New-build crematorium on a circa 3‑hectare Grey Belt site in Cheshire comprises a single‑storey crematorium building integrated into a newly created woodland setting, including a 128-seat ceremonial room, cremation room with witnessed cremation viewing gallery, family room, waiting and reception spaces, memorial gardens, eco garden, woodland walks, service yard and screened car parking. The building is deliberately low‑profile, partially earth‑sheltered and set within a landscaped glade, using green living roofs and bermed forms to minimise visual impact and achieve sensitive integration with the surrounding landscape and adjacent woodland.
The design prioritises dignity, calm and privacy, with a clear hierarchy of public, semi‑public and private spaces and a one‑way circulation strategy to enhance the experience of mourners and operational efficiency between services. The chapel is orientated to the west, framing controlled views into woodland planting and reinforcing a strong connection to nature. The layout and facilities accommodate a wide diversity of cultural and religious practices, including Sikh and Hindu witnessed cremations.
The scheme incorporates a robust sustainability strategy, including fabric‑first design, extensive green roofs, biodiversity net gain, integrated SuDS, heat recovery from cremator abatement plant, heat pump technology, PV provision, EV charging infrastructure and long‑term landscape management secured through a LEMP.
