University Hospital Waterford, New Mortuary Building, Ardkeen, Dunmore Rd., Co. Waterford, Ireland

Commencing construction in January 2020, is the new 1,030m2 University Hospital Waterford Mortuary Building, Ardkeen, Waterford, Ireland - designed by C.J. Falconer & Associates.

Replacing an existing key facility on the University Hospital Waterford  campus, the design of the new mortuary building seeks to bridge a building-design of character, with a solemn, comforting, and respectful atmosphere suitable for the different functions, and associated non-denominational end of life processes, which it will house.

In order to create the appropriate environment for the visiting public during sensitive times, the project has been met with a mindful architectural solution by C.J. Falconer & Associates, that simultaneously supports both the clinical and ceremonial operations which are uniquely required to be delivered in parallel within a building of this type. This was developed while being cognisant of producing a design and construction approach which ensures no disruption will be created by the new building's location within the ‘blue-light route’ of a live hospital campus.

In addition to achieving these operational requirements – the design also sought to create an elegant landmark structure, which will be highly visible from the adjacent Waterford City-Centre arterial roadway, and retail/residential area.