VICTORIA HOUSE

SHELTER AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

By Alice Porter

Unit 3B
Hatch Teritories
Unit Leader - Farida Makki

.
 1. 3. 5. 6.

2. 4. 7. 8.

VICTORIA HOUSE
SHELTER AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
Contents

The Site Ground Floor Plan 7. 3D Model

1. 3. Environmental Response 5.

Site History & Strategies First & Second Floor Plans 8. Street Elevation &
2. 4. Brief & Design Concepts 6.
with Long Section Perspective Views
Site plan
1:500

2
4
5

The site, which has been

THE SITE
The site is located on Bath Street on the outskits of
the City Centre. It is directly across form Victoria
Recreation Grounds, between Victoria Buildings and
Victoria Leisure Centre. This option has been selected
because it meets the site criteria outlined in the Project
Brief Document:
1) A central location, or in close proximity to transport
routes
empty since 2012, used to
2) The approach should allow users to come and go contain an extension of
discretly. the old Victoria Baths.
3) The building should provide a barrier which protects
vulnerable individuals at risk of stalking
4) Neighbouring buildings which are prone to rowdy
behaviour such as clubs, pubs and sports venues should
be avoided.

1.

2.

3.

4.
18,8 15,5

13
9.0
6,4

(m)

Site analysis The following is an exploration of

the current site conditions, which highlights potential
opportunitites and hazards faced in this project. 5.

(m)
SITE HISTORY
Bath Street takes its name from the
Victoria Baths, which were first constructed
on this site in 1850. Over the next century
the Baths saw a number of renovations,
expansions and demolition works. The
vibrant history of this neighbourhood is, in
part, what creates its distinct identity. Its
historic architecture is cherished by locals
- as was demonstrated by the protests
against the demolition of the clocktower
in 2010. Design should respect the value
of surrounding architecture through
considerate choices of materiality, building
height, overal form and scale.

A Victoria Baths. now Victoria Leisure Centre B Washhouse and Turkish Baths, now unused site C Victoria Building, now apartments

The repedestrianisation of Sneinton Market Square adds more activity to the

area - the proposed site has no visual or noise connection to the square, so
residents will not be negatively affected and will benefit from its locality.

Clocktower used for wayfinding -

design should take advantage of Existing brick wall detracts from
potential views, without concealing it street and should be removed
from view of the public

Planning applications suggest

unused outbuilding can be C
removed - however facade
could be retained
A
Overlooking
windows

B The latest iteration of the Baths leaves the

Overlooking adjacent site available for development.
windows

SITE STRATEGIES
Purpose-built abuse shelters take privacy
as a key design considerations. The following
proposal seperates private and public areas,
and provides each with its own courtyard.
This means that each room has a view over
greenery, rather than the street outside, The
entrance is angled in a way that conceals the
residential courtyard. The busier end of the site,
towards Sneinton Market Square, will house
the more functional rooms and act as a barrier
between pedestrian activity and residents.

Refugio para Mujeres Víctimas de la

Violencia by ORIGEN 19º41' 53" N

Concealed entrance
allows for discrete entry
No visual connection to
internal spaces

A Shelter For Victims Of Domestic

Violence, by Amos Goldreich
Architecture + Jacobs Yaniv
Architects

Folliage used to conceal

oppressive boundary wall
Each room views onto greenery

Strong visual continuity within

the building
Public access (reception; counselling Arcades divide up courtyard
rooms; group therapy; nurse)
Residential (common spaces
intermixed with residential)

Services (goods in; kitchen)

View orientation

LT Josai Share House, Naruse Inokuma Architects
Intermediate spaces for impromptue conversation.
Connecting to other survivors will benefit recovery.
Maggie's Centre Leeds, Heatherwick Studio
Physical and visual connections to nature help
new residents feel more grounded.
Refugio para Mujeres Víctimas de la Violencia,
ORIGEN 19º41' 53" N
Materiality and furnishings traditional to the
region provide familiarity and continuity.
 ENVIRONMENTAL
RESPONSE
This project seeks to strike a balance The following environmental strategies
between tradition and inovation. While propose solutions for key issues including:
it is is important to make residents feel
at home and respects the site history, Limiting solar gain through Improving biodiversity with
a considered environmental strategy is structure and solar shading connected green spaces
essential in lowering maintenance costs,
limiting carbon imprint and supporting Limiting carbon through Ensuring energy efficiency through
Nottingham's goal to become carbon materiality. the principles of passivhaus design
neutral.

Insulation Passivhaus buildings have

very heavy insulation to minimise heating
demand. This proposaal suggests mineral
wool for wall insulation, in order to reach the
passivhaus standard of R-40 to R-60.

