The architectural intervention designed by Sónia Lopes da Cruz for the wake space is a thoughtful response to both the functional needs of a mortuary and the broader goal of harmonizing a disjointed and disqualified area. Positioned at the entrance of the cemetery, the mortuary is intended not only as an independent facility but as a key element in reorganizing the spatial relationships between the cemetery and the parish churchyard.
The site analysis identified several challenges: a disjointed pedestrian access system, poor material cohesion, and unqualified existing structures like the cemetery boundary, oratory, and ancillary buildings. In addition, the project addresses issues such as the degraded public facilities, the lack of support areas for cemetery workers, and the established customs and traditions of the community. These observations informed a design that aims to unify the area while respecting the site’s physical and cultural context.
The mortuary is strategically placed next to the cemetery’s main entrance, aligning the building with the west side to create a new focal point that detracts from the less appealing back façades of the funeral chapels. This alignment also bridges the visual and physical connection between the cemetery and the churchyard, reinforcing a sense of cohesion. On the south side, the mortuary respects the existing alignments within the cemetery, ensuring continuity with the front of the funeral chapels.
The building’s architectural form is defined by a horizontal visor on its flat roof, which not only emphasizes the cemetery’s orthogonal alignments but also serves as a functional element by providing shelter at the entrance. This roof element articulates with a fence wall on the east side, which incorporates benches on both the internal and external sides of the cemetery, contributing to a comfortable space for visitors.
The intervention respects the cemetery’s existing structures by avoiding physical contact between the new and pre-existing buildings, using the voids between them as transitional elements. The design employs a minimalist architectural language, deliberately distinct from the traditional funeral chapels, with simple materials and sober lines. The exterior is clad in polished concrete grey plaster, chosen to blend seamlessly with the surrounding pavement, creating an unobtrusive presence within the cemetery. Openings feature dark anthracite aluminum frames, and the gate is constructed from metalwork of the same color, designed to be recessed and hidden when open.
Inside, the program is pragmatic and functional, with independent access from the cemetery. It includes a viewing room that opens to a garden space on the west side, offering a peaceful backdrop for the coffin during wakes. Additional facilities include a toilet, a storage room, and a separate service area for the cemetery worker, complete with storage and a sanitary installation.
This intervention by Sónia Lopes da Cruz exemplifies a sensitive, understated approach that respects both the existing architecture and the emotional significance of the site, creating a dignified and harmonious space for the community.
Fact Sheet
Project name: Casa Mortuária de Oliveirinha

Firm Name: Sónia Lopes da Cruz – Arquitectura
Architect Name: Sónia Cruz

Location: Oliveirinha, Aveiro, Portugal

Size: 220m2

Photo Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio
