Oxted Crematorium

LA Architects have designed a new crematorium near Oxted in Surrey for Horizon Cremations, shaped by the site’s unique characteristics and constraints. The land, though within the Green Belt, is ecologically poor, consisting of open grazing fields enclosed by highways. The proposal seeks to transform the site into a high-quality, sustainable facility that enhances the visitor experience while supporting biodiversity and local wildlife.

The landscape strategy integrates the building into a restored environment of woodlands, meadows, memorial gardens, and wetlands. This approach ensures both privacy and intimacy for visitors while allowing much of the site to re-wild naturally with native flora and fauna.

Architecturally, the crematorium is designed as a small cluster of timber buildings with green roofs, inspired by traditional farmsteads. The use of natural, sustainable materials allows the structures to age gracefully within the landscape.

Client − Horizon Cremation
Location − Oxted
Status − Ongoing
Planning Consultant − Mary Davidson Associates
Structural Engineer − Grossart Associates
Landscape − erz
Ecology − Ecology Solutions
Project Manager − Gordon Smith
Quantity Surveyor − Ailsa-TH

Site Plan. The site is heavily replanted and rewilded to support wildlife, while giving privacy to the building.

Building Diagram. The buildings are set out to provide a clear and choreographed route, with each space tailored to enhance visitor experience and the celebration of life.

Ground Floor Plan. Each of the 3 buildings house a different function, Welcome and waiting areas, celebration and ceremony, administration and back of house facilities.

Roof Plan. Green roofs provide separation between the 3 timber clad forms, reduce the perceived massing and provide opportunities for wildlife within the built form.

Building Elevations. The building appears as simple larch clad buildings, the forms derived to respond to each space requirements of celebration, intimacy or supporting function.

Building Elevations. Large picture windows puncture the timber buildings providing natural light and views to the landscape.

Cortege approach. The series of views shows the visitor route through the building. This view shows the first impressions visitors will get of the facility.

Welcome Hall and Courtyard. The point of entry, it is a simple space where the hall, facing south and filled with light, rises up and opens to welcome the visitor in.

Central Courtyard. An intimate and personal space linking the 2 visitor buildings, it is simple and peaceful, and where the cortege and coffin will arrive.

The Ceremony Hall. The form rises from a quiet entrance into a celebration of light and sky. It is a private view only to be experienced from the inside. The interior will be lined with acoustic timber, reflecting the exterior and providing a sense of unity to the entire architectural composition.

Service Yard and Offices. A view that will only be seen by staff and visitors making their arrangements. The building form is distinctly different to the main halls and reflects a rural architecture of farmhouses and respond to the spatial requirements of the Cremator Hall and Offices.