dRMM’s Post

Innovation, sustainability, and collaboration intersect in the newly completed Northern Memorial Park Depot. Lucid is proud to have provided comprehensive engineering services—mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, fire protection, vertical transport, and sustainability & energy services—to support this landmark facility for The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT). Working alongside Building Engineering and Searle x Waldron Architecture, this project stands as a showcase of what is possible when expertise and shared vision align. The depot’s mass-timber structure, use of locally sourced recycled materials, and integration of renewable energy systems highlight GMCT’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. It’s an exemplar of functional and sustainable design, paving the way for innovative infrastructure in community-focused spaces. Thank you to Building Engineering for sharing this excellent video of the finished project. We’re thrilled to see the final result and the positive impact it will have on Melbourne's Northern Memorial Park. #Sustainability #Engineering #Innovation #Collaboration #LucidConsultingAustralia #SagesRoadDepot #CreatingABetterWorld

New Zealand’s construction industry stands at a crossroads. After years of grappling with inflation, labour shortages, and project disruptions, we’re beginning to see a shift. Political stability and easing inflation are offering some much-needed breathing room. But the real question is: will we use this moment to redefine our industry, or let it pass us by? At BCI Central’s Construction Outlook panel, I explored the critical role architects and developers must play in this evolving landscape. It’s no longer enough to design visually striking buildings or complete projects on tight timelines. We need to deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions that tackle the deeper challenges we face—from supply chain fragility to the urgent need for climate resilience. Real innovation lies in transforming these constraints into opportunities. 2025 isn’t just about recovery; it’s about reinvention. If we shift away from a ‘do more with less’ mindset and instead invest in long-term thinking, we can reshape not only our individual projects but the entire way our industry operates. The time for cautious optimism is over—it’s time for bold, collaborative action that prioritises meaningful outcomes over short-term gains. Our future isn’t just something to react to—it’s something we can design. Let’s build it, together. DKO Architecture BCI Central https://lnkd.in/gCMEE8-f

✨ BUILDING ENGINEERING CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF THE NORTHERN MEMORIAL PARK DEPOT, A LANDMARK PROJECT FOR GMCT ✨ 🌿🏗️Building Engineering is excited to celebrate the completion of the Northern Memorial Park Depot (NMP) for The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT). This landmark mass-timber, two-storey facility provides a cutting-edge base for day-to-day operations at NMP. 🌍✨. Designed by Searle x Waldron Architecture, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainability and innovation. The depot boasts over 300 timber members stick-built on-site, alongside 150,000 locally sourced recycled bricks 🧱. With an expansive solar panel array 🌞 and a rainwater harvesting system 💧, this project takes sustainability to new heights, minimising environmental impact while maximising operational efficiency. 🌱 Mass timber plays a key role in the building’s design, reflecting GMCT’s aim to reduce its environmental footprint. This depot isn’t just functional—it's a blueprint for sustainable construction. 🗣️James Reid, GMCT’s Chief Built Environment Officer, emphasises the importance of partnership in this achievement: “The key to this project's success lies in the close collaboration and communication between our project partners Building Engineering and Searle x Waldron Architecture. This is the most complex and largest project we’ve ever undertaken.” 🙌Thank you to our dedicated team and partners for their hard work and collaboration. We’re incredibly proud of this project, which will serve the community for generations to come. 🎥 Watch the video to experience the journey and see how this flagship facility is shaping the future of Northern Memorial Park. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTe34aTD Theca Timber | Stilcon Steel | Ergodomus Timber Engineering Tom Basel | Chris Doufas | David Hunter | David Waters | Andrew Eljari | Liam Fitzpatrick | Greg Alexander #buildingengineering #construction #building #northernmemorialpark #sustainableconstruction #timberbuilding #masstimber #gmct #constructioninnovation #greenbuilding #melbourne #projectcompletion #ecofriendly #futureforward #glenroy

