Wood’s Homes - Parkdale Campus

Wood’s Homes is a nationally recognized children’s mental health centre based in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 1914 by the Reverend George W. Wood, Wood’s Homes currently provides programs and services to over 20,000 children and their families across Alberta every year.

Wood’s Homes provided an initial vision statement regarding the program's development aspirations for the rejuvenation of the Parkdale Campus. Inherent in this statement was the notion that the design of new structures should be centered around therapeutic and healing spaces. By clearly identifying Wood’s Homes’ desires for a ‘healing architecture’, it was possible to connect these aspirations to current evidence-based theories regarding therapeutic architecture and design. With this in mind, the building's design has been guided by four key tenets: safety and security, sensory environments, connection to nature, and social connectivity.

The tilted form of the building gestures to the south to provide shade from south light, and a sheltered approach to the building's main entrance. The cottage's diverse program is distributed across two levels, placing active social and educational activities on the lower level with quieter domestic spaces above. The building's generous volumes are filled with warm natural light, and complimented by materials which provides a safe and welcoming environment for residents and the Wood's Homes team.

Client - Wood’s Homes

Location - Calgary, AB, Canada

Status - Under Construction

Building Area - 9,500 sf