A new ceremony pavilion, designed by Giesen Architectuur, has been built at the natural cemetery of Slangenburg in the Dutch city of Doetinchem. This intimate building offers bereaved families a serene place to say goodbye to their loved ones, in keeping with the natural and peaceful surroundings. This project highlights the power of natural and bio-based construction by using sustainable and renewable materials, such as lime hemp, straw, wood and a biodiverse green roof, allowing the pavilion to naturally blend into the surrounding landscape.
Natural materials
The municipality of Doetinchem commissioned this project with the aim of creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly farewell location. During the planning process, bio-based construction emerged fairly quickly. Alderman Bulten put it aptly: ‘Everything is made of natural materials. This has resulted in the building soon merging into the landscape, and we thought that was very nice.’
Biodiverse green roof for a natural look
To enhance the sustainable character, Sempergreen contributed to the construction of a biodiverse green roof on the pavilion. This roof, installed by Kwerreveld Dakbedekkingen on behalf of the Municipality of Doetinchem under the execution of EcoBouwSalland and under the management and maintenance of Buha, covers 600 m² and combines a flowery planting with various Sedum species. The green roof, composed of a Biodiverse Sedum-Herbs blanket, 48 m³ of roof garden substrate and drainage, contributes to biodiversity and creates a lively green environment that enhances the experience of nature.
With this project, Slangenburg crematorium has not only created a soothing and environmentally friendly place of farewell, but also set a sustainable example of how modern architecture and nature can come together in harmony through bio-based construction.
Watch the video below about this project (in Dutch).
Involved parties:
Client: Gemeente Doetinchem
Under implementation of: EcoBouwSalland
Under management and maintenance of: Buha
Architect: Giessen Architectuur
Roofing contractor: Kwerreveld Dakbedekkingen
Installation of green roof: Sempergreen
