The new Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre will be built within the campus of the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The new centre will have two wings, with one housing counselling rooms and a large living room space, while the other leads to the all-important kettle and kitchen table. The two wings will be built around a courtyard, while the entire scheme will be enclosed by a vibrant landscape.
The building will also have a central library, which will be connected to the mezzanine level by means of stairs. It will be covered by an angled roof covered in photovoltaic panels. The mezzanine leads out onto the flat landscaped roof, screened by planting. The courtyard will be accessible from both the kitchen and large meeting room. The building will also incorporate a small pavilion, which will serve as an outdoor place for conversation.
The roof and landscape will be fully accessible, which will offer a sense of ownership to the patients. The design layout of the centre has a domestic feel. The facility will offer opportunities for gardening, barbecuing, hedge clipping, and outdoor games and gym to the residents.
The project will incorporate several green features, based on which BREEAM Excellent rating is being aspired for the scheme. Work is scheduled to commence in June 2012 and is expected to complete by early 2013.
