A Crematorium to Celebrate!

A facility unlike any other is being built
at Sydney’s Macquarie Park Cemetery.

By Jackie O’Neill

The guiding philosophy behind the design concept of Sydney’s evolving crematorium at Macquarie Park, scheduled to open in mid-2004, is ‘celebrating a life’. To deliver the community a state-of-the-art facility, the Project Director, Stewart Lawler, and principal consultants, Kann Finch Group, have travelled widely, examining many of the country’s existing facilities, researched overseas and conferred with innumerable funeral directors.

Though a large and impressive project, the setting of the crematorium is such that it will soothe, inspire and strengthen visitors during their times of sorrow. Both inside and out, the emphasis is on creating an atmosphere where people will feel comfortable in their grief. The designers liken this assignment to a homely residential property and, certainly, it will be a modern, extremely functional, yet exceptionally soothing environment. Three stand-alone chapels have been designed (physically isolated from the cremator area itself) with traditional arched ceilings akin to a warm and inviting country church.

Specially designed materials will diffuse sound within the chapels. Three layers of acoustic panelling suspended from the rafters will both soften and enhance the surround sound experience, while minimising any echoes. These 3-D timber and gyprock panels will also transform a large void into a decorative feature. Stepped plaster boards along the front walls will further disperse sound. Noise insulation from the cremator room is accomplished by distancing it from the chapels, and the application of solid masonry to the outside skin of the building and the incorporation of concealed stacks and flues.

Chapels will be large yet a warm, intimate atmosphere is envisaged. Courtyards will be discreetly landscaped affording a place for quiet reflection and privacy immediately after a service. This attractive feature will screen family groups from the rest of the complex. The wall facing this garden is completely glass to allow soft light to unite the indoors/outdoors, and generally improve the ambience within. Each chapel boasts its own amenities block.

Strategic positioning of chairs can create the feeling of a more intimate chapel for small funerals, yet each chapel can be considerably expanded to comfortably accommodate 200 indoors. And, where especially large numbers are in attendance, quality outdoor monitors will permit viewers in the covered verandahs and porte-cochère to also share the atmosphere of the occasion. Observation of a service is also possible from a specially constructed soundproof family room at the rear of the chapel where curtains allow the visitor the choice of viewing or to simply listening to the service. This room can also be used as a pre-service viewing area.

Purists would be astounded by the latest technology employed. The cremators far exceed the prescribed limits recommended by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Within each chapel, dedicated audiovisual rooms will support a wide range of musical selections, aid delivery of custom made presentations, and facilitate spectacular sound and space experiences – to compliment the ‘Celebration of Life’. Webcasting to friends or family interstate or overseas will be an option. Quality sound insulation throughout the buildings will achieve peak performance of these sophisticated electronics.

Easy to read electronic signage will be installed in the car park and at the front of each chapel to highlight the services of the day. These details will be linked to additional electronic information screens outside the main administrative centre and should eliminate any possible confusion for visitors or funeral directors about the location of a particular ceremony. High tech touchscreens will be incorporated throughout to enable visitors to independently locate a grave or niche site or avail themselves of Macquarie Park Cemetery’s current happenings including the website.

By opting for three chapels identical in shape and size externally, considerable savings have been effected, facilitating greater focus on interior design detail and superior inclusions. Materials will be similar in all chapels, yet each chapel will be unique.

Many nooks and crannies abound in the new complex, marrying its layout to that of the immediate surroundings. The materials proposed will blend splendidly with existing structures; roof tiles will be concrete in a grey slate colour to harmonize with the roof of the nearby administrative block, and a combination of old iron brick and block with the appearance of sandstone will tone in delightfully.

An aerial view of Macquarie Park Cemetery reveals circles and curved roadways throughout. This symmetry continues in the new car park, which has the capacity for more than 100 vehicles. From the moment visitors’ park, easy access to all areas will be available. There will be level access to the porte-cochere, throughout the chapels, and out to the courtyards.

Following a service, it is just a short stroll to the after-service catering in the Banksia Room, the courtyard and verandah areas, or to enjoy a quick snack at Café Macquarie. A fenced playground, with protective sails, should be a boon to families with young children. This area also has disability access and will be adjacent to the catering precinct.

In all, designers have met the challenge and proffered an elegant and dignified setting with compassion and clear insight to the needs of the public. The ‘institutionalised’ feel of similar complexes will happily be absent at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Dignity and respect will be preserved, yet to the valued clients of Sydney, the metropolitan area and NSW at large, this amenity will provide the world’s best practice.