Funeral home C.

Client: Ceulemans
Location: Sint-Katelijne-Waver
Realization: 2017 – 2020
Design team: David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Kristof Van Parijs, Ruben Van den Hove
Structural engineer: Atlas engineering
Photography: Johnny Umans
Size: 805 m²


The renovation and extension of the funeral home Ceulemans is an answer to its unique location right next to the cemetery of Sint-Katelijne-Waver. The funeral home serves as a catalyst between the cemetery, the parking lot and the street. The building, made of green-gray brick, is due to its serene appearance an externalization of the nearby cemetery. The entrance of the building is a covered outdoor space that the parking lot as a public space connects with the auditorium via the patio with a water feature. A circulation space is created around the water, a symbol for tranquility and reflection. The large doors that lead to the different rooms are covered with stone strips, blending them into the walls. One of the doors lead to the auditorium where the farewell ceremonies are held. The elongated skylight at the front of the room allows the diffuse light to enter, creating a serene atmosphere.

Above the funeral room on the street side, a volume has been added with three apartments. The combination of a funeral home and living units is not evident, but the subtle design and the private atmosphere of the building make it work. Each apartment has a terrace that is incorporated into the volume. The terraces are open at the top and are surrounded by walls with masonry in claustra that creates light and openness in a private environment.

 

Above the funeral room on the street side, a volume has been added with three apartments. The combination of a funeral home and living units is not evident, but the subtle design and the private atmosphere of the building make it work. Each apartment has a terrace that is incorporated into the volume. The terraces are open at the top and are surrounded by walls with masonry in claustra that creates light and openness in a private environment.