Oberriet cemetery in Switzerland by Tom Munz GmbH

Article source: Tom Munz GmbH, St.Gallen 

Initial situation

The cemetery building no longer satisfied the requirements for interfaith use. The perimeter of the new hall for public viewings and funeral services was limited by existing areas for graves and urns, and demanded a sacral interpretation together with a suitable atmosphere.

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

• Architects: Tom Munz GmbH
• Project: Oberriet cemetery
• Location: Oberriet, Switzerland
• Photography: Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen
• Construction management: Eggel & Partner AG, St.Gallen
• Construction engineers: Bänziger Partner AG, Oberriet
• Building physicist: Studer + Strauss AG, St.Gallen
• Landscape architect: Alge Landschaftsarchitekten, Widnau

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

• Construction costs: 1.2 million
• Site area: 5490 m2
• Developed area: 287 m2
• Floor area: 287 m2
• Building volume: 1302 m3
• Project phases: Competition 2014
• Planning and implementation: 2015–2016

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Concept

The new location of the building in the southwest corner of the parcel strengthens the spatial relationship to the chapel and its perception within the complex. The power and significance of the number 3 constitutes the basis of the conceptual approach. The vertical and horizontal design of the new building, consisting of three elements, is also rigorously applied in its materialization.

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Implementation

Acting as connecting elements between heaven and earth, the base and roof are designed with a smooth formwork surface. Granulated concrete façades stretch between them. The external materiality creates a connection to the interior, and guides visitors. The public viewing rooms

create a dialectical break from the external experience. The warm, natural character of the wood and the new dimensions and proportions create a dense and intimate atmosphere.

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Ladina Bischof and St.Gallen

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Image Courtesy © Tom Munz GmbH

Tags: Oberriet, Switzerland

Categories: Cemetery, Hall, public spaces

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