While sustainable architecture, zero-waste principles, energy efficiency, and recycling practices have dominated discussions, technological advancement has been a key driver of industry transformation. Building Information Modeling (BIM), AI-integrated design, and 3D-printed construction elements have emerged as pivotal innovations shaping architecture's future.

The year 2025 promises to deepen the integration of nature-compatible and user-centered design approaches. These trends herald an era where architectural projects will increasingly embody sustainability principles, harmonizing functional, environmental, and aesthetic values. The design world's commitment to these approaches extends beyond environmental protection, aiming to enhance quality of life.

In this second installment of our series examining 2024's notable projects, we'll explore durlum's '2024 Project of the Month' selections from July through December. These pioneering projects, featuring innovative metal ceiling systems and lighting solutions, are already influencing 2025's design landscape. Spanning from London to Sydney, and Dortmund to Mittweida, this remarkable collection showcases durlum's global creative vision and expertise.

Solutions That Make You Feel at Home

July : One Great Cumberland Place Office Complex —Transforming London's Heritage

Located in the heart of London, One Great Cumberland Place Office Complex exemplifies the successful adaptation of a 1920s historic building for modern use. Through a meticulous conversion completed in 2022 by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, this historic structure has been transformed into a versatile multi-purpose building. The project, which seamlessly integrates retail spaces with event-focused office units, has earned a BREEAM 'Excellent' certificate for its sustainability achievements.

The transformation's centerpiece is the durlum dur-SOLO raft ceiling systems, which brilliantly balance modern functionality with the building's historic character. The system features perforated metal ceiling elements crafted from matt white powder-coated galvanized steel, overlaid with black acoustic felt for superior sound insulation. Custom curved corner frames complement this design, creating perfect aesthetic harmony while optimizing acoustic performance.

Spanning approximately 865 sqm, the durlum dur-SOLO raft ceiling system creates collaborative, flexible workspaces. Its practical transformability offers both visual refinement and acoustic excellence. The One Great Cumberland Place office complex stands as a testament to successful adaptive reuse, where historic heritage meets innovative design to serve evolving user needs.

August: Eutin Police Service Building - Modern Architecture for Security and Comfort

The new Police Academy Service Building in Eutin, Germany, redefines functional design in public buildings. Completed by Schmieder.Dau.Architekten.BDA in March 2023, this center features a canteen, cafeteria, and dining hall that serves 1,200 officers daily.

In the dining hall—which accommodates 300 police candidates and reserve officers—the durlum POLYLAM vertical baffle suspended ceiling system extends spatial design into the third dimension. Its design maintains continuity behind transparent space dividers while aligning with the facade's sun shades. Rather than following a straight line, the POLYLAM system creates visual dynamism through its intermittent, staggered placement. The suspended ceiling panels, made of galvanized steel with white powder coating, span 580 sqm and range from 190 cm to 340 cm in length. While enhancing acoustics, durlum POLYLAM complements the space's bright, open atmosphere.

durlum OMEGA 63 works in harmony with durlum POLYLAM, delivering uniform, warm illumination (3000 K). The system's dimmable features adjust to the hall's changing needs, fostering a welcoming environment.

The Police Service Building showcases how modern architecture can unite security, functionality, and user well-being, establishing a distinctive contemporary identity for the Eutin Police Academy.

September: Mittweida City Library - A Modern Journey through the History

The historic city library in the heart of Mittweida, Germany, has been transformed into a modern cultural and educational center. Completed by Raum und Bau Dresden GmbH in February 2023, this project has given new life to the former 'Stadt Chemnitz' hotel while preserving its architectural heritage. Located on Technology Square, the library exemplifies the historic city's commitment to blending tradition with contemporary design.

durlum PYTHA's versatile open-cell ceiling system, a key feature of the renovation, showcases an elegant and minimalist design. Spanning approximately 940 sqm, this aluminum ceiling system creates a modern aesthetic with its crisp white finish. The geometric pattern of equilateral triangles generates dynamic visual effects through its interplay of light and shadow. The ceiling's integrated load-bearing system enables a seamless interior finish throughout the library.

Beyond its striking appearance, durlum PYTHA provides superior acoustic insulation, creating a quiet environment conducive to reading and concentration. This perfect fusion of form and function adds both practical value and aesthetic sophistication to the space. The Mittweida City Library now offers an inviting atmosphere where historical character meets modern design, creating an inspiring space for readers.

