Victoria House is a Refuge Centre for survivors of domestic abuse, which combined the co-living typology with user specific functions including therapy rooms and prayer spaces. Inspired by the widespread increase of reported abuse across all demographics, this design centres itself on inclusivity in order to serve all potential refugees from the Nottingham City Centre and Sneinton areas. The floor plan divides residential spaces from those accessible to the public for outreach programmes and therapy. All rooms are orientated towards green spaces through the inclusion of several courtyards. Pairing this together with subtle nods to the areas rich Victorian Architecture connects the displaced user to their new home. Completed as part of my Undergratuate degree in Architecture at the University of Nottingham, UK (2021).

1. VICTORIA HOUSE
SHELTER AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
By Alice Porter
Unit 3B
Hatch Teritories
Unit Leader - Farida Makki
.

2. Contents
The Site
Site History & Strategies
1.
2.
3.
4.
Ground Floor Plan
First & Second Floor Plans
with Long Section
Environmental Response
Brief & Design Concepts 6.
7.
5.
3D Model
Street Elevation &
Perspective Views
8.
VICTORIA HOUSE
SHELTER AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
5.
7. 8.

3. 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
The site, which has been
empty since 2012, used to
contain an extension of
the old Victoria Baths.
2) The approach should allow users to come and go
discretly.
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.
THE SITE
Site plan
1:500
Site analysis The following is an exploration of
the current site conditions, which highlights potential
opportunitites and hazards faced in this project.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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2
5
1
3
4
18,8
9.0
6,4
15,5
13
(m)
(m)

4. 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.
SITE HISTORY
Washhouse and Turkish Baths, now unused site
Victoria Baths. now Victoria Leisure Centre
A B Victoria Building, now apartments
C
The latest iteration of the Baths leaves the
adjacent site available for development.
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
potential views, without concealing it
from view of the public
Overlooking
windows
Existing brick wall detracts from
street and should be removed
Planning applications suggest
unused outbuilding can be
removed - however facade
could be retained
Overlooking
windows
A
B
C
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.
SITE STRATEGIES
A
Refugio para Mujeres Víctimas de la
Violencia by ORIGEN 19º41' 53" N
Concealed entrance
allows for discrete entry
No visual connection to
internal spaces
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
Arcades divide up courtyard
Public access (reception; counselling
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.

5. Exploring potential for a green corridor
This project seeks to strike a balance
between tradition and inovation. While
it is is important to make residents feel
at home and respects the site history,
a considered environmental strategy is
essential in lowering maintenance costs,
limiting carbon imprint and supporting
Nottingham's goal to become carbon
neutral.
The following environmental strategies
propose solutions for key issues including:
ENVIRONMENTAL
RESPONSE
Cross laminated
timber frame
Sustainably sourced
Good soundproofing, air
tightness and fire resistance
Natural material has lower embodied carbon
Versatile application creates visual continuity
throughout
WasteBasedBrick
by StoneCycling
Made from 60% waste materials
Potential to be recycled at end of life
CO2 compensated production and delivery
'Nougat' colour pairs well with traditioinal red
brick and CLT frame
Various finishes has potential fro variety
within facadde
Materiality Traditional materials and motifs
common to the area will not only complement
the surrounding context, but will make
residents feel more at home.
The materials proposed here are sustainable
alternatives to those used in traditional timber
frame and masonry structures.
Biodiversity Landscaping and green infrastructure intends to
benefit residents and visitors. In addition, these features have the
potential to boost biodiversity through the introduction of new
habitats. A varied and considered selection of plants can ensure
the optimum conditions for introducing specific insects, birds and
small animals.
This design opts for a sedum roof in order to
connect the two courtyard habitats. This also
creates a connection from the courtyards to
Victoria Recreation Grounds, and potential for
a green corridor which continues onto the site
behind.
Improving biodiversity with
connected green spaces
Ensuring energy efficiency through
the principles of passivhaus design
Limiting solar gain through
structure and solar shading
Limiting carbon through
materiality.
Key principles of
Passivhaus design
Thermal bridging Insulation
should be installed correctly
to minimize heat loss. Heavy,
continuous insulation will help to
reduce thermal bridging.
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.
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.
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.
Roof construction
1. Topsoil (60 mm)
2. Fabric filter
3. Reservoir layer (60 mm)
4. Protection mat/root barrier (35 mm)
5. Waterproof membrane
6. Mineral wool insulation (280 mm)
7. Vapour control barrier
8. Glulam joist with insulation (240 mm)
9. Timber counter battens with insulation
(40 mm)
10. Plasterboard (12.5 mm)
Total 728 mm
Floor construction
1. Engineered timber floorboards (15 mm)
2. Acoustic insulation (100 mm)
3. Plasterboard (12.5 mm)
4. Joist cap (5 mm)
5. Glulam joist with insulation (240 mm)
6. Timber counter battens (40 mm)
10. Acoustic insulation board (25 mm)
Total 438 mm
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED
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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED
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PRODUCED
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PRODUCED
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External wall construction (thin)
1. WasteBasedBrick by StoneCycling (103 mm)
2. Air cavity (20 mm)
3. Insulation board (30 mm)
4. Plywood (6 mm)
5. Timber studding with insulation (225 mm)
6. Vapour barrier
7. Plasterboard (12.5 mm)
8. Timber posts (100 x 50 mm)
Total 393 mm
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
Total 618 mm
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED
BY
AN
AUTODESK
STUDENT
VERSION
PRODUCED
BY
A
Structure

