Lilla servicehuset på kyrkogården

Cemeteries possess a special atmosphere that many renowned architects have approached with reverence throughout history. When something is to be built on such sensitive ground, it requires instinct and attentiveness. This applies whether the intention is to erect a chapel with world-heritage potential or, in this context, a perhaps more worldly but nonetheless essential toilet.

A discreet guide with the small service building

Tengbom was commissioned by Kalmar pastorat to design a service building for the northern burial ground. The result is an outwardly modest structure in brick and timber that accommodates several functions. In addition to the mentioned WC, it includes an information board, a storage area for gardening tools, and a space for tending plants brought to the graves. Positioned at one of the cemetery’s entrances, it is intended to act as a gathering point towards and from which visitors can orient themselves. With its sharp angles it remains clearly visible in the landscape, while the colours and materials correspond both with the natural surroundings and the adjacent buildings.

“Much of the answer to how this building should be shaped is already found in the environment and in the existing structures. The interesting part is how it relates to its context,” says lead architect Johan Kjellnäs. Johan completed the project in collaboration with landscape architects.

“It is both an honour and a challenge to work within a cemetery environment. One is able to express a deeper dimension in buildings than in other contexts.”

Johan Kjellnäs, lead architect

Context with quality

Much of the architectural expression takes its cue from the recently extended crematorium. Timber and vertical slats play a key role there — elements that also define the service building. The rendered brick at the centre of the building reflects a nearby staff facility. Meanwhile, the colour palette draws directly from the surrounding pine forest.

“The most enjoyable aspect is simply being able to work in this environment at all. Both older and newer buildings are of high quality. We applied a long-term perspective to all buildings here,” says a visibly enthusiastic Johan Kjellnäs.

Energy from above

The solar panels on the sloping metal roof, which power the electricity in the small service building and also manage any surplus, are another example of long-term and sustainable thinking. The plan is for the entire pastorate to use the building as a model for constructing several similar facilities. It has been noted that many refrain from visiting cemeteries precisely because of the common lack of a toilet. This is now one concern fewer for visitors to the northern cemetery in Kalmar. And, they also have something beautiful to look at should there be a queue.