‘Maggie's Southampton’ oncology centre is the result of a collaboration between Maggie's organisation and the architecture studio AL_A, led by Amanda Levete. This 600 m² project aims to offer a pleasant refuge for people affected by cancer. 

The connection with nature has proven to be beneficial to human health, so in its design, AL_A creates an environment in which the calm of the nearby New Forest takes centre stage. To give you an idea, almost three quarters of the land was dedicated to gardens. In this way, the hospital environment, surrounded by car parks, becomes an oasis of peace, using innovative materials, finishes and solutions.

The use of stainless steel in this project allows for the visual integration of the residential blocks with the natural surroundings. The architects chose to use AISI 304 and AISI 316L stainless steel, with  mirror polished finish on the façades of the blocks facing the central inner courtyard of the complex, achieving an impressive visual effect.

These surfaces reflect the landscape in an undulating texture that softens the visual perception, with gentle distortions so that visitors are never confronted with a straight reflection, creating a welcoming environment. This effect gives visitors the impression that the garden continues and expands beyond its  boundaries. The rippled and mirror polished finish creates a surface that transforms the visual experience into an impressionist painting, providing gentle distortions that capture the essence of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the aesthetic effect, the use of stainless steel ensures high corrosion resistance and durability in wet conditions, which in the British climate, had to be considered.