In 2001, Beechwood became the home of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. The National Memorial Centre was opened on April 7, 2008 as a multi-faith memorial centre to serve the needs of all those who came to pay their respects.

The site rests on a ledge of rock of the same geological formation and at the same elevation as Parliament Hill, which is seen in the distance. The design seeks to contrast the groundedness of the permanence of its environment, juxtaposed with the transience of nature and the seasons.

Within the context of Beechwood’s 160 acres of stunning landscaping and picturesque rural cemetery roots, the design derives inspiration from the geometry of nature and the nature of geometry meanings for different faiths.

For the circular memorial hall, expressions of branching trees and upswept arms support a central oculus. The light entering from above marks the passage of time as it moves over the interior textures and finishes of stepped wood panels, skeletal framing and rough stone walls.

This complex and expressive nine-sided space is structured around six sets of glulam arches supporting a central arched dome and oculus. A sacred rock, selected from the grounds of Beechwood, anchors the space and provides a focal point.