Maggie’s Centre looks like three planters overflowing with greenery

Maggie’s Centre in Leeds is designed as a group of three large scale planters overflowing with greenery from the rooftop gardens, ground level gardens and masses of indoor plants. This calming refuge was designed by Heatherwick Studio to provide support for people affected by cancer, away from the clinical feel of the adjacent hospital.

Designed with the belief that great design can help people feel better, the building uses natural and tactile materials and combined with it’s organic shape, the eye catching building feels uplifting, calming and welcoming. The gentle curves of the timber structure provide intrigue and a connection to nature, both indoors and out, in every space.

The rooftop garden features native English plants and was inspired by Yorkshire woodlands. Designed by landscape designers Balston Aguis, it was created to encourage visitors to help take care of the 23,000 bulbs and 17,000 plants.

Natural materials are abundant, from the sustainably sourced timber used in the structure, to the cork topped timber tables and woollen room diving curtains. Porous materials such as lime plaster were selected to help maintain the internal humidity of the naturally ventilated building.

Sustainability specs:
– Prefabricated and sustainably sourced spruce timber structure
– Naturally ventilated
– Biophilic design
– Timber used extensively throughout
– Rooftop garden and extensive planting throughout
– Natural materials palette such as lime plaster, cork, timber, woollen fabrics

By only using natural, sustainable materials and immersing the bwlding in thousands of plants, there was a chance for us to make an extraordinary environment capable of inspiring visitors with hope and perseverance during their difficult health journeys.