The entries have been narrowed down from 70 designs that were submitted as part of the first phase of the competition.

The second phase will see the five go up against each other with the winner of the £8 million project set to be announced on June 13.

The building will be situated just off Eastern Way and will link the worlds of technology and education in a single purpose building.

The shortlist sees three architects from London, one from Birmingham and another from Milton Keynes hoping to be chosen as the winning design.

The competition is being led by the University of Northampton and is supported by the Building Research Establishment and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The university has been working with the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and Daventry District Council on the iCon project.

Paul Quinn, regeneration manager for WNDC, said: “We are delighted with the response and we have had architects across Europe entering.

“We think it [iCon] will be special for the people of Daventry. It will be of regional and national interest and there is a lot of excitement surrounding this project.”

The shortlist was narrowed down last month at Franklins Gardens in Northampton.

Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “The designs are fascinating and they are all very different and it will be very interesting to see which one triumphs.

“Looking at the designs, they are very creative.

“We wanted to get something iconic for the people of Daventry and we will certainly end up with something that fits that description.”

The building will feature 60 innovation units, a conference room for 200 people, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, a reception and networking space.

Niall McLaughlin, senior event judge from Niall McLaughlin Architects in London, said: “The variety of the building designs on show to the judges was quite spectacular, with many entries demonstrating the highest possible standards of excellence and innovative thinking in the fields of construction and sustainability.

“It has been an extremely difficult process narrowing this list down to the five shortlisted finalists.”

Frank Burdett, pro vice chancellor of the University of Northampton, added: “Judging by the standard of entry so far there is no doubt that the iCon will have an outstanding and positive impact upon the people of Daventry. We are all very excited at the prospect of this becoming the key centre for sustainable construction expertise in the UK.”