The experience begins at the entrance where a sinuous elevated pathway meanders over the landscape and through the trees, transporting visitors from the carpark through the tranquil native park, to the central Gathering Place.
The masterplan has three pillars: world-class architecture, leading edge sustainability measures and innovative ways for families to honour loved ones. The project's built forms feature recycled, recyclable and natural materials including local stone and timber, and are oriented to optimise the natural light and iconic Australian bush views.
The masterplan features a suite of cutting edge sustainability initiatives aimed at creating a completely "off the grid" facility. Photovoltaic solar panels, integrated rainwater harvesting and reuse, solar hot water heating and an on-site black water system work jointly to position the project at the forefront of eco-friendly development in the cemetery industry.
The Walled Garden separates the meditative bushland surrounds from the central gathering spaces within. Visitors transition to this other world through a dignified entrance and vine-covered passage.
At the heart of the project is the Gathering Place, a thoughtfully conceived multi-purpose facility where celebrations and services are conducted, and friends and relatives can congregate to remember. Visitors can look out over the reflective pond with flowering water lilies, surrounded by picturesque gardens.
Within the Gathering Place are two bright, open spaces designed for ceremonies: one with a capacity of 30-40 visitors and the other capable of holding 180-200 people. The larger space adjoins a lush lawn and walled garden that combine to accommodate larger events.
A stylish café with catering facilities prepares and serves refreshments for events. The café opens out onto a quiet landscaped courtyard that provides picturesque views and moments of peaceful reflection.
Divided from the Gathering Place by a lush green wall lies an oasis with generous paths and shaded seating around a simple meditative pond. Within this garden of flowering trees resides a series of metal poles, with niches designed to house specially designed urns.
The project introduces a suite of contemporary burial and cremation options to the Australian market: low-impact interments limiting the use of harmful embalming chemicals, biodegradable coffins and urns, unobtrusive markers instead of headstones, state-of-the-art electronic mapping technology for locating plots – all in a unique bushland setting.
© Zinnia Group Pty Ltd 2018. Designed by Hoyne.