Summary: A new subgrid scale model is proposed for large eddy simulations in complex geometries. This model which is based on the square of velocity gradient tensor accounts for the effects of both strain and rotation rate of the smallest resolved turbulent fluctuations. Moreover, it recovers the proper \(y^3\) near-wall scaling for eddy viscosity without requiring dynamic procedure. We also show from a computation of periodic turbulent pipe flow that the model can handle transition.