The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light
The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light

The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light

Juan Carlos Salas' Tanatorium is a clear reference to the cave: "a steriotomic architecture formed by a perforated shell rises from the earth to protect humans when they greet their dead"

Surrounded by a pine forest in a small town, Sala Arquitectura + Diseno's Tanatorium defines a new urban boundary with a monumental architectural character. Public access is on the west side at the end of a pedestrian path from the urban area, leading visitors into a south-facing space

The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light

The concrete cavern is imbued with spirituality: by opening diagonally to the sun, the Tanatorium attracts sunlight into its interior, which, filtered by metal shutters, recreates with its projected contours the sensation of time passing thanks to the cyclical movement of shadows

The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light

The choice of the slit is not only a formal choice, but also contributes to the building's energy performance: it allows sunlight to enter in winter and creates shadows in summer. The main material used in the building is white cement, with the addition of prepainted galvanised corten steel, transparent and translucent glass, ceramic tiles and white finished cast plaster

The emblematic Tanatorium for greeting the dead caressed by a mystical light

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