture News to recognise iCon as an impressive, design focussed yet sustainable building against such high levels of worldwide competition is really impressive, and we thank the jurors for their votes.”

The 4,000 sq m state-of-the-art iCon building is owned and operated by the University of Northampton. iCon was designed by Consarc Architects, in a project led by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and constructed by Winvic build.

The building functions as a multi use centre encouraging business innovation in sustainable construction, whilst offering first class conference and community facilities. The iCon houses 55 flexible business incubation units for start-up companies, public exhibition spaces, conference facilities and a cafe. The building itself has been designed to include modern technology with a focus on waste, water and energy reduction. Its highly progressive, low carbon design includes a natural ventilation system and ‘phase change’ panels in the ceiling that can absorb or emit heat, depending on the temperature.  In addition, the central atrium acts as a heat store during winter and provides ventilation in the summer. The roof is made of an inflatable ‘ETFE’ membrane, a high performance material which has been used on renowned developments including the Eden project.

For an interactive floorplan, 3D tour or video of the iCon centre, visit the iCon website.