We've broken ground at Ripple Residence! So exciting to begin the building process today supported by Minister of Housing, Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil, and Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen. This project is truly ambitious in establishing new processes in real estate. The apartment building which totals – 13,000 m2 and 115 apartments – will be the first of its kind, with less than 5 kg/m2/year in carbon emissions. We spent 9 months preparing the design work for this, even before making the first draft and selecting a suitable site. Together with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Ramboll, and Søren Jensen we dove into 150+ carbon reduction levers, a review of 100+, and 20+ external interviews within the construction ecosystem. Our site in the North Harbor of Copenhagen had all the complexity we needed... a tight zoning plan, high density, restricted design guidelines, and an existing infrastructure. If we can make it here – we can make it anywhere. Some learnings so far: 1. Architects can no longer start working with form, we need to understand the new details, building components and material sourcing. This will transform how we educate future architects. 2. Contractors are key – we need true openness and "yes we can" attitude. 3. Partnerships are the right way to go in maturing the ecosystem of the building industry. Find more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eVyt8dzt Troels Dam Madsen, Nicole van der Star, Mikkel Hune, Frank Jensen, Claus Mathisen, Eva Ravnborg, Henning Larsen, Nrep, Søren Jensen, 5E Byg A/S, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Ramboll.

I Didn’t Choose Construction… Wait, Actually, I Did. Funny how life works. I stumbled into construction through my clients, but once I got a glimpse of the industry, I knew I’d love it! So, I decided to dive in headfirst (after some brief deliberation with Eleanor Hancock) And honestly? I’m so glad I did. Construction is more than bricks and mortar—it’s innovation, creativity, resilience, and problem-solving. Being neurodivergent, I see things differently, and construction gives me space to use that perspective to make an impact. The industry is tackling big challenges like sustainability and diversity, and it’s on the front lines of change. Today, I’m off to Leeds and Leicester to meet new clients and keep building those connections. Construction has given me opportunities I never dreamed of, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. If you’re in this industry, or considering joining it, come on. We need every unique mind here. 👷♀️💪 #ConstructionFuture #Neurodiversity #Innovation

Here’s how we designed the first eco-station in the Northern Rail network 🚂 Lancashire County Council approached Seed Architects to act as lead consultants for a unique project: the creation of a new "Eco" Station. The station was envisioned as a gateway to the town of Accrington and as an iconic symbol of ecologically and socially sustainable design for the region. 🌱 Seed Architects was tasked with delivering a station that not only served its functional purpose but also demonstrated the potential of sustainable design in public infrastructure. The project was developed as part of the Sustainable Stations (SusStations) Interreg IVB Project and earned the distinction of being the first eco-station on the Northern Rail network. 🤩 The station’s design aimed to reduce its environmental impact and work toward a zero-carbon build. To achieve this, Seed Architects utilised a wide range of sustainable materials and technologies: ⤵ ♻ Natural insulation and recycled metals were employed to reduce the carbon footprint of the build 💪 Glulam beams were incorporated for structural integrity and glazing 🙌 Reclaimed local limestone and timber were used in the cladding The design also incorporated renewable technologies to complement passive design solutions. These strategies aimed to reduce the station's heating and cooling loads by carefully considering the building's orientation and form. The combination of energy efficient materials and renewable technologies created a station that not only minimised its environmental impact but also showcased how sustainable principles can be integrated into large scale infrastructure projects. 👷♂️ When it was built, Accrington was a medium sized station with around 240,000 entries and exits per year. However, the station’s importance and usage have grown significantly since the eco-station was completed. In the last year alone, Accrington Station recorded 459,616 entries and exits, underscoring the project's success and the station’s increasing role in the local community. 📈 This design went onto win several awards including: ⤵ 🏆 2011 National Rail Innovation Awards Winner for Sustainability 🥇 2011 Network Rail Partnership Awards Winner for Environmental Sustainability 🏅 2011 RICS North West Sustainability winner with a RICS National Commendation.

