In early 2017, the council of the merged municipality of Houthalen-Helchteren launched a competition for the design of a sheltered farewell area at the cemeteries in both Houthalen and Helchteren. Architect Hans Maes responded with an exquisitely crafted steel structure that reduces shelter to its very essence, in order to maximise the focus on the experience. The two pavilions have been in use since this summer.

The tight budget for the farewell space was fixed from the outset and called for a simple design. Hans Maes limited himself to constructing a roof, two walls and ten columns. He detailed and positioned these essential elements with such precision that all additional elements that might distract attention, such as supporting beams and gutters, were rendered superfluous. ‘A space sheltered from wind and rain could, of course, simply be a bus shelter, but a farewell ceremony does call for a certain symbolism and experiential value,’ he says.