‘oude landen’ by van den pauwert architecten, neunen, netherlands image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten images courtesy van den pauwert architecten

eindhoven-based practice van den pauwert architecten has designed a series of structures in ‘oude landen’, a public cemetery south-east of neunen, netherlands. four small-scale buildings including the entrance gate, columbaria, administrative office and a chapel are scattered throughout the grounds which encompass an area of 20,000 square meters. set amidst a newly planted grove of trees, the open-air pavilion for religious services is placed along a winding path which passes rows of headstones positioned within tall grasses. the focal element is the final setting within the funerary procession.

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 2 exterior view image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

the exterior of the sculptural form is surfaced with rusted corten steel and an internal niche is surfaced with complimentary brass panels. the neutral geometric shape furnishes an appropriate backdrop for services of all religions, providing shelter for the transient visitors. a series of voids in the roof created by inclined planes allows natural light to embrace the patina finish of the interior partitions, reflecting a warm golden glow.

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 3 entire structure image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 4 view out to the grounds image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 5 welded connection image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 6 upward view through open roof image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 7 roof detail image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 8 corner detail image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 9 during a service image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 10 large group under the canopy image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 11 installation image © joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 12 site plan

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 13 section

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 14 section

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 15 elevation

van den pauwert architecten: oude landen - 16 elevation

project info:

architects: van den pauwert architecten location: nuenen, the netherlands project year: 2011 project area: 45 sqm photographs: joren hoogenboom, van den pauwert architecten