SDC is pleased to announce that The Optic, located at Peterhouse Technology Park, Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the prestigious British Council for Office (BCO) Awards 2026. The BCO Awards highlight excellence across the office sector and celebrates projects that demonstrate exceptional design, performance and functionality.
The 95,000 sq. ft building welcomed BCO judges on Tuesday 10th February, who toured the space to assess its flexible workspace design, sustainability credentials and response to evolving tenant requirements. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the project’s design vision and celebrate the collaborative approach taken throughout its delivery.
The Optic was developed by British Land in partnership with SDC and architects Scott Brownrigg, with accessibility and inclusivity forming key design principles. A draft lobby and staff entrances with powered controls prioritise ease of use, while accessible shower rooms, toilets, and changing place cubicles are provided on every floor to meet the needs of a wide range of users.
Sustainability also plays a central role in the building’s design and construction. Operating on a fully electric energy system, The Optic includes a variety of environmentally responsible features, including a green roof, photovoltaic array, timber-clad cycle store, and extensive electric vehicle charging points. Meanwhile, the scheme’s sustainable architecture reflects the language of the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside, with floor to ceiling glazing creating a sense of openness in a low-carbon workplace connected to its natural surroundings.
The shortlist recognition is testament to the collaboration between the full project team and reflects SDC’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding workspaces. Winners of the BCO Awards 2026 will be announced later this year.
