On Wednesday 25 January 2023, the new smart office development ICÔNE in Belval , Luxembourg, was unveiled with a festive inauguration event. This marks the completion of the project after two and a half years of construction. Developed by BESIX RED and built by BESIX and its affiliate in Luxembourg, LuxTP, this pioneering office complex is a tangible demonstration of the successful collaboration and synergies within BESIX Group.
Fostering connectivity and centralising wellbeing
The 18,000 sqm ICÔNE office complex offers its occupants a unique living and working experience. It aims at enhancing collaboration and employee wellbeing, while integrating the New Way of Working. The scheme features classic offices, co-working spaces as well as flexible areas allowing for the changing presence of teleworkers and digital nomads. In addition, the complex offers an additional 1,500 m² restaurants and shops, a gym, a car park for 237 cars and bicycle storage.
Internationally renowned architects Foster + Partners and the Luxembourg-based architects Beiler François Fritsch developed a clear forward-thinking architectural design that centres on the wellbeing of ICÔNE’s occupants. Wrapped in a glass façade and covered by a large glass roof, the building is bathed in natural light. The atrium connects the offices’ two wings and is the beating heart of the project, promoting collaboration and fostering wellbeing.
Gabriel Üzgen, CEO BESIX RED: “By joining forces with a renowned architect like Foster + Partners and leveraging on the in-house multidisciplinary expertise of BESIX for the construction of ICÔNE, we were able to turn our vision into reality.”
Sustainability and smart technology
ICÔNE’s collaborative features are complemented by integrated state-of-the-art technology and services. It implements intelligent elevators, ventilation control via CO-sensors and lighting and temperature management. Thanks to these innovative features, the building will be BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The design is inspired by the Well Building Standard®.
Geoffroy Bertrand, Country Director BESIX RED Luxembourg: “As a forerunner in the field, ICÔNE is a ‘smart building’ dedicated to the wellbeing of its occupants. We have designed office space that encourages interactivity, creativity and performance, while adapting to the environmental requirements of tomorrow.”
Success with investors and occupants
BESIX RED concluded the sale of ICÔNE with AG Real Estate in March 2022, which, on behalf of its parent company AG Real Insurance, acquired 100% of the shares of the building’s owner, B-9 SA. In April 2021, Société Générale Luxembourg signed a 15-year lease, which enables the company to regroup all of its employees from multiple offices at one location.