St Thomas More Columbarium | Simon Pendal Architect

Three limestone towers, open to the sky are held by a tear-drop shaped brick pavement, set amongst existing trees in a new, expanded garden. When designing the new Columbarium, we looked to its origins, their role in collective internment, dignity, and their atunement to the otherworldly, the sky, weather, time and season.   The towers hold the central space. The entrance of each tower centred upon its own tree.

The niches are arranged as octagonal-shaped rooms. In the Catholic tradition the octagon symbolises resurrection, new beginnings, and eternal life.

A pentagonal shaped seat made from solid hardwood sits at the centre of each tower. In the Catholic tradition the pentagon represents the five wounds of Christ.

The trees in the garden are of two types – Peppermint and Almond. Peppermint trees (Wanil in Whadjuk culture) are important for ceremony and habitat. In the Catholic tradition almond trees symbolise divine favour.