Feilden+Mawson were commissioned to design an iconic innovation centre to act as a focus for the £40m Nene Waterfront regeneration masterplan. A natural draw along the River Nene frontage, the building known as the Boathouse consists of 1600m2 of flexible workspace, the Port Authority offices, meeting rooms, yacht club, changing facilities, cafeteria and ancillary accommodation. This is split between two built elements linked by a feature main entrance fronting a public space and the adjacent yacht pontoons. The building services include energy efficient lighting, grey water harvesting, heating and cooling via air source heat exchangers, and a wind turbine to provide an additional energy supply.