Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, has a new outdoor therapy room. This new room, which was designed by landscape architect Peter Donegan and built by OMC Technologies, is a space for therapy sessions for both adults and children.
LARCC
Bernie McHugh, Manager, Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, said, “We are so grateful to Peter and OMC and all the volunteers who have created this wonderful new space for our clients. It’s in use already and is a calm, restful space, grounded in nature, which we are so delighted to have and will make use of for many years to come.”
For over 22 years, Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC has provided psychological and emotional support to people with cancer. The centre is the only one in Ireland that offers residential retreats in a comfortable, home-like setting.
Inspired by Japanese garden design, Peter Donegan’s red structure draws the eye and provides a place to sit and enjoy nature. Peter Donegan said, “Given the beautiful landscape that this room sits in, this structure made total sense. It makes the most of the planting surrounding it, and I hope that it provides an additional peaceful space for the clients of Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC.”
OMC Technologies
Pat Whelan, OMC Technologies, whose company fabricated the structure, also runs a charity called Heart to Hand, and it was through this work that he met with the LARRCC team and began thinking about a structure that would work. He commented, “I have been aware of the work that LARCC do for several years now, so I was delighted to work with the team there in bringing Peter’s vision to life.
“It was installed over two weekends with Heart to Hand volunteers. The main frame is structural steelwork, which was galvanised and painted red. A structural glass balustrade was installed around the perimeter, with a steel roof on top, which will become a sustainable sedum roof garden. An access stairs and lockable access gate complete the structure.”
Maylim provided additional landscaping, and Elif Oztürk was Peter Donegan’s design assistant on the project. All labour and materials on this project were kindly donated.