Started: 2012
Completed: 2012
Client: The Heart of England Forest Ltd – Felix Dennis

“The green burial project aims to provide a peaceful resting place for people seeking a non-denominational, environmentally-friendly alternative to the UK’s increasingly over-subscribed cemeteries. A series of green spaces will be created adjacent to the site’s existing woodland, where people can be laid to rest in caskets made of cardboard or willow, or their ashes scattered.” (From the brief)

Our approach was inspired by the natural conformation of the land and its slope. We looked at the work of Andy Goldsworthy among others. Our aim was to do a light insertion of a locally sourced wicker shell forming the reception building so that would have a natural presence on the site and create little impact on the environment. This enabled us to create a spiritual feel to the building while still keeping it non-denominational.

We were among the top-ten shortlisted out of 94 participating practices.