SERICC CRISIS CENTRE, ESSEX

At SERICC, a charity supporting women victims of sexual abuse, new window pods clad in rough cedar shingles soften the building’s harsh unwelcoming environment.

Likened to ‘Listening Ears’, the blinkered windows also provide privacy and seating to the new counselling rooms.

SERICC CRISIS CENTRE

The practice spent time with counsel workers and women to understand the complex nature of their work and how women feel when they visit the centre. This information was developed into emotional diagrams that helped link their experience with the physical context and hence better inform the design proposals.The work expanded the centre’s facilities and created new counselling rooms, offices and break-out space.

“Featherstones have completely fulfilled our needs… they have brought a playfulness to the centre whilst creating a sensitive, caring environment for the women who use it.”

SHELIA COATES, DIRECTOR OF SERICC

AWARDS

RIBA Award, Winner 2007

Building Better Healthcare, Winner of Judges Special Award 2007

100% Design, Cool Wall Contest, Winner 2007

ARTICLES

World Architecture News, 6 April 2011, The Walls have Ears,  READ MORE

Museum of Architecture, Healthcare 2016  READ MORE

Blueprint, 2007