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A design by Dow Jones Architects for a new Maggie's Centre in Wales has received planning permission. The centre will enhance the existing cancer care facilities at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff which provides support across South-Eastern Wales. The building sits in gardens designed by RHS Gold Medallist Cleve West, and has an intimate relationship with the surrounding landscape, with rooms that open onto woodland gardens.
Read more about the design after the break
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“We are thrilled that Maggie's South East Wales has received planning approval. It is a great experience to be working with Maggie's, using the charity’s broad vision and vast experience of helping people with cancer", said Alan Jones, a principal of Dow Jones Architects who grew up nearby.
Biba Dow, principle of Dow Jones Architects, explained: “our designs are inspired by the local Welsh landscape and ancient building techniques. The Centre will sit amongst the trees with the exterior built in the style of an old stone farm wall to create a calm and welcoming space. The colour of the materials we have chosen resonates with the bracken of the surrounding hills, with rusty iron oxide in the pennant sandstone and copper glass roof lights which drop light down into the bigger rooms.
"The interior will be lined with fragrant cedarwood, creating a range of spaces reflecting traditional Welsh architecture including a large kitchen and hall with a fireplace to bring people together, alongside smaller rooms for consultations and secluded areas where people can sit quietly. All the rooms overlook an internal courtyard which is being planted with moss and fern.”
Cleve West added "the site is blessed with a variety of mature ornamental and woodland trees which already provide a special atmosphere. I'm hoping that, with the right mix of ornamentals and native plants we can accentuate this beautiful setting and create a diverse and interesting landscape to compliment the new Maggie's Centre."
Maggie's is now in the process of raising the £4.5 million needed for construction.
