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dRMM is a winner at the Structural Timber Awards 2022
13-10-2022

dRMM is a winner at the Structural Timber Awards 2022

dRMM is a winner at the Structural Timber Awards 2022

dRMM has been recognised at the Structural Timber Awards, a programme that celebrates innovation and expertise in timber technology. Wintringham Primary Academy was highly commended in the Project of the Year category, whilst co-founding director Alex de Rijke was named Pioneer of the Year – a recognition that supports the studio’s decades-long efforts in advocating for timber as an exemplary sustainable material.

The Structural Timber Awards highlight work in timber across key sectors of the construction industry that contribute to creating a more energy efficient and sustainable built environment. The programme has consistently awarded examples of projects, practices and people that work to advance and demonstrate the benefits of timber, which the organisers describe as “the most natural and sustainable of materials”.

This year’s award winners were announced on 12 October at the awards’ prize-giving ceremony at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, where dRMM was nominated under the categories for Education Project of the Year, Project of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, and Architect of the Year.

 

Wintringham Primary Academy, was highly commended in the Project of the Year category.
[1] Wintringham Primary Academy, was highly commended in the Project of the Year category.

Wintringham Primary Academy was shortlisted under the Education and Project of the Year award categories. The Academy embraces principles of naturalness, aiming to provide an inspirational learning environment that prioritises wellbeing and sustainability. The design of Wintringham Primary Academy channels the biophilic benefits of timber – its cross laminated timber frame was designed to be exposed throughout, providing a calm, natural environment to aid concentration and learning. The academy is testimony to timber’s tactile benefits as well as its environmental credentials, showcasing its ability to bring a sense of natural warmth to the interior spaces at Wintringham, complemented by the school’s panoramic views out towards nature.

Alex de Rijke was awarded Pioneer of the Year
[1] Alex de Rijke was awarded Pioneer of the Year

Aside from the recognition for Wintringham, our team was delighted to see Director Alex de Rijke named Pioneer of the Year at the ceremony. Alex has been a steadfast advocate, researcher and design protagonist in timber construction since the mid-90s. His innovations include introducing Tulipwood cross-laminated-timber (CLT) – a world-first hardwood composite used to construct Maggie’s Oldham, the world’s first hardwood CLT building. Alex has raised the profile of timber in the national press, construction industry and on prime-time television with Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker. As an architect / educator he has been successful in persuading emerging architects to adopt timber as a healthy, sustainable material for over 30 years.

To continue to advance timber construction. dRMM is currently jointly conducting a research project on Measuring Mass Timber, developing a replicable methodology for measuring the carbon and wellbeing benefits of timber in buildings in collaboration with Edingburgh Napier University and the Quality of Life Foundation.