Which NSW Cemetery Has Just Won An Architecture Award?

Death is a subject most of us avoid as much as possible. Yet, more and more effort is being put into the design of our cemeteries so that they can truly fulfil their function – more for the living than the dead.

Acacia Remembrance Sanctuary located at Bringelly on the outskirts of Sydney is the unique standout winner of the

Future Projects Commercial Award 2015 from World Architecture News.

Designed by CHROFI McGregor+Coxall the project was described as ‘fascinating’ and borne out of the challenges to the existing funeral industry and traditional cemeteries.

Described by World Architecture News as pioneering a new cemetery model from the outset, the design team together with the client sought to challenge what a contemporary cemetery could be. The response was to create a site-wide experience with a specific focus on natural burials without headstones.

The visitor’s experience starts at the entrance with a journey on an elevated walkway, through a native park leading to a walled garden, which provides a 'transition' to an 'other world'. At the heart of Acacia is an open-air pavilion, framed by a reflective pond and surrounding peaceful gardens, called the Gathering Place.

Images from worldarchitecturenews.com Video from ZinniaGroup.