Trauma Recovery &
Health Consulting Rooms
An award-winning project.
The project won the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects Regional Division Awards for the Interior Architecture category, The Vision Award and The Regional Medallion.
A Trauma-Informed Design Approach
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre provides essential, evidence-based services to support victim-survivors recovering from domestic, family, and sexual violence. Edmiston Jones engaged in a trauma-informed co-design process, collaborating with the Leadership Team, Women with Lived-Experience Advisory Group, and Aboriginal Women’s Reference Group.
Project Details
Client
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre
Program
Trauma Recovery & Health Consulting Rooms
Site Area
640m² sq. m
Site Location
Shellharbour
Design Narrative
Drawing on themes of welcome, support, and calm, the Centre was conceptualised as a “turtle shell”—protective externally, soft and inclusive internally. Biophilic principles of refuge and prospect guide spatial planning, with natural light flooding the circulation spine and parkland views enhancing the healing environment. The Aboriginal Women’s Reference Group inspired cultural elements like the coolamon motif in the ceiling, establishing the Centre as a safe women’s space.
Spaces for Healing and Recovery
- Flexible layouts balance clinical and managerial functions across two tenancies.
- Curved forms, both in plan and elevation, soften the interior, supporting comfort and recovery, and provide a feeling of safety by improving visibility around corners.
- A glass partition connecting children’s and counselling rooms allows visual connection during confidential sessions.
Collaborative, Sustainable, Fast-Tracked
The design evolved through input from women-led teams, ensuring thoughtful detailing, BCA compliance, and cost-effective solutions. Fast-tracked to meet urgent needs, the project reflects EJ’s commitment to cultural safety, planet-conscious materials, and sustainable design.
This innovative model serves as a prototype, gathering critical data to inform the future development of permanent trauma recovery centres across Australia.