6. 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
and healthy relationships between users -
and between users and their surroundings.
A low energy building which functions in
harmony with nature is not only therapeutic,
but will lower maintenance costs and bring
Nottingham closer to its aim of becoming
zero-carbon.
THE USER
Residents will be survivors of domestic
abuse, who require refuge from their
abuser. In most cases, a resident will
stay for a duration of 3-4 months.
However, for some it can take up to 18
months before they are emotionally and
financially ready to live independently.
3-4 months
Residents
10-60 minutes
Day visitor
Some services such as
prevention programmes,
group therapy and drop-
in sessions will also be
available to the general
public.
Inclusivity Increased demand for inclusivity in every sector should
be reflected in the building programme. Women, men and children
of all nationalities, sexual orientation and economic status can be
victims of domestic abuse; shelters should be available to anyone
who needs them.
.
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 typologies To cater to those who have
relocated from a different neighbourhood, the building
programme incoorporates essential services such as
childcare, workspaces and a faith room. This will also
minimise the impact of lockdown restrictions on daily life.
MULTI-FAITH
CRECHE
WORKSPACE
WELLBEING
RESIDENTIAL
PROJECT BRIEF: VICTORIA HOUSE
Private nooks located throughout the building can be used
for withdrawal when dealing with difficult emotions.
A new frame of mind - picturesque views of the neighbouring
oarks and towers will improve mood and aid in recovery.
Home from home - An informal kitchen will give users
ownership of common spaces
Social interaction between residents should encourage
them to open up about their experiences.
Materiality and scale will reflect that of the
surrounding neighbourhood.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
BLENDED
TYPLOGIES
0
2
0
4
0
6
0
8
0
1
0
0
Sexual assault by rape or penetration
Non-physical
abuse (emotiona/
financial)
Indecent exposure or unwanted sexual touching
Force
Threats
Stalking
3%
73%
38%
28%
23%
4%
4%
FORMS OF ABUSE EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN AND MEN
57%
46%
29%
18%
1%
CONSEQUENCES OF
DOMESTIC ABUSE ON
VICTIMS
Depression
Subsance abuse
Schizophrenia
Stockholm's Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
PTSD
Anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Insomnia
Low motivation
Low confidence
Over-eating
Self-harm
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)
52%
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.
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.
Bubble diagram to summarise
the spaces required, their sizes
and connections

7. 7.
PRODUCED
BY
AN
AUTODESK
STUDENT
VERSION
PRODUCED
BY
AN
AUTODESK
STUDENT
VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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12.
13.
14.
10.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
1:100
Emergency reception
Resident introduction room
Admin/call centre
Main reception
1.
2.
3.
4.
KEY Counselling
Family therapy
Nurse
Group therapy
6.
5.
1F
2F
GF
Access to services
for Victoria Leisure
Centre maintained
Controlled residential
access from Bath Street
Controlled access
from Brook Street
Residents induction &
out-of-hours reception
Goods in
Main reception
Exploded axonometric
1:250
Public Acccess
Resident Commom Spaces
Services
Resident Accomodation

8. LONG SECTION
1:50
This is a supportive
community of people
who help eachother
learn and grow...
... with the help of
therapists, specialist
consultants and
financial advisors.
Every room has
a splendid view over
idyllic green spaces
You will meet fellow
residents over a cuppa
in our social kitchen
But there are private
nooks throughout the
building for when you need
a moment alone, too.
And at the end of
the day, you’ll retreat
to your room for a
refreshing sleep.
Family rooms
with their own living
area allow for time
together as a unit.
A range of
living spaces lets
me socailise at
my own pace.
2.
9.
1.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
5.
6.
2.
Staff accomodation
Family accomocation
Shared workspace
Prayer room
Shared living space
Single accomodation
Laundry
Television room
Gym
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Key
4.
3.
Fosbury & Son
by Going East
MIT Chapel
by Eero Saarinen
LIFE micro-apartments
by Ian Lee
Open plan provides flexibility
Light provokes spiritual response
Non-denominational building form
Disconnected from environment
Umayyad Mosque,
Damascus
Seperation emphasises function
Elevated floor for visual continuity
Can be personalised
Wood creates a homely atmosphere
Visual and physical division of space
High ceilings and generous light
6.
Precedents These images reference the precedents explored in chapter 3 of the supporting
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.
first floor plan
1:200
second floor plan
1:200

9. MODEL ON SITE
1:200

10. STREET ELEVATION
1:100
INTERNAL PERSPECTIVES
Entry into the main reception, with thereception desk easily located to
the right. Multiple waiting areas allow for discrete appointments.
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
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.
1. 2. 3.
BATH STREET ELEVATION
1:100