In 2023, TEKTUM unveiled the Lutheran Mortuary Chapel, situated within the historical Házsongárd cemetery in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Spanning an area of 317 square meters, this small yet significant building serves as a mortuary chapel for the church while also housing offices for the Házsongárdi Association, an NGO dedicated to preserving the cemetery’s heritage.
Contextual Significance
Located in the Lutheran section of the Házsongárd cemetery, established in the 16th century near the medieval city center of Cluj, the chapel occupies a site rich in historical and cultural significance. Commissioned by the church, the building stands as a testament to the area’s heritage and serves as a hub for both religious and community activities.
Architectural Intervention
Given the dilapidated state of the existing building, a decision was made to partially replace it while preserving its classicist façade, as per the Zonal Monuments Commission’s request. The new structure, shaped by site constraints and the need for additional functions, emerges as a stone cleaved by cutting planes, reminiscent of 19th-century monumental tombs. The belfry, extending over the original gabled wall, adds to the building’s dramatic silhouette.
Design Elements
Clad in matte red brick, the chapel’s façade complements the surrounding tombstones, creating a harmonious interplay of textures and colors. The simplicity of the exterior is juxtaposed with the exposed concrete interior, creating a stark yet elegant contrast. The building’s interior-exterior boundary blurs seamlessly, especially with the sliding steel door that opens to expand the ceremonial space onto the front patio.
Functional Integration
The chapel’s east-west orientation allows natural light to penetrate through the upper glazing of the tower, casting a serene ambiance during funeral masses. A winding staircase leads to office spaces on the second floor, offering a discreet retreat for administrative activities while maintaining a connection to the surroundings through the red brick lattice. The cantilevered fold of the roof covers the concrete steps leading to the columbarium, emphasizing the building’s functional versatility.
Conclusion
The Lutheran Mortuary Chapel by TEKTUM stands as a testament to the seamless integration of heritage preservation and modern functionality. Through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, the chapel not only honors the historical legacy of the Házsongárd cemetery but also serves as a beacon of hope and reverence for generations to come.
