Heritage Gardens

Heritage Gardens is an innovative cemetery property with a creative, human-centric approach to funerary services. The client's goal is to create a multi-purpose, community-focused crematorium on their property that reflects their vision.

The organizational principle of the proposed building is inspired by the gardens, which are used as burial places that surround the site. The building was to be built around two existing gardens, using form and facade treatment to face each in a unique way. Then, we introduced two new and more secluded gardens to serve as places of respite from proceedings. The goal of the building was to occupy the spaces between gardens, and to have a view out to a garden from every space in the building.

The crematorium was threefold in program: ritual gathering spaces (hall and chapel), offices for staff, and a large technical service wing. These programs have an intricate interdependence, and we worked closely with the owners to ensure a seamless array of spaces, with due respect given to visitors.

The resulting building was a complex of three buildings with distinct facades. The Chapel raises a large glazed face to the grounds and Willow Garden, and its peaked roof signals the building. The office surrounds the Oak Garden with a pergola walk. The Hall faces the Repose Garden which is hidden by a wood screen from the grounds. Finally, the Viewing Garden masks the crematorium space, and acts as a place of reflection on the rituals inside its doors.

Heritage Gardens Crematorium curates connections between ritual and garden spaces and thus speaks to a new form of rituals surrounding death. It is a tool for gathering and reflection.