RFS Engineering provided MEP/FP and civil engineering, and AV/IT consulting for the renovation and addition at the historic 1845 Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn cemetery. Bigelow Chapel was the first major building at the cemetery, which was founded in 1831 and designated a national historic landmark in 2003. A primary goal for the project was to create a peaceful setting where families can be present at the start of the cremation; a particularly important aspect for Hindu and Buddhist practices.
The 10,400 SF project included the addition of a multi-use event space; accessibility upgrades, and a more energy efficient crematory. A modern, U-shaped glass addition wraps around the east side of the chapel, providing gathering space and a panoramic view of the cemetery’s landscape.
RFS respectfully integrated modern life safety, HVAC, and lighting into the 120-year-old chapel. The building services for the family center are fed from a crawl space below to allow for uninterrupted views of the world-famous cemetery grounds from the glass addition.
Recognition
AIA, Interior Architecture Honor Award
AIA-NE, Design Excellence Honor Award
Architect’s Newspaper, “Best Of” Design Institutional Religious Award (Honorable Mention)
Architect’s Newspaper, “Best Of” Design Restoration and Preservation Award (Honorable Mention)
BSA, Design Excellence Award
BSA, Interior Architecture/Interior Design Merit Award
Faith & Form Magazine & IFRAA, Religious Architecture Renovation Award
IES Boston, Illumination Merit Award for Interior Lighting Design
Preservation Massachusetts, Frederick Law Olmstead Award
Victorian Society of America, New England Chapter, Preservation Award
Services
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire Protection
Civil
Technology
Commissioning
Metrics
10,400 sf
Architect
William Rawn
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