Shortlisted
Digital Construction
Constructing Excellence South West 2023
Shortlisted
Innovation
Constructing Excellence South West 2023
The scheme
The Park is a new state-of-the-art crematorium facility for the Saltram area of Plymouth. Estimated for completion in 2024, the scheme also includes an on-site cafe and offices for the Drake Memorial Park.
The location of the new building has prompted a landscape inspired design response. The scheme roots itself in the calmness of the surrounding landscape to provide the best possible experience for mourners.
The new facility includes two non-denomination ceremony spaces with flexible seating, waiting areas, offices, a new crematory and three new cremators plus room for a fourth, all with the latest environmental protection equipment.
Modern, soft and understated.
The ceremony spaces draw heavily from Scandinavian crematoria, providing a minimal aesthetic that does not distract from the occasion. This space reflects the calmness of the surrounding landscape and provides an outward looking experience.
Both ceremony spaces reveal the undulating form of the roof. Glulam timber is used in the structure to add warmth and assist in drawing the eye outward. The external walls are to be clad with Plymouth Limestone in tribute to the geography of this place.
The materiality is deliberately soft in this sensitive place, maximising the use of light from both the windows and roof light above the catafalque.
A landscape inspired design.
Due to the topography of the land and the requirement for separate spaces, the proposed building has been split into three main elements; the two ceremony spaces with their ancillary rooms, and the main private ‘back of house’ building which houses most of the technical, support and welfare facilities.
A palette of Plymouth Limestone and concrete, both textured and polished, stamps this building into the landscape. Whilst weathered copper envisaged for the roof will mirror the landscape. This undulating and dynamic roofscape will alter the appearance of the building as you move around it.
Around the building a hint of feature green walling and additional falling water features will provide visual and aural interest.
Remembrance, reflection, celebration.
The landscape design reflects the intrinsic beauty and tranquility found within the surrounding Plymouth countryside. The design moves away from the rigid formality of traditional cemeteries to a more relaxed, naturalistic environment.
Woodland edge belts will transition into a memorial arboretum with more widely spaced tree planting. The arboretum melts into a species-rich wildflower meadow to the south of the site. A series of surfaced paths provide safe access for all throughout the site.
Green burials may be available within the arboretum and scattering areas within the wildflower meadows and woodland glades. Sculpture within key locations throughout the park will be a focus for memorialisation.
