The client’s brief was to design a multi-faith mausoleum that would provide both full body and cremated remains plots, to contribute to London’s substantial need for burial spaces. Several challenges were presented by the site that include a 17-metre change in levels across its topography, as well as mature trees, extensive undergrowth coverage and various ecological sensitivities.

The site is located within the Mill Hill Conservation Area and close to a grade II listed school. The sensitive nature of this proposal provided an opportunity to design an exemplary building that responds positively to the conservation setting and creates a reflective, and respectful environment for gatherings and interments.

The early design process took full account of the site constraints and sought to integrate the building into the landscape – keeping it low and subdued from view outside the site boundary, and using stepped columbaria retaining walls to form a tiered garden of remembrance that encompass small vaults for cremated remains.

A ceremonial route starts within the existing cemetery and proceeds to the building through the stepped landscape, eventually leading to a car park concealed amongst existing trees. The full extent of the site will be open to community use and outdoor amenity space.

Significant research was carried out to determine the optimum size of a commercial mausoleum, as most examples currently in the UK are private family structures. Examples were investigated that are located in the USA, Brazil and Europe. A single crypt is either stacked side by side or end to end, with access aisles between. The sizing is based on the average casket size, which in the UK is 2,130 x 710 x 580 mm and stacked four or five high.

The mausoleum design includes twelve chambers that contain the crypts and are designed to be five high - governing the height of the main building. Each chamber contains a central aisle to allow the crypts to be accessed, as well as seating and rest space for visitors. The chambers are arranged around a central gathering and chapel space, just like the petals of a flower. Each chamber has full height glazing at the end providing visitors with a view to the outside, across the infinity pool that surrounds the building to offer moments of contemplation and reflection as respects are paid to the interred.

The chamfered end to each chamber creates a secluded and deliberately framed view to the outside, whilst the cyclical plan of these chambers around the gathering space almost represent the cycle of life. This is also emphasised internally and externally throughout the day as sunlight changes constantly, creating a moving shadow inside and out of the building.

At 9.5 metres tall the central gathering rotunda performs a ceremonial function and includes clerestory windows that allow light in from above to create the feeling of grandeur and scale. A ceremonial route moves through the building from a Porte cochere at the entrance, with toilet facilities and offices, through the chamber to the exit opposite.

We have chosen brick as the principle material for the mausoleum, partly because the existing Victorian chapel is also brick, but mainly because it commands a solid and timeless feel that will provide security and protection to the deceased inside.

The client’s intent is that the site becomes an additional positive amenity and enhances the conservation area of Mill Hill.

Ian Blake designed the Mausoleum whilst at Sutton Griffin Architects.