Embodied carbon, a topic that's becoming bigger and bigger each and every day in the world of architecture and construction. As our choices in the industry play a significant part in carbon emissions, it's important for us to always be thinking about how we can do better. The good news? There's lots of ways to do this and we talk about it on our blog. Learn more here:

Exciting Career Update: A New Chapter Begins with BouNou After more than two decades of honing my craft in the architectural field, I am thrilled to announce the next exciting step in my career journey: the formation of BouNou, a company dedicated to innovation, design, and the implementation of sustainable construction practices. BouNou aims to seamlessly blend professional architectural services with project implementation, management, and long-term facilities maintenance. Our purpose is to build better lives through design and innovation, and to rethink how we, as authors of space, can help shape living environments for a better, more responsible future. From my early career days at SWS Architects, Welman Architects in the US, and SHW Architects, to the privilege of joining Studio D'Arc Architects in 2000 as a director and shareholder, my aim has always been on delivering excellence in design while pursuing new ways to do things. One of the proudest achievements of my career has been to be part of building Studio D’Arc Architects into a brand synonymous with consistent excellence—a firm started by my late father in 1972. Leaving the practice earlier this year was a deeply personal and significant decision, but I did so with the full support of my family and partners at Studio D'Arc, knowing it was time for personal and professional growth. The seed for this new chapter was planted long ago, during a business trip to New Zealand in 2011, where I was introduced to Bachkit, a timeless example of prefabricated design that captured my imagination. It sparked a realisation: there are better ways to approach both design and construction - ways that embrace sustainability, modularity, and contextual sensitivity without sacrificing creativity. This idea of “doing better” has stayed with me, evolving into a passion for circular economies that go beyond material sourcing or design efficiency, to how we think about waste reduction, reuse, and the future of construction. In 2016, I co-founded Nuclei Unlimited (NUUN design), a company focused on the design and manufacture of buildings. NUUN draws inspiration from the automotive industry, leveraging production processes that offer economies of scale, precision, and low maintenance. NUUN seeks to rethink building finance, ownership, and how we disconnect land from property investment. BouNou and NUUN now work together, offering a comprehensive product and service that delivers value to our clients. I invite anyone who shares this vision for a more sustainable and innovative built environment to connect with me. Let's foster new networks that inspire ideas and drive action.

Revolutionizing Construction: Embracing Modern Methods with Edgy Flair In a world where innovation is the name of the game, it’s time to ditch the dusty old blueprints and embrace a construction revolution that’s as edgy as it is efficient. Modern methods of construction (MMC) are tearing down the traditional barriers and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. So grab your hard hat and get ready to dive into a world where bricks-and-mortar meets cutting-edge technology. Gone are the days of back-breaking labor and slow progress. With MMC, the script is being flipped and injecting some serious style into the construction industry. Think sleek modular designs that come together like pieces of a high-tech puzzle. We’re talking about buildings that practically assemble themselves, with precision engineering that would make even the most seasoned architect do a double take. But it’s not just about looking cool – although let’s be real, that’s definitely a bonus. MMC is also about doing our part to save the planet. By utilizing sustainable materials and reducing waste, we’re building smarter, not harder. Say goodbye to the carbon footprint of traditional construction methods and hello to a greener, cleaner future. And let’s not forget about speed. In a world where time is money, MMC is the ultimate game-changer. No more waiting months on end for your dream home or office space to come to life. With MMC, which is slashing construction timelines and delivering results at lightning speed. Because who has time to wait around when you’ve got big dreams to chase? But perhaps the most exciting part of all is the endless possibilities that MMC unlocks. From futuristic skyscrapers to cozy eco-friendly homes, there’s no limit to what we can create when we combine innovation with imagination. So whether you’re a city planner looking to revamp your city centre or a homeowner dreaming of a space-age oasis, MMC has got you covered. Sure, embracing change can be a little daunting at first. But trust in the future of construction it is looking brighter than ever. Roll up the sleeves, break out the power tools, and get ready to build a world that’s as edgy as it is awe-inspiring. The revolution starts now. Are you ready to join us?