Sustainable transformation
Sustainable transformation
Not building, transforming
The most sustainable building is the one you didn’t build. A simple philosophy, and one that Icon embraces whole-heartedly. It means we try to make the best of what’s already there.
The idea of renovation is hard-wired into our DNA. Even if building from scratch would be easier, it’s just not in our nature.
The whole concept of bringing buildings back to life is what makes us tick. What was forgotten, unloved or underappreciated, can be transformed into a future-proofed ecosystem. Stunning to look at. Inspiring to work and play in.
Intelligent design and cutting-edge technology ensure our buildings go way beyond all expectations. But we never use technology for the sake of it. It’s there for energy efficiency, wellbeing and to make the space better for everyone who works, stays or visits.
This takes creativity and practicality in equal measures. We have the creative vision to see the possibilities hidden beneath the surface of an introverted, tired building. And the practical skill, experience and diplomacy needed to work with local government, community leaders, and a vast team of experts – to turn dreams into reality.
Added-value ecosystems
Added-value ecosystems
More than just a building
A truly great building is a vibrant part of an evolving urban fabric. It has many roles to play. On the surface it may appear to be simply an office building or hotel, but there is so much more it can offer.
We think of our transformed buildings as ecosystems – as inclusive as they are impressive. Multi-functional spaces, packed with a breadth of world-class amenities.
Our buildings provide a range of unique health and wellness facilities for employees, guests and visitors. Turning places to work or visit, into places to unwind and recharge.
Every environment we work in is distinct and special. Wherever we operate, we aim for perfection, but perfection comes in all shapes and sizes. Our first step is to understand the neighborhood. What’s already available and what the building’s users will want and need.
Our location-specific selection of amenities creates balance and all-round value. They boost health and wellbeing, attract footfall, and generate income. Along with a fully revitalized building, this invigorates and brings prosperity to the wider community.
Flexibility
Flexibility
It’s not a contract; it’s a relationship
No one can predict the future. But those who are willing to be flexible, to adapt and flow with the changing times, are already one step ahead.
At Icon, we believe that the traditional landlord/tenant relationship is no longer viable. Fixed contracts with mid-term break clauses don’t work in today’s quick-changing commercial landscape. Embracing the ebb and flow of business, working with our tenants, listening to their needs – this is how we can all grow together.
Structured, yet fully flexible leasing gives you the freedom to shrink or grow as the needs of your market and customers change. We like to think of it more as a relationship than a contract.
Our buildings include unique combinations of shared facilities: meeting rooms, auditoriums, restaurants, cafés, green roofs, gymnasiums, wellness studios… Spaces to spread out and use as if they’re your own.
Meeting spaces can be block booked for short or long periods. This gives you the opportunity to bring in extra resource for short-term projects, without making long-term commitments to larger spaces.
Leasing, fit-out, space sharing, short-let add-ons… whatever it takes. We’re on a journey with everyone who uses our buildings. So, as our tenants’ businesses flex, we flex with them.
Design by
Social impact
Social impact
Our buildings don’t just have foundations; they have roots
We’re proud of the spaces we create. How they inspire and improve the lives of everyone who works in them. And the bigger picture too – what they do for the environment.
Beyond the obvious impact that a pristine, transformed building has on the skyline, our projects have other positive effects. In many cases, great big, life-changing effects.
We believe that we have a responsibility to help create positive change within our communities. That’s why we set up the Icon Forum at the Manhattan building in Brussels. By involving tenants, friends and neighbors, we have encouraged collaboration; all pulling in the same direction to make a real difference.
And now we’re doing the same with all of our new projects. Environment, society, sustainability – it’s the future. And the future starts right now.
Icon social impact initiatives
Laptop donations in the pandemic
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced school learning online. So we teamed up with Linklaters to help vulnerable children in Brussels.
United Fund donations
Community and social action mean a lot to us. So we were thrilled to support Inser’Action in their work with disadvantaged children and their families.
Atrium residents’ concerns
When residents raised concerns about possible noise and disruption during the Atrium transformation, we made their worries our problem.
Community defibrillators
When Icon was asked to provide financial assistance to a company installing community defibrillators in the Netherlands, we knew we had to say yes.
Bike path and tree planting
The Atrium was transformed at the same time as a major Zuidas infrastructure project. This turned our plans upside down – quite literally.