proposed location of the lakeside memorial garden
aerial view of existing gazebo
aerial view of proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor
approach to the existing gazebo
approach to the proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor
street view of existing gazebo
street view of proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor
existing gazebo entry
proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor entry
interior view of existing gazebo
interior view of proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor
existing gazebo rear view
proposed memorial garden, columbaria, and arbor rear view
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Gate of Heaven Lakeside Memorial
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Private commission
New columbaria, arbor, and memorial garden
Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose
Los Altos, CA
Concept
Irving Gonzales, Jennifer Wichtowski
Hill Associates
For the Lakeside Memorial Gardens, G7A was asked to reuse the cemetery's existing lakeside gazebo and transform it into a pleasant, reflective memorial space.
The existing gazebo featured a heavy roof structure, which made the interior dark, and a solid wall blocked the approach from the street. To ameliorate these issues, we proposed to remove the roof structure and replace it with an arbor structure covered by a translucent panel product. This allowed for ample natural light, and created a shadow pattern that would add beauty and interest to this sacred space. The existing solid wall was re-purposed to house niches as well as a dedication that would greet visitors upon entry into the space.
The street side of the pavilion was ringed with niches while the lake side of the building was left open to maximize the views out towards the lake and the future cross.