The Adelaide Women’s Prison Mainstream Accommodation Unit was built in the late 1960’s and had little significant upgrade when we were engaged in 2015 to undertake a complete refurbishment.

The works involved the inclusion of bathrooms into the bedrooms and the creation of new living and dining areas. Kitchen and laundry facilities were added to provide the opportunity for more independent living and agency and direct access to outdoor space was provided.

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The accommodation was transformed using colour and texture, with the introduction of natural timbers wherever possible, photographic murals depicting local nature scenes and lots of natural light and views to greenery.

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Acoustic treatments were used to control reverberation and create a calmer environment, and individual temperature controls in each bedroom provides users with the ability to have some control over their own environments.

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Therapeutic and trauma informed design principles were adopted wherever possible and a recent post occupancy evaluation confirms the upgrade has been a huge success in almost every facet of the design.

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