HGA architects complete the lakewood cemetery mausoleum

HGA architects complete the lakewood cemetery mausoleum
all images courtesy of asla

the lakewood cemetery in minneapolis minnesota is a 143-year-old historic ‘lawn plan’ design recently faced with the challenge of creating a 21st-century commemorative facility to fit in with their revered landscape. american design firms HGA architects and halvorson design partnership collaborated on the new mausoleum to fit within the iconic site adding a new language to the existing structures. using natural materials such as locally sourced granite, marble and wood, the orthogonal forms compliment the south-facing slope on which they are situated. groves of native trees and a habitable green roof that extends the topography undoubtedly ground the design in the historically preserved environment. the structure completes the cluster dating back to 1871, surrounded by the original chapel, mausoleum, and garden crypts around an open green gathering area and reflecting pool. although capable of hosting services of up to 10,000 people, the new building maintains a visually low profile by embedding much of its program into the adjacent hillside. working closely with the landscape architects and implementing advanced storm water collection systems the project refines a poetic contemporary addition to the area with a highly integrated solid-void relationship between site and building.

bird’s eye view of the designed landscaped and harmonious structure

terraced steps leading to the green roofs

water features in the sculpted landscape

(left) view towards the site
(right) reflecting pool leading to the original chapel

site plan

spatial concept diagram

project info:

lead designer: craig c. halvorson, fasla
landscape architect of record: bryan jereb
architect: HGA
civil & structural engineer: HGA
owner’s representative: nelson, tietz & hoye
mausoleum consultant: carrier mausoleums construction
landscape contractors: aloha landscaping, sterling arbor
fountain designer: commercial aquatic engineering
cemetery planning consultant: elizabeth vizza consulting
soil scientist: pine & swallow environmental
general contractor: M.A. mortenson co.