Project Description

Lee Elena Funeral Home

The Funeral Home industry has long been an unchanging business in function and building design. The uncomfortable nature of gathering in the presence of the deceased, multi-use hallways, lack of private retreat space for grieving families, and outdated audio and video technology summarize the issues the client wanted to solve in building their funeral home.

The setting for the prairie-style building design allowed the arrangement of spaces, a transition from public to private, to be accomplished both inside and out. The building stretches across the full width of the site, becoming the interface between the public frontage and the private, natural woodland areas. The privacy of the reception suites and outdoor patios provide a place of refuge for families during visitations as well as for wake gatherings.

Primary consideration was given to meeting as many needs as possible of a grieving family by providing services in addition to those of a traditional funeral home. These features include a series of semi-private and private gathering areas, a large chapel equipped with the latest in video and audio technology, a warming kitchen that allows family meals to be catered, gourmet beverage services, wireless internet, outdoor patio areas, and a play area for children. The warm, earth-tone color palette and casual craftsman style furnishings create an atmosphere of welcoming comfort and make a bold departure from traditional funeral home interiors. The Lee-Ellena Funeral Home encourages the celebration of life with an environment promoting community, private grieving, comfort, and remembrance.

 

Project Data

PROJECT TYPE: Commercial Business Use Group – A-3 Assembly

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Design, Construction Documents, and Construction Observation

PROJECT STATUS: Completed Spring 2008