Boompjes 55 3011 XB Rotterdam, NL T +31 (0) 10 206 00 00 F +31 (0) 10 206 00 01 E: press@ckr.nl www.clausenkaan.nl
For immediate release / Aalst Crematorium to be built by Claus en Kaan Dutch architects Claus en Kaan have unveiled plans for a crematorium that is to be built in the marshy pastures of Aalst, Oost Vlaanderen, mid-way between Brussels and Gent in Belgium. The serene scenery sets a quiet and calming background for the intense and retrospective moment of cremation. This serenity has been carefully transposed into the ostensibly modest design that puts emphasis on natural light and varying textures in which neutral and intelligible spaces are organized to comfort guests of varying cultures. The cohesive relationship between the building and the nature surrounding it is essential. Interior spaces are strategically orientated within the landscape to create enclosed patios blurring the distinction between interior and exterior. The seamless relationship between the building and the environment alleviates the threshold from impending solemnity. “we wanted the design to fold around the landscape, that its calm appeases right to the core of the building” explains Vincent Panhuysen, partner and project leader. The clear structure is key to the design. Distinct paths for the public, the staff and the expedition are crucial as the three should not cross. The linear and rhythmic plan alternating patios, open courtyards and glass walls is softened in the curved celling of the chapel, bringing warmth and intimacy. The social, environmental and economic factors are balanced through the integrated ecology of the project. Sustainability is the backbone of the design, through carefully thought out orientation, the use of renewable and low carbon impact materials, state of the art heat recovery systems, zero-energy consumption is achieved.
Aalst Crematorium Program: Crematorium / Chapel Location: Siesegemkouter, Aalst (BE) Client: Intercommunale Westlede Architect: Claus en Kaan, Rotterdam, The Netherlandst Claus en Kaan Project Team Timo Cardol, Sebastian van Damme, Ana Rivero Esteban, Paolo Faleschini, Svenn Jansse, Kees Kaan, Marco Lanaa, Exequiel Mulder, Vincent Panhuysen Erik Dhont Tuin – Landscape Architecture Project Team Erik Dhont Design 2012 Completion end 2015 Building costs 5.000.000 € ex. VAT Gross Floor Area 4400 m²
Claus en Kaan Architecten provides architecture, interior design, restoration and urban design in both national and international projects. Special skills are available in research, development and communication of urban strategies in complex contexts and multiple interests. Fine buildings are the result of a continuous design process throughout the execution of the project, in which client and architect work together in achieving best value and architectural quality. Building encompasses involvement in the concept and design stage, through planning, to construction and completion of the project. Our expertise is based upon a solid foundation of budget, process and programme control, and an intensive dialogue with the city, the client, consultants, contractors and end users. Claus en Kaan Architecten is fascinated by this process of building practice. To understand, master and challenge building in all contexts forms the essence of our attitude towards projects. An attitude that leads not to a specific style of architecture, but definitely to an architecture which can be identified as that of Claus en Kaan Architecten For further information on the Aalst Crematorium or any other of our projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us at press@ckr.nl.
_02_landscape view
_06_model
_05_site plan
_07_enclosed patio
_11_connection to landscape
_09_enclosed garden
_03_ground plan
_10_cremation space
_08_circulation
_12_chapel
_04_section - view on the curved chapel