Client

Central Bedfordshire Council

Architects

DT Architects

Engineers

Peter Dann

Electrical & Mechanical

Couch Perry Wilkes

Quantity Surveyors

Henry Riley

Transport Consultant

KMC Transport Planning

LVIA

IDP

Location

Bedford, United Kingdom

Project

The proposal is to provide a new crematorium building within a well landscaped setting, which will also be offered as public open space. The facility offers a single service hall, together with all of the necessary auxiliary facilities, including a floral tribute and book of remembrance. OLA’s brief was to create a stimulating and functional landscape setting that would be used and valued by the local community and beyond that respects the surrounding environment with biodiversity enhancement being a core value. The design approach is to reflect a shared aspiration to develop a scheme that integrates the building form into the landscape and responds to opportunities and constraints presented by the site, client and visitors.

Design details

• Sustainable design includes SUDS drainage, water attenuation, locally sourced plant species coupled with a landscape management to enhance species diversity and ecological richness.
• Flexible landscape spaces for gatherings or quiet contemplation
• High percentage of native plant species in appropriate mixes to support and increase the ecological value of the sites location. 
• Earthworks to screen site from highways and residential properties with extensive tree, hedgerows and boundary planting Attractive formal, informal spaces with Gardens of Remembrance
• Water features
• Car parking for up to 150 cars (85 permeable spaces close to crematorium building and 65 reinforced grass overflow)