Giving Refuge – New Home for Drumchapel Women's Aid

A new refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse has opened in Drumchapel.

23/07/09

Drumchapel Women’s Aid (DWA) refuge is being heralded as a model for women’s refuges.

The three-storey refuge has eight self-contained flats with kitchen/lounge and shared facilities including a crèche, kitchen, lounge, teenagers’ room, laundry, outdoor play area, health suite, reception, office and meeting/consultation rooms.

Each flat has two bedrooms, but the flexible layout enables some flats to be converted into one or three bedroom units. The health suite can also become an extra flat. The refuge is fully wheelchair accessible with lift access to all floors and two flats are specifically designed for wheelchair users.

John Gilbert Architects got involved in the new refuge over a decade ago when it was initially a community self-build project. The project expanded to the point where self-build was not feasible and Cairn Housing Association was approached to be the client for the new building.

Cairn Housing Association chief executive Brian Gegan said: “Cairn Housing Association has experience developing other women’s refuges in Scotland and we’ve worked with many voluntary organisations to provide specialist housing.

We are delighted to work with Drumchapel Women’s Aid and John Gilbert Architects to bring this new refuge to those most in need.”

The site is challenging as it is located between a busy railway line and an electric substation. Principal architect John Gilbert said: “Acoustic walls and windows reduce noise and we orientated the building to keep windows away from noise and make the best use of sunlight.”

John Gilbert Architects has created a secure, robust building with an interior that is welcoming for residents.

Site architect Matt Bridgestock says: “Simple design elements, such as locating the shared facilities at the back of the building, makes residents feel safe. Large windows maximise sunlight to the rooms and give views over the back garden. The front of the building is intended to be quite austere and the office is located here so that staff can get see across the driveway and main door.”

The building’s sustainable features include sunpipes in the hallways to introduce natural light, underfloor heating and high levels of insulation. The main stairwell has a glass front to increase natural sunlight, but obscured glazing offers privacy for residents. Terrazzo tiling was specified for the stairwell as the stair is well used and requires robust flooring. The refuge design achieves a balance between self-contained units where women can get privacy and shared spaces such as the lounge, kitchen, creche and garden.

Drumchapel Women’s Aid support worker Louise McAleese said: “The flats are private, but communal areas encourage women and their kids to mix. It’s really important for women to talk to each other as they realise they aren’t alone and that there is a way forward for them. This is more than just a building, this refuge gives women a chance to determine their own future in a safe, secure place.”