Lakewood Regional
Secure Care Centre, Bangor
A residential unit for 16 young people with additional facilities providing education, therapy and administration support, the secure care facility provides residential care for children of 11-17 years, who are at high risk and have experienced trauma that requires their liberty to be restricted.
The new facility replaces the nearby existing unit, which is no longer able to provide the appropriate quality of facilities and environment.
The initial impression upon approaching this new unit is non-institutional, avoiding the enclosed feel often associated with this type of facility. This is achieved with a sweeping front facade, domestic in scale, with a glazed entrance that allows plenty of natural light. The bedrooms are designed to be homely, whilst robust in construction, featuring projecting bay windows, for sitting and reading and a custom designed one-piece bed / desk / storage unit.
Natural light has been given a high priority throughout this building, not only for its energy saving potential but also because of the positive effect changing patterns of light can have on users and residents.
This project was designed in association with Northern Irish architect Robinson McIlwaine.