October: DB Rolling Stock Maintenance Plant- Industrial Heritage and Modern Aesthetics

The historic DB rolling stock maintenance plant in Dessau, Germany, features a newly renovated Casino Building that serves as an exceptional dining space for employees. Completed by Stoyke + Bamberg in December 2023, this modernization project seamlessly combines industrial functionality with minimalist modern design.

At the heart of the transformation is the durlum FLUID-O metal ceiling, crafted from galvanized steel and powder-coated in RAL 9010. The dynamic arrangement of organically shaped panels softens the industrial aesthetic. Flowing, curvilinear lines create a sense of playful movement across the ceiling surface.

The durlum PUNTEO-J60 downlights are stylishly integrated into the ceiling design. These slightly recessed luminaires are specially modified to prevent unwanted light reflections on the durlum FLUID-O elements, maintaining the ceiling's clean visual appearance. Seamlessly integrated with the durlum FLUID-O metal ceiling, they deliver optimal illumination at a neutral 4000 K color temperature while preserving the ceiling's elegant visual integrity.

Serving 1,500 employees, the catering hall showcases an architectural approach that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics. The renovated space represents a perfect balance between industrial heritage and modern comfort.

November: Dortmund Central Station - A Modern Railway Experience

Dortmund Central Station, a major transportation hub in Germany's Ruhr region, has undergone comprehensive modernization under A+S Consult GmbH Dresden's leadership. The station, which serves over 80,000 passengers daily, has been redesigned to handle increased pedestrian flow and meet modern rail infrastructure requirements. Completed in June 2024, the renovation readies the station for the expected surge of international visitors during the 2024 European Championships.

One of the most significant elements of the modernization is the sleek and functional durlum S-OMEGA PROTECT ceiling lighting system, installed in the station’s pedestrian subways. The ENEC-certified OMEGA PROTECT lighting channels go beyond mere illumination, also functioning as a substructure for rectangular metal panels.

The lighting channels are combined with rectangular metal panels finished with matte RAL 9010 powder coating and lined with black acoustic fabric. This integration enhances sound absorption performance while providing a minimalist and elegant visual continuity. Equipped with DALI dimmable luminaires offering uniform 4000 K lighting, the system creates a warm and comfortable ambiance for the station’s daily flow of passengers.

The energy-efficient S-OMEGA PROTECT lighting system seamlessly combines aesthetic refinement with high performance and durability, supporting Dortmund Central Station’s goals of sustainability and enhanced user experience. This upgraded infrastructure exemplifies how modern railway stations can be functional, inviting, and visually impressive.

December: Kingswood Institute of Applied Technology: A New Era in Education

Designed by Fitzpatrick+Partners, the Kingswood Institute of Applied Technology in Penrith, Sydney, raises the bar in educational architecture. Completed in 2024, this innovative campus is designed to meet the needs of both students and educators. durlum’s modern metal ceiling systems have contributed significantly to the project’s success, providing both visual appeal and functionality.

In classrooms and meeting rooms, the durlum S3 insertion system with MESH expanded metal panels in black, blue, yellow, and grey tones creates a dynamic atmosphere. These colors encourage focus while also enhancing the vibrancy of the space. In the common areas, lighter tones were chosen to create a sense of openness and spaciousness. Not only aesthetics, but also functional requirements such as sound insulation have been considered, providing a comfortable and efficient learning environment.

The corridors are designed in white tones, using the minimalist durlum S1 clip-in metal ceiling system with MESH expanded metal panels. This creates a clean, sophisticated look, emphasizing modernism and clarity with its sharp lines.

On the exterior, the durlum S7 rail channel system features windproof MESH expanded metal panels that enhance the building's industrial aesthetic. The pearl white and matte black panels blend seamlessly with the modern, sleek facade.

Kingswood TAFE offers an environment where students can achieve the highest level of productivity and engagement. This project serves as a strong example of how modern educational buildings can be both functional and inspiring, creating dynamic and innovative spaces for learning.

Design Concept for 2025: durlum's Innovative Roadmap

As we enter 2025, architecture and design are being transformed by innovative solutions that merge environmental responsibility with cutting-edge technology. Since 1946, durlum has championed sustainability and functionality—a mission that continues stronger than ever in 2025. Through recyclable materials and energy-efficient smart systems, durlum creates solutions that serve both present needs and future generations. The company's 2025 focus centers on developing healthier, more efficient living spaces through environmentally conscious design. As the industry leader in metal ceiling, lighting, and daylighting systems, durlum invites you to explore emerging trends and enhance your spaces with the most innovative ceiling-lighting solutions.

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Cover photo: @Aran Anderson l Project: Kingswood Institute of Applied Technology l Product: durlum MESH expanded metal ceiling