CREMATORIUM ZAANSTAD
Zaandam, the Netherlands

PC Uitvaart, an Amsterdam based chain of crematoria, is a specialist in handling funerals for every background, religion and culture.
We developed a strategy that repositions their crematoria through a stronger connection to nature, a future-proof sustainability agenda, and a renewed operational model.
We have created a Blueprint for the transformation of their buildings to realise healthy, high-profile buildings for sustainable funerals.
The first location for realisation is Zaanstad.
We developed a strategy that repositions their crematoria through a stronger connection to nature, a future-proof sustainability agenda, and a renewed operational model.
We have created a Blueprint for the transformation of their buildings to realise healthy, high-profile buildings for sustainable funerals.
The first location for realisation is Zaanstad.










We analysed the untapped potential of the existing crematoria. This resulted in a concept that gives a new identity to the outside and inside of the building, connects indoor and outdoor spaces, uses nature as a carrier of the spaces and integrates technology to enable customers to create tailor-made rituals for their loved ones.


Wooden structure and thematic gardens
The main intervention on the outside of the building consists of the addition of a wooden structure around the building and an intensification and thematisation of the landscape adjacent to this wooden structure. The wooden structure is designed to strengthen the connection between inside and outside, to eliminate annoying logistics of multiple traffic streams around and in the building and to create a ritual route from the building to the cremation area and cemetery. This architectural element serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It gives identity to the series of buildings of PC Uitvaart. It also allows multiple entrances on different sides of the building, serves as sun protection and provides a framework for enclosing and theming outdoor gardens and ceremony spaces. This wooden structure enables a seamless transition between the gardens and the interior because the outdoor space can be functionally connected to the indoor space. Facades are opened where they meet the gardens for accessibility and views of the landscape and the changing seasons. For the development of the landscape with the thematic gardens and the indoor greenery, the office has entered into a collaboration with the landscape architecture office Madma from Rotterdam.






Project credits
Project
Crematorium Zaanstad
Client
PC Uitvaart, Amsterdam
Location
Zaanstad, Netherlands
Status
Realisation 2024
Program
2.400m2 Transformation of existing buildings with expansion with circulation area with wooden structure around the building with integrated landscape and thematic gardens. Zaanstad location .
Architectural advice and total engineering
Studio Bouwhaven, Dordrecht
Process and project management
Lanowv, Rotterdam
Contractor
Vellinga Project Realisatie, Zoetermeer
Wooden structure
Woodteq houtconstructies, Holten
Installations
Schouten Techniek, Zwaag
E-Installations
ETAIB Meurs, Wateringen
Installation adviseur
DMP Smart Concepts, den Haag
Interiorbuilder
Keijsers Interiors, Horst
Interiorgreenery
Ten Brinke interieurbeplanting, Zevenaar
Photography
Peter Tijhuis
Design credits
Design
Eline Strijkers, Duzan Doepel with Riekie Brokking, Goda Verikaitė, Casper Aussems, Francisco Monsalve, Niek Immers
Landscapedesign
MADMA urbanism+landscape, Rotterdam
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