University of Exeter Innovation Centre scoops Building of the Year Award

Director David Snell of Kier Western, the contractors on the project, collected the award from guest speaker Brian Blessed in front of 300 guests, including representatives from the University and the winning project team. Each member of the team was presented with a commemorative scroll and a plaque that will be displayed in the building.

The Innovation Centre was specifically designed to attract hi-tech, high growth businesses to the University, and a number of innovative methods were applied to its construction. A new product called Termodeck was used to provide sustainable heating and cooling for the building, earning the project a BREEAM rating of Excellent.

The judges considered the Innovation Centre a clear winner as it combined an accomplished design which also resulted in a highly functional building which was well constructed using quality materials and workmanship.

FBE chairman of the Devon and Cornwall division, John Clamp, commented: “The Innovation Centre has an eco friendly pedigree, borne out by the achievement of an excellent rating in the BREEAM assessment. Both staff and tenants obviously enjoy their working environment which offers flexible office space and research facilities.

“The Centre is also extremely sympathetic to its surroundings and just seems to belong on the campus. Our congratulations to everybody involved in the project.”