Stepping Stones Crisis Centre

PROJECT

-

The Stepping Stones Crisis Centre is a Cold-Lake based non-profit offering emergency shelter, second stage housing, affordable housing, community support, and education for those struggling with unhealthy or abusive relationships or fleeing family violence. The Crisis Centre has seen a marked increase in the need for its services. Recent renovations to existing facilities have not kept up with the increased need for services or the number of staff required and a new facility is critically needed. The primary design intent of the Stepping Stones Crisis Centre is to create an environment that encapsulates the intrinsic warmth and comfort of home, while also offering enhanced privacy, security, and confidentiality to all of its residents, visitors, and staff.

In line with this overall vision the fenced outdoor area is the heart of the landscape design. The building has been positioned to protect the south facing area from the northwest winds and sets the tone for a particularly sheltered ambiance while creating a microclimate which will allow for extended usage of the garden. The space is designed for a variety of uses and offers a small children play area, a basketball pad, as well as more quiet nooks for contemplation or family visits. It includes a deck and a gardening area with a small greenhouse. The various spaces are all laid out around a central lawn area. The lawn area can be used for all kinds of informal usages such as ball games, frisbee, cartwheels or sitting in the sun. The courtyard will include elements of a sensory garden, offering a diversity of planting and materials that stimulate and engage all senses. Careful consideration will be given to achieve both, cool shaded areas and warm sunny spots.