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Material innovators

We seek solutions that can fundamentally reshape the way architecture is made.

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dRMM is fuelled by an ongoing passion for exploring materials.

dRMM is a pioneer in the research and development of engineered timber and pre-fabricated materials. These materials reduce waste: engineered timber cuts down on wet trades like concrete, mortar and plaster in construction, whilst pre-fabricated materials avoid excess waste during manufacture. From our earliest days in practice, we have been known for our innovative use of ‘off the shelf’ products—using what is readily available and easily produced to make extraordinary buildings and spaces. Since then, we have continually sought out possibilities to use standard materials in non-standard ways.

Material innovators
Creating a new material: cross laminated tulipwood for Endless Stair in 2013.
Material innovators
The façade of Rundeskogen as a 1:1 material prototype in 2012.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration accelerates progress.

dRMM works collaboratively with engineers and manufacturers to examine how materials and the different ways in which they are used during construction can make architecture more forward-thinking and sustainable. Our studio’s focus on materials is closely linked with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA); an approach that shortens construction timelines and cost through ease of manufacture of building components and their simplified assembly. This design approach allows building processes to become smarter and more efficient—our team is passionate about harnessing its potential.

Our ideal scenario is an integrated design and construction process; where material, design and making form a trinity and constantly influence each other.
Jonas Lencer
Jonas Lencer
Director
Cross-disciplinary collaboration accelerates progress.

Insight: Jonas Lencer

Material innovators
Tulip Table for Maggie's Oldham, in collaboration with Barnby & Day.

There is so much more to learn about how materials can positively impact architecture.

Research and advocacy are both hugely important to dRMM’s role within the industry as material innovators. We work within knowledge-sharing groups to promote learning around evolving uses of engineered and pre-fabricated materials. Team members across all levels participate in talks, exhibitions and panel discussions related to sustainable materials, policy and construction processes. We also collaborate with external experts to create new materials, including the world’s first hardwood cross laminated timber.

Material innovators
Endless Stair explored the unconventional use of a hardwood species in cross laminated timber, a type of engineered timber that normally uses softwood species.
Material innovators

When we work collaboratively, there’s no limit to what we can learn about the potential of materials.

dRMM promotes joined-up thinking. We work closely with suppliers, engineers and manufacturers to push boundaries and use materials in new ways. In 2013, we collaborated with AHEC and Arup to develop a hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT). This collaboration explored the potential for hardwood timber to outperform its softwood counterpart. The result was the invention of a CLT made from American tulipwood. The material displayed outstanding strength and we used the product for our Endless Stair installation, and subsequently to create the world’s first permanent hardwood CLT building.

Material innovators

Related project

Maggie's Oldham

The testing and manufacturing of American tulipwood CLT on our 2013 project, Endless Stair, eventually resulted in its application and use in Maggie’s Oldham Centre, the world’s first permanent building created using sustainable hardwood cross laminated timber.

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Jonas Lencer

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