In the heart of Keilor East, Australia, BENT Architecture unveils the Gallery of the Saints Mausoleum Extension, a site-specific and respectful memorial structure designed to facilitate emotional healing through space, culture, and belief. Completed in 2021, this extension marks a significant addition to the existing mausoleum complex, offering a contemporary interpretation that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while honoring local traditions.
Embracing Nature and Tradition
Departing from the formalities of conventional mausoleum design, the Gallery of the Saints Mausoleum Extension is envisioned as a mausoleum within a garden. The covered, unenclosed structure harmonizes with nature, with crypt cores arranged organically across the site. This innovative design fosters permeability and choice, welcoming visitors through multiple circulation paths amidst lush landscapes. The arrangement of crypts creates diverse spatial experiences, forming mini-communities within the mausoleum and offering flexibility in burial arrangements.
Materiality Rooted in Place
The materiality of the mausoleum extension is deeply rooted in its surroundings. Inspired by the basalt plains of the cemetery, bluestone cladding reflects Melbourne’s cultural heritage while providing a sense of monumentality. Marble crypt shutters complement the bluestone cores, enhancing natural light within the galleries. Shifting setbacks along the southern edge of the structure integrate seamlessly with the burial plots, fostering a reciprocal relationship with the cemetery landscape and adding greenery to the site.
Integrating Landscape
Landscape design plays a pivotal role in enhancing the spatial experience of the mausoleum extension. Planting schemes are carefully curated to ground the structure and connect it with surrounding gardens. Low, softly colored plants line the base of the facility, bridging the interior and exterior spaces. Plants are selected for their color harmony, form, and resilience, offering a sense of familiarity and comfort reminiscent of home.
Illuminating Spiritual Spaces
The roof structure of the extension serves as a continuation of the existing mausoleum, symbolically connecting the structure to the sky, sun, and earth. Strategically placed openings allow daylight to penetrate the interior, creating a sense of lightness and spirituality without relying on religious iconography. This integration of natural elements fosters a series of sacred spaces where the permanence of death coexists with the transient beauty of the natural world.
In conclusion, the Gallery of the Saints Mausoleum Extension by BENT Architecture redefines mausoleum design by embracing nature, tradition, and innovation. This purposeful and contemporary structure serves as a timeless memorial, offering solace and comfort to visitors while honoring the rich cultural heritage of its surroundings.
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