Judges voted unanimously to award the top prize to the Maggie’s Centre at the Robert Parfett Building at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, commenting that the structure “brought together the best in engineering, fabrication and architecture.” The single-storey building is constructed from a natural timber frame arranged around a central spine.
The Arnold Laver Gold Award winner is chosen from winners of the individual categories. “Maggie’s was awarded the Structural Award as it demonstrates that a simple, coherent structural diagram, when beautifully and carefully developed and detailed, can result in a solution of considerable merit,” said a statement from the Wood Awards.
Maggie’s Centres are designed on a domestic scale within the grounds of cancer hospitals to provide people with cancer and their families and friends with emotional, practical and social support. The brief for the Manchester Centre was to create “a low energy, homely environment with natural ventilation and daylight.” The resulting design includes a greenhouse and a veranda to create the feeling of a “home from home” and a clear connection with nature. Using Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) the timber structure partitions different areas – from private nooks to a library – within the space with no visible fixings. Lightweight timber lattice beams support triangular roof lights which provide natural illumination for the space.
Other winners included the Stihl Treetop Walkway by Glenn Howells Architects in the commercial and leisure category, Stanbrook Abbey by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in the education and public sector category, and the Portledge Rear Staircase by Witcher Crawford Architects and Designers in the interiors category.
The winners of the 45th annual Wood Awards were announced at London’s Carpenters’ Hall at a ceremony on the 22nd November hosted by editor of Crafts magazine, Grant Gibson.
