Cemetery and Crematorium Essenhof

As early as 1988, EGM designed the distinctive auditorium and crematorium for the municipal – and partly historic – Essenhof Cemetery in Dordrecht. Due to stricter environmental regulations and a lack of space, extensive renovation and new construction were necessary. The Essenhof Masterplan demonstrated that the 26-year-old building already had so much potential that it could be brought up to date relatively easily. This ensures it can seamlessly accommodate the significantly increased number of 1,500 funerals per year.

To fully comply with updated guidelines and regulations, the crematorium within the existing white main building had to be completely overhauled. There was also a need for a new, sustainable public office. The comprehensive masterplan addressed multiple challenges, allowing Essenhof to better respond to the growing number of funerals and the increasing variety of services required. Additionally, the renovation and expansion provide sufficient space for the growing organisation and the desired level of service.

Renovation and expansion of the existing building

The striking white, circular main building was renovated internally and extended with a new crematorium. More space was created to accommodate bereaved families, along with the addition of a separate sound and control room and a designated area for funeral directors. The number of workspaces for staff was also increased. At the heart of the building lies a circular patio featuring a pond and a rock garden. The high, light-filled auditorium exudes tranquillity and respect. The quality and appearance of the surrounding greenery – with beautiful ash trees – were also enhanced.

EGM demonstrated their deep understanding of funeral processes. It is fantastic how much we have achieved while staying true to the original concept of the building

Pauline Harmsen, Director of Essenhof

Improved public services with the new public office

The new building, in particular, enables Essenhof to enhance its public services. The sustainable public office is a separate building – shaped like a plectrum – located at the main entrance on Nassauweg. Visitors, bereaved families, and other stakeholders can come here for information, grave allocation, ash disposition following cremation, and administrative matters. The building also features representative reception and meeting rooms. By separating funeral operations and public services into two distinct buildings, each function gained more space, bringing clarity and organisation to the design – benefiting both staff and visitors.

New construction harmonises with its surroundings

The public office has a simple yet welcoming appearance. It is unobtrusive and offers a warm reception. The use of untreated wooden slats – both inside and outside – gives the building a rustic look that blends well with its historic surroundings. The large, floating sedum roof defines the site, while the seamless transition from exterior to interior creates a balanced and serene atmosphere. Visually, the new construction forms a cohesive whole with the renovated existing building. The newly designed entrance gate naturally leads visitors towards the public office’s entrance.

With its design, EGM has brought calm and order, both for staff and visitors

Pauline Harmsen, Director of Essenhof

Design enables a carbon-neutral cemetery

The masterplan also provided Essenhof with the opportunity to improve its sustainability. As a result, the cemetery now features a new environmental installation that captures residual heat from the cremation ovens and stores it as hot water. This hot water is then used to heat the buildings. Additionally, the floors, façades, and roof were designed and constructed to achieve an Rc-value of 0.5. As a result, the cemetery is entirely energy-neutral.

Awards

Wood Award 2012 – Nomination