Architecture and design – Oxford

Maggie's Oxford opened in 2014.

Wilkinson Eyre, whose dramatic designs have won the prestigious RIBA Stirling prize twice, created a timber tree house design for Maggie’s Oxford. 

In response to the wooded site, the concept is based around a treehouse, supported on stilts with a faceted, angular geometry that maximises the relationship between the inside spaces and its natural wildlife setting. 

The garden

Touchstone Collaborations (formerly Topio) are responsible for designing the landscape around the centre.

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.

They have engaged with local community groups who have safeguarded the threatened green spaces adjacent to the Boundary Brook.

The ecological planting plan has evolved through respecting and integrating the woodland and water-edge plants with the innovative tree house structure.

Tree and shrub planting and wildflower seeding will all strengthen existing communities of plants and offer an evolving habitat for local wildlife.

The architect — Wilkinson Eyre

Chris Wilkinson founded the practice in 1983 in order to explore new directions in architecture, and together with Jim Eyre has established it as a leading force in the design world. 

His approach has best been described in the practice monograph 'Bridging Art & Science' where equal emphasis is given to conceptual creative innovation as it is to detailed technical design.

“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