Lea Fields Crematorium

The design brief was for a light-coloured Scandinavian feel – reflected by the choice of ash as the timber, finished with a very low sheen, tinted lacquer. Detailed furniture designs were produced to illustrate the proportions of the horizontal panels. Using a repeating pattern of different size ash strips applied as the panels, a subtle landscape of timber texture was produced. This was to coordinate with the architect’s ash cladding to the committal area of the chapel. To show how the committal curtains, voiles and upholstery would tone with the interior architecture, Treske produced mood boards and samples.

Working with the main contractor Willmott Dixon was essential for the timing of the crematoria furniture installation. The catafalque design was integrated to the committal access with Treske scribing the top of the catafalque to create an uninterrupted sill to enable smooth passage of coffins.

The installation of the recessed electric curtain and voile tracks was phased so Willmott Dixon could fix the ash cladding to conceal the tracks whilst the curtains were manufactured prior to fitting at the end of the project.

The chapel seats 124 people on HOWE 40/4 chairs with grey upholstered seats and made with plastic backs for practicality and a simple look. The HOWE 40/4 was chosen for its comfort and flexibility and can be stacked and moved easily. The chairs were spaced and linked by HOWE book holders that fit neatly to the side of the chairs.

Treske designed two pairs of bespoke frontals to fit each side of the aisle. The design matched that of the HOWE chairs, with curved chrome steel frame and modesty panels in light ash set below a solid ash reader shelf. Each frontal is 1.5m long and can be easily moved.

The coordinating suite of crematoria furniture includes a bariatric catafalque, lectern and console table. Freestanding furniture includes an ash cross to stand on the console table, clock and flower stands.

The rise and fall lectern height is easily adjustable, making the lectern suitable for different sizes of people and also enabling wheelchair access. Treske worked with Obitus of Sheffield on the installation of the audio visual and curtain controls that are operated from the lectern reader.

In the family room is a fitted display wall cabinet within which urns and memorial examples and information can be displayed. The room was completed with HOWE chairs and a Treske ash table.

The memorial bookcase was made for the Memorial room as a freestanding display case over a storage cupboard, this has the same ash slatting as the other pieces of crematorium furniture.

Photographs courtesy of West Lindsey District Council.