our building

HEC was constructed in rural Norfolk, with a building that balances a high-tech ethos with the low-lying ‘green field' rural countryside within which it sits. It opened its doors in 2006 with 29 incubator units (14 workshops and 15 offices) offering total space of 30,000 sq ft. A further 10,000 sq ft of incubation space was added in the phase 2 extension which opened in October 2010 indicating the demand for such a high value facility. 

The layout of the building encourages networking and sharing of knowledge and resources. The location is close to the Lotus factory, and the building was designed to reflect its close affiliation with engineering and motorsport. Its sleek, dynamic, and powerful image reflects the technological innovation it seeks to inspire.

Approaching the main entrance, visitors cross an elegant curved bridge over a reflective pool. The building is mainly clad with metallic silver-grey composite wall panels. The office suite is defined by a cedar louvered wall system. In contrast, the panels windows and frames are finished with dark grey aluminium.

The building is orientated to provide natural daylight to the offices, and circulation spaces are top lit. Natural ventilation is used, with heating and cooling by air-to-heat pumps. The landscaping features sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) for surface water, extensive planting and microclimate conditioning, and external lighting designed to reduce light pollution. The Colin Chapman Conference Room features an unusual decorative design feature -  Ayrton Senna's 1987 Lotus Formula 1 car hanging from the wall.

The building was the winner of the ‘Innovative Design' category at the SCALA Design Awards 2007.  It also received a commendation in the New Building category of the South Norfolk Design Awards 2006.