Airtightness Heavy construction

and high quality materials will
improve airtightness, ensuring
that the buil;ding is energy
efficient.

Ventilation All windows should

be openable to allow for adequete
air flow. This will allow for better
temperature control and improve
user comfort. Folding doors onto
both courtyards will be especially
useful during summer months. Thermal bridging Insulation
should be installed correctly
to minimize heat loss. Heavy,
continuous insulation will help to
reduce thermal bridging.
Solar gain should be minimised
to avoid overheating and improve
user comfort. The small courtyard
will and perforated 'privacy screens'
should provide enough shading for
South-facing windows. All openings
should be triple glazed and gas-
filled to optimize U-value.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Exploring potential for a green corridor

Biodiversity Landscaping and green infrastructure intends to This design opts for a sedum roof in order to
benefit residents and visitors. In addition, these features have the connect the two courtyard habitats. This also
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION potential to boost biodiversity through the introduction of new creates a connection from the courtyards to
habitats. A varied and considered selection of plants can ensure Victoria Recreation Grounds, and potential for
the optimum conditions for introducing specific insects, birds and a green corridor which continues onto the site
small animals. behind.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Key principles of
Passivhaus design
Materiality Traditional materials and motifs
common to the area will not only complement
the surrounding context, but will make
residents feel more at home.

Structure The materials proposed here are sustainable

alternatives to those used in traditional timber
frame and masonry structures.

External wall construction (thin) Roof construction

1. WasteBasedBrick by StoneCycling (103 mm) 1. Topsoil (60 mm)

Cross laminated
2. Air cavity (20 mm) 2. Fabric filter
timber frame
3. Insulation board (30 mm) 3. Reservoir layer (60 mm)
4. Plywood (6 mm) 4. Protection mat/root barrier (35 mm)
5. Timber studding with insulation (225 mm) 5. Waterproof membrane
6. Vapour barrier 6. Mineral wool insulation (280 mm)
Sustainably sourced
7. Plasterboard (12.5 mm) 7. Vapour control barrier
8. Timber posts (100 x 50 mm) 8. Glulam joist with insulation (240 mm) Good soundproofing, air
9. Timber counter battens with insulation tightness and fire resistance
Total 393 mm (40 mm)
10. Plasterboard (12.5 mm)
Natural material has lower embodied carbon
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Total 728 mm
Versatile application creates visual continuity
throughout
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

External wall construction (thick)

1. WasteBasedBrick by StoneCycling (103 mm)

2. Mineral wool insulation (300 mm)
3. WasteBasedBrick by StoneCycling with
timber posts (215 mm)
4. Plaster
WasteBasedBrick
Total 618 mm by StoneCycling

Floor construction Made from 60% waste materials

Potential to be recycled at end of life
1. Engineered timber floorboards (15 mm) CO2 compensated production and delivery
PRODUCED BY

2. Acoustic insulation (100 mm)

3. Plasterboard (12.5 mm)
4. Joist cap (5 mm)
5. Glulam joist with insulation (240 mm) 'Nougat' colour pairs well with traditioinal red
6. Timber counter battens (40 mm) brick and CLT frame
10. Acoustic insulation board (25 mm)
Various finishes has potential fro variety
PRODUCED

Total 438 mm within facadde

AN AUTODESK

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

BY A
PROJECT BRIEF: VICTORIA HOUSE

Bubble diagram to summarise

the spaces required, their sizes
and connections

Victoria House provides safe accomodation
and therapeutic spaces for survivors
of domestic abuse. Through a blend of
residential, therapeutic and supplementary
typologies, this building programme hopes
to provide a holistic treatment for its
residents. Design should facilitate open
THE USER
and healthy relationships between users - Residents Day visitor Inclusivity Increased demand for inclusivity in every sector should
and between users and their surroundings. 3-4 months 10-60 minutes be reflected in the building programme. Women, men and children
A low energy building which functions in of all nationalities, sexual orientation and economic status can be
harmony with nature is not only therapeutic, Residents will be survivors of domestic Some services such as victims of domestic abuse; shelters should be available to anyone
but will lower maintenance costs and bring abuse, who require refuge from their prevention programmes, who needs them.
Nottingham closer to its aim of becoming abuser. In most cases, a resident will group therapy and drop-
zero-carbon. stay for a duration of 3-4 months. in sessions will also be
However, for some it can take up to 18 available to the general .
months before they are emotionally and public.
financially ready to live independently.

Understanding trauma Those who experience or witness abuse

are at higher risk of mental health disorders. Therefore, it is essential
that the design should attempt promote wellbeing in order to
minimise the stress of relocation and facilitate recovery.

