St Eriks Memorial Grove
Swinging towards the sky
“I just want to swing my sorrow away,” said a child during the impact assessment we conducted before designing the memorial grove at St Eriks Church in Sollentuna, just outside Stockholm. These words stayed with us as we created a space for reflection and peace.
A room within a room
Nestled in a quiet residential area of Tureberg, St Eriks Church has stood on the crest of a hill overlooking Edsviken since 1927. Surrounded by meadows and offering sweeping views of the water, it is a place rich in history — but until recently, it lacked a burial ground. In collaboration with the Church of Sweden, we changed that by creating a memorial grove.
A place for everyone
The vision for the site was clear. It was to be more than just a final resting place. The church wanted a space that could accommodate ceremonies of all kinds — weddings, funerals, and christenings.
Accessibility was key, as was the decision to keep the space free from religious symbols, making it open to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and ages. A shared space for contemplation and connection.
Designed with children in mind
To understand how children might experience the space, the Church of Sweden conducted an impact assessment, inviting them to share their thoughts and drawings. In one of the interviews, a child simply said, “I just want to swing my sorrow away.” And so, the idea of a swing was born — a secluded place to sit, suspended between sky and water.
Swedish granite and black steel
The design centres around Swedish granite, shaped into strong geometric forms, complemented by black steel. These materials not only blend seamlessly with the historic setting but also mirror the granite elements of the church itself.
A circular stone wall encloses the memorial grove, creating an intimate and sheltered atmosphere. Flowerbeds and seating areas invite visitors to pause, while the view towards the water remains ever-present. From the outside, the structure resembles a fortress — solid and protective.
A raised granite water channel, with a gentle cascading flow, symbolises eternity and the cycle of life
A swing to the heavens
One of the first things you notice upon arrival is the swing. Framed like a gateway to the sky, it becomes a focal point of the site. Sitting on it, legs dangling, the view stretches out over the water. A playful yet profound element in a space of remembrance—one that has also become a popular spot for wedding photos.
More than just design
Our role was not only to design a meaningful and welcoming landscape but also to navigate the complexities of creating a memorial grove in a heritage-protected area. This involved extensive planning, documentation, and applications to regional authorities. From illustrations to formal approvals, we guided the process every step of the way — combining design with project management.
In 2017, Reverend Lasse Svensson officially inaugurated St Eriks Memorial Grove.
