Better Place Forests

Located in a redwood forest set above the Pacific Ocean, the pavilion sits on the crest of a wooded rise, framing a view towards the meadow below and marking the threshold of the visitors’ journey into the forest’s memorial groves. Better Place Forests protects the world’s most beautiful forests by turning them into spreading forests that can never be redeveloped. Memorial trees are available for families to spread the ashes of a loved one in a serene natural setting.

The visitor center is the only building on the 20-acre site including two small meeting rooms, a restroom, and staff room. The exterior of the building is entirely clad in rusting steel and the interior with redwood, creating a building that will last for generations.

Awards:

AIA San Francisco 2020 Architecture Merit Award

Architizer 2021 A+ Awards Finalist

ArchDaily 2021 Building of the Year Nominee

Dezeen Awards 2021 – longlisted

Design Collaboration: Fletcher Studio

Memorial Design: Matsys

Contractor: Empire Contracting

Structural Engineer: Dolmen Consulting Engineers

Photographer: Hewitt Photography

Client: Better Place Forests Company