Phase II

To provide a home away from home where youth can focus on self-improvement by way of building connections.

2018 SAW BC SUFFER MORE THAN 1,500

FATAL OVERDOSES IN A SINGLE YEAR.

A 9,500 square foot home on 1-2 acres of property within close proximity to amenities (school, hospital, etc.) The home will be large enough to house as many as 16 young people. The property will be ‘in nature’ – with trees, limited landscaping and, preferably, water.

We have worked with Meiklejohn Architects Inc. to develop a Conceptual Building Program for Phase II of the Okanagan Youth Recovery House. The building design has been influenced by science and by feedback from focus groups of families, communities and young people. The full program can be downloaded here

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• The Youth Recovery House is a place of solace, healing and recovery for up to 16 young people experiencing problematic substance use.

• The Youth Recovery House will create the conditions for residents to embark of on a process of change, which will improve their health and well-being, their ability to direct their own lives, and inspire them to reach their potential.

• The Youth Recovery House will employ interventions that reflect the multi-dimensional nature of addiction and will impact the physical, social, environmental, psychological, cultural and spiritual circumstance of participants.

• The program will enable youth to foster healthy relationships and be reconnected with themselves, the community, with nature, and with those who genuinely care for their well-being.

PROJECT DESIGN

To provide a home away from home where youth can focus on self-improvement by way of building connections. The design of the House can work to promote self-growth by focusing on CONNECTING the youth to themselves, their allies, and nature. The design considerations speak to ways that these connection themes can be woven into the architecture and design of the house.

Service Image

Why Phase II

The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It's connection.

At the Okanagan Youth Recovery House, we create the conditions for young people to re-establish relationships and connections with themselves, with their families, with peers, with community, with life, and with nature.

The physical space that surrounds the youth in our care has the potential to create opportunities for connection in a safe and immediate way. It's not just a building. It becomes part of the program. It can help us to achieve health outcomes for these young people, and for their families.

A purpose-built space will allow us to tailor the residents' environment in an intentional and deliberate way. Every aspect of the building and its surroundings will reflect and acknowledge evidence-informed practice and the guidance of Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers to promote healing and help set a course for long term recovery.

It’s so much more than just a building.

Phase II

Attributes

Recent Project Img
Recent Project Img
Recent Project Img

A building in, and part of nature

Construction materials chosen will emphasize natural materials. Rock, wood, brick, water, and iron will be pervasive elements. The property will provide ready-access to nature, and will allow for proximate land-based learning, ecotherapy, Indigenous practice and celebration, nature appreciation, and recreation. Windows are key features, allowing the healing attributes of the surrounding environment to influence the home.

Dedicated spaces

In time, young people are connected with the community. At the beginning though, they need access in-house to explore interests and opportunities in a safe and measured way. The Okanagan Youth Recovery House Phase II will dedicate spaces to learn and thrive. This includes: a dedicated classroom to support their education; a music/art room to explore their creativity; indoor and outdoor spaces for physical pursuits and exercise; places for solitude and introspection away from the other residents; and group rooms large enough to accommodate everyone for collective learning

A Home, Not an Institution

To facilitate the relational care we envision, we have created a space that is home-like in design and flow in spite of its size. Colours, appointments, furnishings, and design are focused on comfort and solace, and avoid any sense of institution or hospital. Young people will have their own bedrooms that they can decorate as they wish. Washrooms are shared with only one other resident. A “practical” kitchen lets them practice basic skills, and to make a cup of tea to welcome guests into their temporary home.

A Space for Families Too

A reconnection with family is often one of the overriding concerns of young people with a history of problematic substance use. To support families, siblings and loved ones work toward reconciliation and to practice how to do this well, an onsite family suite will enable supervised and supported family visits.