Waikanae Funeral Home
By Gil-Plans Architecture
Project brief
An existing industrial building was purchased and the brief was to convert it to a contemporary commercial building. The clients required a significant conversion from which to operate their funeral home business. They requested a contemporary and uplifting building in contrast to typical lifeless funeral homes many of us are accustomed to. They wanted a place to celebrate not commiserate and believed a building was the start point for this.
The brief entailed glass, modern forms and softening through material selection to provide comfort over starkness. They required a large but warm chapel, reception lounge, office spaces, mortuary, various meeting rooms, amenities, large garaging, and good thoughtful planning for circulation.
Design features and creative solutions
Removal of the existing building street facades was required to eliminate the aspects of the existing industrial building and new additions were constructed to the South and West sides to accommodate the required spaces. Two entries were formed to the public spaces, one for the office/reception areas and one for the chapel/service areas. This was to provide a clear distinction between services and meetings with clients etc. A new glazed hallway lined with cedar battens connects the offices with the chapel for showings to clients and day-to-day circulation.
Entry to the chapel is via a new spacious and light glazed foyer, the reception lounge is also located off the foyer connecting the two spaces for joint use. Materials from the exterior flow through to the interiors for a cohesive overall finish.
The new exterior has strong bold forms bordered with dark panelling and inset with golden cedar to create a warm contrasting palette. The featured vertical cedar battens create partial privacy and shading to the street and car parking areas. New parapets have been constructed to screen the existing building roof lines and are clad with cost-effective steel cladding. A cross-shaped window was used on the street facade as both an architectural feature and also playing on the symbolism of religion, backlit at night it is a striking symbol of the building's use.
Builder - Mulholland Construction
Engineer - Base Consulting
Interior Designers - Colour Options
Professionals used in
Waikanae Funeral Home
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Gil-Plans Architecture
About the
Professional
Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast-based architectural practice specialising in residential and light commercial projects “We strive to deliver projects that are purposeful, sympathetically integrate within their setting and touch lightly on the landscape.”
Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast based boutique architectural practice operating since 2004. Since its inception Gil-plans has completed many local and national projects to great success, winning numerous regional and national ADNZ design awards. Extensive research is undertaken on all projects, with a focus on delivering well considered, sensitive and sustainable design solutions. All projects, large and small, are approached with the same passion and integrity ensuring outstanding outcomes are delivered. Combining their wealth of knowledge and resources, Gil-plans Architecture takes pride in precise and detailed documentation, achieved through meticulous work within their talented and multi-disciplinary team.
Ben Gilpin - Lead Designer and Director of Gil-plans Architecture. (Dip Arch Technology, ADNZ professional member)
Ben has a true passion for architecture and prides himself on a rigorous approach to design. Ben strongly believes great architecture is uplifting and enjoys working closely with clients as a collaborative to deliver on their specific requirements. Ben focuses on understanding the clients brief and analysing the sites context to ensure great design solutions are delivered specific to each and every site. True to the principal that form follows function Ben applies both considerations from the outset to ensure the design first meet the functional requirements of a client’s brief, but also that the design has a well-considered, balanced and striking form.
From working in construction prior to pursuing his design career Ben ensures practical knowledge is applied to all projects providing cost effective design focused solutions.
Andrew Simpson - Designer and Associate at Gil-plans Architecture, Director of WireDog Architecture (BArch, ADNZ professional Member)
Andrew grew up on the Kapiti Coast and is a member of the Gil-plans design team. He was previously the director of WireDog Architecture, a multi-award winning practice based in Waikanae. Andrew was the winner of the ADNZ Supreme Award in 2019.
Andrew prides himself on a rigorous approach to design, focussing on the responsibility of architectural design to both the clients, the site and the long term impacts of construction. Architecture should not just aim to minimise long term impacts but be restorative. Andrew’s has held previous roles in leading architectural practices such as Parsonson Architects and Jasmax.
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