ICON

Architect

Rhode Partners

General Contractor

Hoar Construction

EIFS Applicator

Southern Wall Systems

Distributor

FBM

The Icon, a landmark addition to the West Campus of the University of Texas at Austin, rises 28 stories above four levels of underground parking and delivers a modern living experience for students. Its exterior showcases a bold, contemporary design. The facade features a geometric pattern created through the strategic placement of windows, dual texture finishes, and more than 350 custom‑manufactured EPS shapes, all crafted to meet the design team’s exact specifications. Parex EIFS provided the design freedom, precision detailing, and clean, modern aesthetic that definethe building’s distinct visual identity.

Constructing the Icon within a tight urban site required creative solutions and seamless coordination. With no room for material staging and heightened pedestrian‑safety needs, the team employed a hybrid approach that combined prefabricated panels created inside the building with field‑applied components to accelerate installation, prioritize safety and use space efficiently. The project incorporates metal panels, ACM, and terracotta with the Parex air/water resistive barrier to create one continuous, compatible moisture‑management system behind all claddings. The remaining 40,000 square feet are finished with Parex drainage EIFS and 2–4 inches of EPS insulation to meet stringent energy requirements. Parex EIFS deliver durability, energy efficiency, and design versatility, making essential to the Icon’s performance and signature architectural impact.