BLENDED
FORMS OF ABUSE EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN AND MEN CONSEQUENCES OF

Non-physical 73%
DOMESTIC ABUSE ON
VICTIMS
TYPLOGIES
Blended typologies To cater to those who have
abuse (emotiona/
financial) 57% relocated from a different neighbourhood, the building
Depression Anxiety programme incoorporates essential services such as
28% Suicidal thoughts childcare, workspaces and a faith room. This will also
Subsance abuse
minimise the impact of lockdown restrictions on daily life.
Force 46% Insomnia

52%
Schizophrenia
Stockholm's Disorder Low motivation
38%
Bipolar Disorder Low confidence
Threats 29%
PTSD Over-eating
23% Self-harm
Stalking 18%

Indecent exposure or unwanted sexual touching

4%
of adults who experienced abuse before the age of 16 years also
experienced domestic abuse later in life; compared with 13% of those who
did not experience child abuse. (OFNS, 2020)
RESIDENTIAL
4%

3%
Sexual assault by rape or penetration 1%

001 08 06 04 02 0

DESIGN CONCEPTS
Design concepts are core ideas which form the
foundation of a project and drive the design. They will
be referred to throughout the design process, and
will be central aspects to the final outcome. WELLBEING
By selecting well researched concepts, design can be
tailored to the needs of this specific use group. The
intention to build therapeutic, healing spaces which
aid in recovery informs all key concepts.

CRECHE

A new frame of mind - picturesque views of the neighbouring Materiality and scale will reflect that of the
oarks and towers will improve mood and aid in recovery. surrounding neighbourhood.

WORKSPACE

MULTI-FAITH

Private nooks located throughout the building can be used Home from home - An informal kitchen will give users Social interaction between residents should encourage
for withdrawal when dealing with difficult emotions. ownership of common spaces them to open up about their experiences.
 PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Exploded axonometric
1:250
Public Acccess

Resident Commom Spaces

Services

Resident Accomodation

2.

3.

1.
2F

4.

11.

5.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

8.

1F
6.
7.

12.

7.

13.

9.

10. GF
Main reception
Residents induction &
Goods in out-of-hours reception

14.

Controlled access
from Brook Street

Access to services
for Victoria Leisure
Centre maintained

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

1:100
KEY 1. Emergency reception 5. Counselling Controlled residential
access from Bath Street
2. Resident introduction room 6. Family therapy

3. Admin/call centre Nurse

4. Main reception Group therapy

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

 Key 1. Staff accomodation 4. Prayer room 7. Laundry

2. Family accomocation 5. Shared living space 8. Television room

1. 3. Shared workspace 6. Single accomodation 9. Gym

Precedents These images reference the precedents explored in chapter 3 of the supporting
9. document. The materiality, division of space and daylighting in these precedents has informed
the designs of specific rooms, so that they are specific to their function.

3. 4.

5.

2.

Fosbury & Son Visual and physical division of space MIT Chapel Open plan provides flexibility
6. by Going East High ceilings and generous light by Eero Saarinen Light provokes spiritual response

2.

3.

5.

Non-denominational building form

Disconnected from environment

7. 6.

8.

4.

LIFE micro-apartments Can be personalised Umayyad Mosque, Seperation emphasises function

by Ian Lee Wood creates a homely atmosphere Damascus Elevated floor for visual continuity

first floor plan second floor plan

1:200 1:200

Family rooms
with their own living
area allow for time
together as a unit.

Every room has

a splendid view over
idyllic green spaces
And at the end of
A range of the day, you’ll retreat
living spaces lets to your room for a
But there are private me socailise at refreshing sleep.
nooks throughout the my own pace.
building for when you need
a moment alone, too.

This is a supportive
community of people
You will meet fellow who help eachother
residents over a cuppa learn and grow...
... with the help of
in our social kitchen therapists, specialist
consultants and
financial advisors.

LONG SECTION
1:50
MODEL ON SITE
1:200
BATH STREET ELEVATION
STREET ELEVATION
1:100

1:100

INTERNAL PERSPECTIVES
1. Entry into the main reception, with thereception desk easily located to
the right. Multiple waiting areas allow for discrete appointments.

2. A view from the South West of the large courtyard. The creche and
classroom on the ground floor open onto to the courtyard, where chil-
dren can play under the supervision of parents in the workspace above.

Intermediate social spaces for impromptue conversation. Also showing

3.
a privacy nook, which has a screen and planter to conceal the user from
view. A julliette balcony gives views over the large courtyard.

1. 2. 3.