Dominic Wong
The Cairngorm Terramorial // Cairngorm
This thesis proposes an alternative, sustainable use for the existing Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort in Scotland, at a time when many ski resorts across the world have shut down due to lack of snow and record-high temperatures. The Cairngorm Terramorial is essentially a new crematorium on the mountain – but instead of cremation, the human body is composted (also known as ‘Terramation’), so that our bodies may truly return back to the Earth and give new life. The project puts its main focus on the summit building where the farewell service takes place, and takes advantage of the existing Funicular Railway, hiking trails and the mountaneous terrain to create a unique, spiritual journey for those attending the farewell service. By helping them connect with nature and the mountain on a deeper level, it is hoped that among their grief and sorrow, they may find solace, peace, and a more profound reverence towards nature, for all it can give and equally take away from the world.
The Ascent
Towering over the people at its feet and dimly-illuminated by the clerestory stained glass, the traditional Scottish chambered stone ‘cairn’ is brought into the dark interior to put visitors in a deeper, reflective emotional state, by recreating a strong sense of ‘sublime’, and making people feel dwarfed by the ‘impermanence’ of both our individual lives and the natural world.
The Descent
In stark contrast with the Condolence Hall - of echoing thoughts and emotions, the main farewell service takes place in a simple and quiet chapel with a magnificent view back down on the Earth, helping one find solace and peace amongst their grief and sorrow. The acoustic baffle ceiling - assembled from reclaimed skis found at the resort - not only memorialises the undulating ski slopes that are disappearing from this mountain, but it also carries the spirit of the local Ptarmigan bird - which the original building was named after - as a symbol of ‘hope’.