Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 2 of 23Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 3 of 23Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Interior PhotographyBushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 5 of 23Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - More Images+ 18

Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
  • Environmental Engineers: P3r Engineers
  • Larch Timber Glulam Structures Subcontractor: Constructional Timber
  • Specialist Oak Joinery Subcontractor: Batty Joinery
  • Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: P3r Engineers
  • Client: United Synagogue
  • City: Hertfordshire
  • Country: United Kingdom
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Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 5 of 23
© Lewis Kahn

Text description provided by the architects. Bushey Cemetery is a 16-acre site of outstanding natural beauty situated within the meadows in London’s green belt and is one of the most significant Jewish burial sites in the UK. Our extension of the cemetery was designed around the existing landscape. The buildings are very much part of their setting and, in 60 years when it is anticipated that the cemetery is fully occupied, the buildings will be returned to the earth, and the site to the green belt.

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 19 of 23
Plan

Laid out along a north-south axis the buildings facilitate the movement of mourners. A timber colonnade forms the processional route to the prayer halls, which are entered from the west and exited to the east, before mourners are led towards the graveside.

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 2 of 23
© Lewis Kahn
Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Interior Photography
© Lewis Kahn

Two monolithic prayer halls, discretely embedded into a corner of the sloping site, are at the heart of the development. Built of rammed earth, this organic, locally sourced material defines the overall design and was chosen for its symbolic and practical sensitivity to the Jewish faith, echoing the traditional sentiment of the deceased being laid to rest in plain wooden caskets, ‘returning to the earth’.

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Interior Photography
© Lewis Kahn

This is an ancient building method that is natural, sustainable, durable and strong. Left exposed within the ceremonial spaces, the rammed earth creates a sombre, peaceful atmosphere. Oak panelling, larch glulam beams, earthen tiles and Corten steel doors complete the natural, tactile material palette. A linear reed bed and series of ponds and swathes define the edges of the cemetery, facilitating rainwater attenuation and encouraging the biodiversity of Bushey Cemetery’s pastoral setting.

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 3 of 23
© Lewis Kahn

On site for less than two years, the project has been a 10-year journey taken alongside the organisation’s trustees, Jewish community and planners, requiring us to develop an understanding of the processional nature of the Jewish faiths’ practice of burial.

Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects - Image 15 of 23
© Lewis Kahn

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Project location

Address:Little Bushey Ln, Bushey WD23 3TP, United Kingdom

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Bushey Cemetery / Waugh Thistleton Architects" 04 Sep 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/901249/bushey-cemetery-waugh-thistleton-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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