Competition proposal for a mortuary
Day by day
A farewell is often a delicate moment. How can architecture support and frame the dignity it requires? In our competition proposal for the mortuary at Markaryd Church, we let architecture and landscape intertwine. Inspired by nature and the church’s design, we proposed a building that becomes a natural part of its surroundings — calm, respectful, and timeless in its expression.
The selected site is a key part of the proposal. Here, oak and pine meet, open grasslands transition into the forest, and the gently sloping land leads down to the lake. We drew from the site’s natural layers and existing landscape elements—such as stone walls and circular gathering places—to design a building that both embraces what is already there and enhances the character of the place.
Robust and timeless architecture that resonates
The building is carefully placed to maintain its connection to the viewing house while establishing its own identity. 
A subdued material palette of concrete, wood, and zinc conveys a sense of permanence and warmth. The cast-in-place concrete, with exposed aggregate, creates a living surface where shadows shift across the façade throughout the day. Vertical wooden panels in heat-treated pine provide a soft contrast to the concrete, while the sedum roof and solar panels add sustainable qualities.
A place to meet and say goodbye
The building was designed to provide clear yet discreet guidance through its spaces. Visitors arrive via a tranquil walkway and are welcomed by a distinct entrance with an arched canopy that conveys a sense of security and presence. The farewell room has sacral qualities, with generous daylight filtering through curtains, wooden walls, and granite flooring. An intimate outdoor space offers visitors the opportunity to say their goodbyes embraced by nature, with a view extending towards the lush forest and the lake.
“Help me then to rest securely and calmly, relying solely on Your promises, dear Lord. Let me neither lose my faith nor the comfort preserved for me in Your Word. Help me, Lord, to accept whatever comes from Your faithful fatherly hand, day by day, one moment at a time, until I reach the promised land.”
Psalm 249, Verse 3, Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Sustainability and longevity
By working with prefabricated concrete elements, we aimed to ensure high precision and a shorter construction time. At the same time, the structure provides good insulation and a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. We optimized the roof drainage at three points to simplify upkeep. We also integrated a smart solar panel system that supports a long-term sustainable energy supply.
A project we are proud of
Even though our proposal did not win the competition, we see it as an important and beautiful project worth highlighting. We show our ambition to create architecture that is deeply rooted in its site through a respectful and well-thought-out design. A design where every detail contributes to the whole, always considering the budget and constraints in place. Markaryd Church deserves a new mortuary building that honors the significance of farewells with care. We are proud to have had the opportunity to contribute our thoughts and ideas. Congratulations to SESAM Arkitekter for winning the competition!
