The Wilkinson Eyre-designed centre is composed of three wings – floating in amongst the trees – emanating from a central welcoming heart of the building, comprising a kitchen, dining table and wood burning stove.
“Our design encapsulates the philosophy and principles on which the Maggie’s Centres are based - the tree house concept maximises the relationship between the internal space and the external landscape offering discreet spaces for relaxation, information and therapy, it will provide a sympathetic and caring retreat, in tune with its surroundings." Chris Wilkinson of Wilkinson Eyre.
The surface materials are largely timber and glass which are intended to give a friendly and familiar appearance in contrast to the usual clinical aesthetic of a hospital. Touchstone Collaborations (formerly Topio) are responsible for designing the landscape around the new Centre.
“The tree house concept maximises the relationship between the internal space and the external landscape offering discreet spaces for relaxation, information and therapy, it will provide a sympathetic and caring retreat, in tune with its surroundings.” Chris Wilkinson from Wilkinson Eyre Architects.
Their approach respects the spirit, ecology and culture of a place and celebrates the role of plants in our lives as habitats, food, medicines and materials. It will replace the existing Maggie’s Oxford temporary building which has provided an interim programme of support for the past eight years.
It is expected the new Centre will be open in 2014 which aims to support the 5,000 people who receive a cancer diagnosis every year in the Thames Valley Cancer Network.