Alejandro Romero: Redefining Sustainability with Topcret’s Lacoste Store UK Project

Alejandro Romero, a key figure at Topcret, shares insights into the company’s groundbreaking project for Lacoste’s flagship store in the UK. The project, which earned Topcret the prestigious Architecture MasterPrize Award for the use of their innovative microcement, Baxab®Eco, highlights the firm’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge materials. In this interview, Romero discusses the design process, challenges, and the future of sustainable construction.

How did Topcret originate, and what sets the company apart in the construction industry?

Alejandro Romero: Topcret was founded by two young engineers who aimed to disrupt the construction industry with a revolutionary product—Microcemento®. This cement-based micro-coating has transformed both architecture and interior design, offering a versatile, durable, and sustainable option for a wide range of surfaces. Our pioneering product, Baxab®Eco, is the first VOCs-free microcement on the market and is a major leap forward in eco-friendly construction. Our mission has always been to innovate while prioritizing sustainability, and we’re proud to have created products that support that goal.

What was Lacoste’s vision for their flagship store, and how did Baxab®Eco contribute to that vision?

Alejandro Romero: Lacoste’s flagship boutique at 182 Regent Street in London, their largest store in the UK, was designed with sustainability as a top priority. Lacoste’s goal was to use sustainable materials to reduce the environmental impact of every piece of clothing sold in the store. For the walls and floors, they selected Baxab®Eco microcement due to its eco-friendly credentials and durability, which perfectly aligned with Lacoste’s sustainability vision.

Can you walk us through the design process and how Baxab®Eco was incorporated into the Lacoste Store?

Alejandro Romero: Baxab®Eco was integral to the project’s success. As the first VOCs-free microcement with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), it provided the durability needed for a high-traffic retail space while maintaining a low environmental footprint. It’s water-based, handcrafted locally, and three times stronger than conventional microcements, ensuring it can withstand prolonged commercial use. The product’s versatility allowed it to seamlessly integrate into the store’s design while meeting Lacoste’s sustainability goals.

What were some of the specific challenges you encountered during this project?

Alejandro Romero: One of the major challenges was integrating sustainable materials like Baxab®Eco into the design without sacrificing quality or aesthetics. Additionally, coordinating between various stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and suppliers, to ensure timely delivery and installation was crucial. However, through close collaboration and effective communication, we were able to overcome these hurdles and deliver a successful project.

What makes Baxab®Eco stand out from other materials, and how did it push boundaries in this project?

Alejandro Romero: The use of Baxab®Eco microcement is the standout innovation of this project. It’s the first VOCs-free microcement on the market, offering a sustainable, durable solution for high-traffic environments like Lacoste’s store. Its eco-friendly properties, combined with its strength and versatility, make it a game-changer in the construction materials industry. By incorporating Baxab®Eco, we pushed the boundaries of sustainability in retail design.

Which aspects of the Lacoste Store UK project are you particularly proud of?

Alejandro Romero: We are most proud of the sustainability achievements of this project. The Lacoste Store UK not only met its environmental goals but also received certifications from leading sustainability standards like WELL, LEED, and BREEAM. Additionally, the high-quality, long-lasting results delivered by Baxab®Eco microcement are a reflacton of our dedication to innovation and excellence in sustainable construction.

What motivated you to pursue innovation and sustainability in construction materials like microcement?

Alejandro Romero: Our focus at Topcret has always been on pushing the boundaries of construction materials and sustainability. Innovators like Renzo Piano, who integrate sustainability into their designs, have inspired us to pursue excellence in eco-friendly construction practices.

Who do you look up to in the field of sustainable architecture and design?

Alejandro Romero: We greatly admire pioneers in sustainable construction, such as Renzo Piano and organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council. Their commitment to promoting green building practices and innovative design continues to inspire us as we develop new solutions for the construction industry.

If you could own any sustainably designed building in the world, what would it be and why?

Alejandro Romero: Owning a building like The Edge in Amsterdam or the Bullitt Center in Seattle would be a dream. Both are renowned for their cutting-edge sustainability features and represent the future of sustainable architecture.

What trends or technologies do you see influencing the future of sustainable construction?

Alejandro Romero: Microcement is set to become a leading material in sustainable architecture. As regulations surrounding environmental impact become stricter, the demand for sustainable building materials like Baxab®Eco will grow. Additionally, trends like smart cities, renewable energy systems, and environmentally-conscious construction practices will shape the future of the industry.

In your opinion, how can architecture and construction contribute to global sustainability efforts?

Alejandro Romero: Architecture and construction have a profound impact on the world. By prioritizing sustainability and adopting innovative materials like Baxab®Eco, we can contribute to reducing carbon footprints, fostering healthier indoor environments, and creating resilient communities. The built environment plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges like climate change, and our discipline has the potential to drive meaningful change.

What does winning the Architecture MasterPrize mean for you and Topcret?

Alejandro Romero: Winning the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) for the Lacoste Store UK project was an incredible honor. It’s a recognition of our commitment to sustainability and innovation, and it has helped elevate Topcret’s profile in the industry. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to create sustainable, high-performance materials for the construction industry.

We thank Alejandro Romero for sharing the story behind Topcret’s award-winning Lacoste Store UK project. Through their pioneering use of Baxab®Eco microcement, Topcret has demonstrated how innovation and sustainability can transform architecture and construction, creating lasting positive impacts on the environment.