Established by emda, this Award recognises where architects have taken the initiative and lead in achieving sustainable low energy buildings. The Icon demonstrates an innovative use of a brown field site, where part of the existing building has been incorporated in a progressive new build. A pragmatic approach to sustainable design has been taken, with high levels of insulation, natural ventilation from opening double glazed windows, a sensor operated opening light above the stairwell and energy saving lighting.

Given the parameters that this is a speculative commercial project on a tiny budget, the balanced approach taken by the architects appears to deliver an exemplary building that will be cheap to run and comfortable to work in.