Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 2 of 64Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - FacadeCrematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - ChairCrematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 5 of 64Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - More Images+ 59

  • Project Team: Bas Barendse, Dante Borgo, Maicol Cardelli, Timo Cardol, Sebastian van Damme, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Cristina Gonzalo Cuairán, Michael Geensen, Walter Hoogerwerf, Marco Lanna, Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Exequiel Mulder, Ismael Planelles Naya, Giulia Rapizza, Ana Rivero Esteban, Giacomo Rizzi
  • Client: Intergemeentelijke Samenwerking Westlede (IGS)
  • Advisor Construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek
  • Water, Electrical, Installations And Supervision: Henk Pijpaert Engineering
  • Acoustics, Climate, Physics: DGMR
  • Ovens: DFW, Broek op Langedijk
  • Multimedia: BIS, Ridderkerk
  • Architects In Charge: Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, Dikkie Scipio
  • Advisor Construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek, Delft (Netherlands)
  • City: Aalst
  • Country: Belgium
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Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 14 of 64
© Sebastian van Damme
Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Facade
© Sebastian van Damme

Text description provided by the architects. Located in the countryside bordering the western ring road of the Belgian city, the crematorium, with its 74 x 74-meter footprint, merges with trees and shrubs that line the perimeter of the surrounding park, which was conceived by landscape architect Erik Dhont. Approaching the entrance at Blauwenbergstraat, a sense of calm pervades the site and upon arrival, visitors are subtly persuaded to slow down by the undulating gentle green mounds. To the north, a pond serves as a reservoir for rainwater, while small adjacent hills are dedicated to scattered ashes and to an urn garden. At the eastern end, there is a service road for the hearses that is entirely hidden from view so that families are not disturbed during the mourning ceremony, and so that privacy is respected.   

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Facade
© Sebastian van Damme
Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 2 of 64
© Sebastian van Damme

Architecture accompanies the transition from a busy outside world into a metaphorical and physical interior imbued with calm and restraint. The south-western corner of the building opens onto a patio and serves as a transitional zone, welcoming visitors and leading them towards the indoor spaces. As crematoria are typically characterized by complex logistics, KAAN Architecten has designed a building that is self-explanatory and feels natural to use. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 34 of 64
© Simone Bossi

Upon entering the crematorium, a sequence of spaces shapes the visitor’s physical experience, preventing spatial confusion. At 6.4 meters tall, the remarkable floor-to-ceiling height of the interior enhances the sense of vastness, paired by the warm abundance of daylight. A large concrete canopy stretches into a generously proportioned hall from which the reception desk is immediately visible. The reception hall is infused with light by two large windows overlooking a landscaped garden and houses a discreet passageway to the cafeteria, which features a large-scale painting by Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 38 of 64
© Simone Bossi

Crematorium Siesegem encompasses two ceremonial assembly halls. The largest has generous dimensions, with seating for 600 people. KAAN Architecten was involved in the overall design, including the furnishings, and in particular the benches: elegantly shaped seating with leather upholstery in yellow-beige color, a recurrent hue for the Crematorium spaces, chosen for its gentle texture and direct reference to sand and dust. The back surface is glazed and looks out onto a patio, directly connecting the building to the surrounding landscape. Both assembly spaces have a family room and a place for condolences; besides them, an outdoor area with greenery links nature to daylight and offers a counterweight to the intensity and spirituality experienced by the bereaved. 

Level 0 Plan

Next, to the ceremony spaces, the technical aspects of the building are also a fundamental part of the design. The architects endeavor to disclose, rather than hide the cremation process, creating an unusual yet effective polarity between the mechanics and the serenity. The soft sandy yellow color of the furniture is echoed by the ovens and the chimney that stretches up through a glazed opening in the roof. A sense of dignity and intimacy infuses the building. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Column
© Sebastian van Damme

The choice of materials and the detailing are paramount to achieving a placid mood. For the exterior, KAAN Architecten chose the rhythm of béton brut. For the interior, the walls are matt and have a textured render, while the ceiling has a rough sprayed finish to ensure muted acoustics – a fundamental feature of such a building. Oak parquet floors have been chosen for the family rooms and the cafeteria. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Concrete
© Simone Bossi
Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Concrete, Column
© Simone Bossi

All the spaces express the essence of the architecture, and Ceppo di Gré marble plays a vital role. After sawing the stone blocks into 2.4 x 1-meter plates, the architects arranged a composition that results in a visually coherent pattern. Floors and walls have been treated in the same way. Identical marble was used for the reception desk in the long foyer, the bar, the lectern, the catafalque and the high skirting of the courtyard walls. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 21 of 64
© Simone Bossi
Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 37 of 64
© Simone Bossi

In Belgium, crematoria traditionally have a more complex programme that other countries. They are spaces for gathering, enjoying a meal and reconnecting with relatives and friends. The client’s significant experience and dialogue were crucial to the project. KAAN Architecten designed legible spaces and easily readable routing to reduce signage to a minimum. Visitors should never feel lost, and architecture goes beyond being a mere background, to offer spatial guidance. The interior speaks to visitors and appeals to their emotions: it instills calmness and the sequence of spaces enhances reflection. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Chair
© Sebastian van Damme

The Crematorium Siesegem is an ode to verticality, while being horizontal and pure in its geometry and balanced proportions. Its calm, easily readable environment and tranquil landscape merge together to emanate genuine serenity. Without succumbing to pompous monumentalism, the building and its surrounding grounds are a peaceful oasis for reminiscence. 

Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten - Image 35 of 64
© Simone Bossi

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Project location

Address:Merestraat 169, 9300 Aalst, Belgium

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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: "Crematorium Siesegem / KAAN Architecten" 13 Nov 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/905757/crematorium-siesegem-kaan-architecten> ISSN 0719-8884

© Sebastian van Damme

比利时火葬场 Siesegem / KAAN Architecten

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