Project SICEC: Timing in a Place of Serenity

Managing the renovation and extension of the Hamm crematorium presents a dual challenge for GEPROLUX: maintaining control over time and finances, as in any typical project, while also ensuring the continuity of a unique funeral service in Luxembourg—preserving spaces of calm and reflection. Eveline Beck, Claude Boreux, and Nadine Haddad are the trio

continuously overseeing this mission.

If there is one place that holds a special place in the hearts of Luxembourgers, it is the Hamm crematorium. For 70% of the country’s deceased, it has become a natural passage. Operated by SICEC, an intermunicipal association of 71 communes, the facility needed to offer more suitable spaces and volumes to meet the growing demand since its opening in 1995. It remains the only centre of its kind in the country.

Renovating and expanding while continuing operations was no easy task. GEPROLUX is at the heart of this delicate project, coordinating a particularly sensitive construction site. Fortunately, the human aspect of collective work is what our teams value most. “We ensured that there was no noise during ceremonies,” explains Eveline. “Every new company working on-site was made aware of the need for silence and guaranteed access for funeral services.”

Currently, the structural work is nearing completion, and technical installations are underway. By autumn 2025, the renovated complex will shed its construction-site appearance—without ever having ceased operations. Technically, the new facility will feature a central metal walkway connecting the two buildings. This key element, delivered in two welded sections on-site, required particularly delicate placement. It extends to the scattering lawn, accessible via an elevator.

Optimal Coordination

Involved since spring 2022 during the study phase, GEPROLUX was commissioned by the client to manage and steer the project. “A client usually only builds once or twice in their life,” notes Claude. “They can’t be expected to know everything. That’s where we come in—we know where to be vigilant. For example, when a project’s budget increases, some fees automatically rise proportionally. We make sure to stay within the original limits.”

GEPROLUX reviews contracts (architects, engineering firms…), monitors the budget, controls invoices, and handles all procedures related to tenders, inspection offices, and certified bodies. A project is a living thing—nothing is set in stone from the start. “We work with various trades that we must coordinate,” explains Claude. “Our added value is financial, yes, but also technical, especially in our interactions with inspection offices.”

A Liberating Intermediary

Could the client manage without a project manager? “It’s possible,” notes Claude. “But hiring one is a real advantage. This professional has deeper expertise in construction project management. It’s also a great help for the architect, who can focus on their core work instead of peripheral issues. Coordinating trades and ensuring an efficient schedule are huge benefits for the client. And when surprises arise—like the tar found in the soil around the old infrastructure—we know how to respond.”

The crematorium renovation is a project worth around ten million euros. There have been no cost overruns directly linked to the construction, with only two or three tenders remaining.

A worksite is a human endeavour

Walking through freshly plastered corridors, Claude greets the workers. “The human aspect of a project is crucial,” he emphasises. “I’m generally calm, but in our line of work, you meet all kinds of personalities. Sometimes, you need to prevent clashes between people on the same project. I often act as a mediator to avoid conflict. Yes, you need a bit of a psychologist’s touch sometimes… And the client shouldn’t have to fight with engineering firms or contractors. That’s also why we’re here: to communicate, explain, and use our expertise to fix what needs fixing. If honesty is needed, we provide it. We also manage pressure—from the client, of course, but also our own, because the project must deliver the expected benefits.”

Respecting the budget and managing time are the team’s guiding principles. “Everything comes down to the triangle of cost – quality – time,” explains Claude. “We try to optimise each component, but they’re all interdependent.”

The Team

Eveline Beck – Head of Project Management

360-Degree Experience

A civil engineer, Eveline has maintained her smile and enthusiasm throughout four decades of work across various companies and disciplines, ranging from architecture to engineering. “It gives me a global view of the site and the stakeholders. That’s my strength. You must always stay optimistic and positive, especially when facing problems. Issues are normal—you just solve them calmly.” In the SICEC project, she focuses on financial and organisational aspects, never hesitating to run across the site: “My job is felt on the ground, not just in the office.”

Nadine Haddad – Project Manager

A Fresh Perspective

Rain or shine, Nadine keeps smiling. A civil engineer since 2017, trained in Beirut, she worked briefly in Lebanon before continuing her studies at the University of Luxembourg. Through internships, she landed at GEPROLUX, where her personality stood out. She’s part of a new generation fluent in digital tools, far from the tracing paper of the past. Her first surprise in the SICEC project was discovering the concept of cremation, which was unfamiliar to her. Curious and open-minded, Nadine focuses on work phasing and coordination between stakeholders. She also produces the weekly site meeting reports—vital for those following the project remotely.

Claude Boreux – Project Manager

The Steady Force

With a Master’s in Business Administration and Engineering, Claude Boreux exudes calm and composure. “It takes a lot to rattle me,” he smiles. He’s also working on the new “Südspidol” (Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch) in Esch-sur-Alzette. His training ground is the field. He loves construction sites because they’re where theory meets reality. “On the crematorium site, we discovered unexpected soil pollution. On the next project, I’ll try to anticipate that kind of issue to save a day or two. That’s no small thing!”