New at-risk youth facility set to open at Wood's Homes in Calgary

A new living environment for at-risk youth in Calgary will open its doors in the coming weeks, says Wood's Homes.

The facility was designed around therapeutic architecture, created with the feedback of youth, volunteers and parents, says the child mental health treatment centre.

The design features warm colours, natural light and spacious living areas, creating a sense of calm throughout the building, according to the organization.

The $8 million-building, which will be called Cottage E, is the latest addition to the non-profit's Parkdale location. It's being touted as Calgary's first modern facility designed to provide contemporary, immersive care for youth. 

Focus on comfort and innovation to ensure youth are safe and secure without being isolated from essential amenities was the top priority for the build, the mental health agency says, adding it aims to cultivate a fresh, welcoming environment where youth can feel at home. 

"The buildings from the '60s and '80s were not purpose-built for this program. They were just barracks or bunk buildings," said Ron Choe, principal architect at Hindle Architects, the firm that designed the facility. 

The new building aims to provide those who may have never experienced a safe home environment with a sense of comfort, rather than being confined to sterile, uninviting spaces, Wood's Homes says.

The new building features vented window openings, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the rooms, and anti-barricade doors to help staff access rooms when needed.

"Windows connect the kids to nature, and the flexible living spaces allow moments for both connection and solitude," said Choe.

The design also includes spaces for school activities, ceremonies, counselling and family meetings, allowing at-risk youth to establish a sense of routine and providing opportunities to move beyond a single area during their time at the facility, the non-profit says.

"This building represents what we define as a purpose-built, modern 21st-century living treatment program," said Bjorn Johansson, CEO of Wood's Homes.

Johansson envisions Cottage E as a model for future mental health facilities. It's expected to open its doors in early February, with some youth having already joined a waiting list to access it.