A valuable piece of community infrastructure, the Bunurong Memorial Park development transformed a traditional cemetery into a contemporary memorial park that integrates the Australian landscape. Expertly designed by BVN Architecture to celebrate life, the central precinct is a community hub with a playground, water features, display gardens, a cafe and celebration spaces.

Delivered in two stages, the transformation of the spacious grounds spanning 11 hectares includes a network of Australian gardens, designed for reflection. A focus on natural elements communicates the function of the park in a way that is appropriate for diversity of cultural and religious traditions. Unique to the project is a precinct wide integrated water strategy for long term sustainability of over 80,000 individual native plants.

Designed to celebrate life, the central precinct is a community hub with playgrounds, water features, display gardens, a cafe and celebration spaces

This unique project reimagines the cemetery experience, with a unique glass facade spanning 22 metres and weighing 7.5 tonnes. Three curved glass panes form a floor to ceiling window – raised and lowered by synchronised electric actuators for peaceful operation. The cantilevered chapel offers guests open air access to the lake and surrounding environment and protection from the elements when necessary. This flexibility in design provides a unique facility capable of housing functions irrespective of weather conditions.