The columbarium is designed to create a peaceful space for remembrance and reflection. It blends with the natural surroundings, located within a forest that invites a sense of calm. The concept revolves around connecting visitors to nature while providing a thoughtful layout that enhances their experience. The structure meets the needs of those seeking solace, offering an environment where silence can be felt and appreciated.

Concept and Layout

The design incorporates circular forms that guide visitors through interconnected spaces. A gently slanted entrance invites people in, reducing the feeling of formality. This thoughtful entry encourages movement through areas that lead to views of the sky and trees. Each opening helps to strengthen the bond between the interior and the natural world outside.

Cultural Inspiration and Form

The design draws on Latvia's historical geometric patterns, using the Austra's Tree as a central reference. The pitched shapes symbolize different time periods—past, present, and future. This cultural connection allows the building to become part of the landscape while minimizing its visual footprint. The massing of the structure is designed to blend with the trees, ensuring it remains unobtrusive.

Materiality

Materials play an important role in the overall experience. Recycled red bricks provide warmth to the starkness of concrete, drawing from traditional Baltic architecture. The interplay of these materials creates a human touch, making the environment approachable yet respectful of its purpose. Additionally, inground niches feature a mirrored element set against granite, reflecting the sky and offering visitors a sense of peace.

Sustainability Features

Sustainable design is woven throughout, with openness to the sky allowing for natural ventilation and rainwater collection. Softscape elements help manage water runoff and support a greywater recycling system. These environmentally friendly features show a commitment to ecological sensitivity while honoring the importance of memory and reflection within the setting.

The interior includes an inground niche that beautifully mirrors the sky, symbolizing the transition of those who have passed. This design detail connects the structure to its environment, resulting in a deeply meaningful experience for visitors as they move through the space.