Binny House: A therapeutic centre from breast cancer patients, helping to contribute to their healing and recovery process.
Binny in Bloom is a project dedicated to creating a therapeutic centre for women facing breast cancer, a place where healing extends far beyond medicine. Nestled in the peaceful countryside of West Lothian and rooted in the once-loved Binny House, the retreat offers a nurturing environment that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing.
Through thoughtfully tailored therapies and restorative activities, Binny in Bloom becomes a sanctuary where women can rediscover the small joys of life within a supportive community. The centre offers both public and private areas, through spaces for connection, shared healing, and moments of independent reflection. I found it important to recognise the value of both community support and individual healing.
The design concept celebrates the scars of Binny House itself. Its rich character, imperfections, and history are embraced, highlighting that change is a given with breast cancer and the scars left behind should be worn with pride. The process of making became central to this idea, leading to an exploration of cast forms with the intentions of using salvaged elements from the building. Inspired by Rachel Whiteread’s work, an artist who produces sculptures that typically take the form of casts. My own objects were cast and re imagined, preserving every mark and imperfection.
The key material used in this project is concrete. Chosen for its ability to hold delicate textures in a strong, lasting form. It symbolizes resilience, showing that what was once fragile can be transformed into something solid, powerful, and enduring. Through this, the space itself becomes a metaphor for life during and after treatment. A celebration of survival, change, and new strength.
