Macquarie Park Cemetery Mausoleum of the Holy Way

The Mausoleum of the Holy Way at Macquarie Park is a tranquil haven, a place of rest and quiet reflection. We believe, when people connect to nature, they are better placed to find inner peace. We have sought to bring together an architectural composition of landscape, sky, built form, materiality, colour and integrated artworks to create a thoughtful, multi-sensory environment that dissolves the threshold between the traditional enclosed Mausoleum and the typical collective discordance of garden crypts. We challenged our design to include: • Solace and Retreat • Familiarity and Memory • Light & Shade • Auditory Peace • Warmth • Connectivity • Rhythm • Aroma and Texture Architecture evolved to promote harmony woven into context. The journey into the Mausoleum is first a forecourt flanked by auditory reflection pools. A soaring skillion roof captures movement from the water, floating over a colonnade and screen that form the gateway; a transition from public space to the sanctuary of remembrance beyond. Passing through and entering into a central Olive Grove, a processional route to the Station of the Cross XII - “The Crucifixion” with colours that thoughtfully acknowledge sorrow. Orientation of the Mausoleum layout generates from this Artwork. The west-east axis of arrival is perpendicular to the south-north Stations of the Cross Walk, where original Linda Klarfield sculptures are integrated into the building, joining the composition in a connective dialogue. The crypts and columbaria have been positioned to radiate out towards the gardens to provide sheltered environments adjacent to the Pools of Reflection. The selected stonework creates unique patterns and movement. Closest to the Lane Cove National Park lies a more quiet, lofty and private vestibule and sanctuary. Contained within the heart of the precinct and symbolically key to the Mausoleum lies Station of the Cross XIII: Jesus is laid to rest - where between death and resurrection, there is loss. At this place Travertine embodies a linen shroud at an entombment opposite the ethereal qualities of blue quartzite. Dappled light is introduced that elevates the composition of wonderful tones and colours, drawing the eye beyond the empty cross. Here we pause, here we rest. From the winning competition entry emerged onerous bushfire constraints. We inverted the planning to create a logical phased masterplan delivering a 20% increase in capacity, and greater choices for interment whilst improving integration with the surrounding landscape. This added to the overwhelmingly convincing business case to support the development. Strategically, we have rejected enclosure, and adopted a sustainability strategy which is about minimising energy use. The Mausoleum produces its own electricity to run independently from the grid – with future capacity. Orientation and overhangs promote natural ventilation, light and shade. Materials are natural and ensure longevity. A combination of three Marbles, Limestone, four Granites and a centre piece of Blue Quartzite are selected for memorialisation. Beyond the stone façade, a significant proportion of the building is structural precast concrete – columns, crypts & roof decks where a Class 2 finish reflects light off varnished concrete soffits.