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.