Christ Our Light Mausoleum

SWBR designed the new 70,420 GSF Christ Our Light Mausoleum. The three-story building houses 5,400 caskets and 2,000 cremation remains and features a central chapel, capable of accommodating 150 people for services. The primary challenge was to provide a serene, respectful and reflective environment within such a large mausoleum. From the outset, the dominating themes of the building were connection to outside gardens and “light as inspiration”.

Connections to the cemetery grounds were made in all major and minor spaces through the use of wall and floor to ceiling windows. Allowing uninterrupted views of the cemetery, these windows also bring in an abundance of natural light deep into the building. Interior finishes throughout the building reinforce a garden theme. Rich tones of marble, wood, and slate create an elegant and timeless atmosphere that is comforting while also providing an element of class. White Botticino Marble reflects natural and artificial lighting throughout the mausoleum. Alcove wall wash lighting lines the walls of warm white marble to respectfully highlight the names of loved ones who are now at rest.

The soaring space of the central chapel with its wood trusses, wood ceiling and multi-directional clerestory windows has a wonderfully warm and calming effect. The resulting effects of light in the building were so strong that the owner ultimately chose Christ Our Light as the building name.