Waikanae Funeral Home

Project brief An existing industrial building was purchased and the brief was to convert it to a contemporary commercial building. The clients required a significant conversion from which to operate their funeral home business. They requested a contemporary and uplifting building in contrast to typical lifeless funeral homes many of us are accustomed to. They wanted a place to celebrate not commiserate and believed a building was the start point for this. The brief entailed glass, modern forms and softening through material selection to provide comfort over starkness. They required a large but warm chapel, reception lounge, office spaces, mortuary, various meeting rooms, amenities, large garaging, and good thoughtful planning for circulation. Design features and creative solutions Removal of the existing building street facades was required to eliminate the aspects of the existing industrial building and new additions were constructed to the South and West sides to accommodate the required spaces. Two entries were formed to the public spaces, one for the office/reception areas and one for the chapel/service areas. This was to provide a clear distinction between services and meetings with clients etc. A new glazed hallway lined with cedar battens connects the offices with the chapel for showings to clients and day-to-day circulation. Entry to the chapel is via a new spacious and light glazed foyer, the reception lounge is also located off the foyer connecting the two spaces for joint use. Materials from the exterior flow through to the interiors for a cohesive overall finish. The new exterior has strong bold forms bordered with dark panelling and inset with golden cedar to create a warm contrasting palette. The featured vertical cedar battens create partial privacy and shading to the street and car parking areas. New parapets have been constructed to screen the existing building roof lines and are clad with cost-effective steel cladding. A cross-shaped window was used on the street facade as both an architectural feature and also playing on the symbolism of religion, backlit at night it is a striking symbol of the building's use. Builder - Mulholland Construction Engineer - Base Consulting Interior Designers - Colour Options