Introduction The Aoibhneas competition was a 2-stage open international competition administered by the RIAI (Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland). The brief required the design of a new Children’s Centre connected to an existing Women’s refuge in the Dublin Suburbs, to serve the children of the women who were temporarily resident in the refuge. The primary challenge posed was how to reconcile the protective aspect of the brief with a beautiful uplifting place that could aid the recovery and growth of those who used the centre. We recognised that the challenge was not to create a standalone children’s centre but rather to revitalise the entire facility as a whole, enabling the entire facility and site to work together. There was also a significant challenge posed by the awkward shape of the site and spaces left over surrounding the existing building.

Home and Rooms Our vision is rooted in the understanding of the site as a protected walled garden and the both the existing residential building and new Children’s Centre as a ‘Home’, and that a home offers its occupants a variety of ‘rooms’ and places to be alone, be together and to grow. Our strategy consists of 3 basic elements: -Create a new ‘house’ for the children’s facility, with its own identity and special character. -Revitalise the existing accommodation, so that it offers a more satisfying place to live, both individually and together. -Place these new additions, so that they unlock the site creating user-specific outdoor rooms and play spaces. The idea of rooms is central to the entire scheme. Rather than overt architectural statement we have focused on the creation of individual rooms of atmosphere and quality, which offer appropriate spaces to the specific activities that will happen throughout the centre. In our proposal, spaces ranging from the scale of a window seat, to a living room, to an external garden are all thought of as ‘rooms’ with each room tailored to its own use.

New Children’s Centre The new children’s centre takes an independent form, standing apart from the living quarters of the centre yet linked via a new building. It was considered important that the children feel a sense of detachment from their living quarters and a sense of event in going to the centre. This new building appears as a house, through its domestic form and materials. The core, ‘enjoyment’ spaces of the brief are located in the house volume of the Children’s Centre, so that the children will relate the image of their house with one of play and delight. The secondary support aspects of the brief are housed separately in the link building yet function as one with the rest of the centre. The children’s centre is laid out as a collection of rooms around a central toplit space. Each room is tailored to the activity within and can be closed off yet remain visually open to the rest of the centre. The living room is seen as the heart of the new building, an informal space, for children, parents and staff to meet and relax. The materiality of the centre is fundamental to its psychological impact. A continuous, strong and tactile materiality characterises the external image and internal spaces. Together with the softer domestic furnishings and personal touches of the children and staff, this robust backdrop is coloured with life and joy. The atmosphere of the new centre is one of stability, protection and relaxation – elements essential to the well-being of every child.

Refurbishment of Existing Building The idea of ‘rooms’ extends into our approach to the refurbishment of the existing building. Improving the living quarters, so that they offer better quality and variety of spaces is seen as fundamental to the proper functioning of the centre, and the well-being of all residents. Sensitive additions to the existing accommodation aim for maximum civilising impact for minimal outlay. Through the provision of a bench or window each room is given a new front door ‘threshold space’ where the residents can display their personal touches to the wider community, much like a porch or front garden. Through a simple refurbishment of the existing bay windows, access to a private outdoor area is created, transforming the existing rooms into mini-homes. The above re-arrangement unlocks the remainder of the building to provide more successful communal spaces. The existing courtyard has been transformed into a planted garden space breathing nature into the heart of the building. On sunny days the improved communal living/dining spaces can open onto a terrace in this garden.

Outdoor Rooms We have placed great emphasis on unlocking the under-utilised site so that its potential is maximised. We have thought of every external space in the scheme as an outdoor ‘room’, each with its own individual character and function. The entrance to the scheme is through a wild lavender garden, the relaxing scent of this entrance space acts as a ‘decompression chamber’ from the outside world, gently beginning the healing process. Past the entrance portico, a more intimate memorial garden is overlooked by the meeting and therapy rooms. The activity garden is located between the new children’s centre and the existing building. Floored in rubber with a perimeter of benches this garden is linked directly with the indoor activity room of the Children’s Centre and is seen as room for exuberant play and enjoyment. To the east of the new children’s centre is the creative garden, again linked directly with the indoor creative room. In this garden a water table and sandpit encourage messy activities, through which the children can learn and express themselves. To the south of this is the teenager’s garden, including a separate ‘den’ building and external seating area, clearly visible from various spaces in the centre. A space where teenagers can have the sense of independence they need at this important stage of their lives. The existing courtyard in the residential building, freed from its current function as a playground is transformed into a tranquil, green garden. Modifications have been made to the (currently fixed) glazing around this courtyard so that the corridors do not overheat and can be infused with the newly planted space. With a dedicated smoking area and a terrace opening off the living/dining room this is a places to be together with new friends, share stories and experiences. We have also provided a smaller scale communal garden to the west, where smaller groups can congregate to talk alone. Every residential unit now has a small private garden with it’s own tree offering a space to get away from it all and relax alone.