Purpose of the crisis accommodation guidelines
The Domestic Violence Crisis Accommodation Functional Design Brief (the guidelines) help:
- architects
- developers
- our not-for-profit partners
to build safe and secure refuges where people can begin to heal.
The guidelines outline our preferred approach to building crisis accommodation. This is the ‘core and cluster’ model.
Access the Domestic Violence Crisis Accommodation Functional Design Brief
Focus of the guidelines
Recommendations include:
- greater privacy, safety and independence
- quiet rooms for prayer or meditation
- dedicated spaces for children of all ages
- gardens and pet-friendly courtyards
- increased connection between internal living spaces and the garden
- greater ability to provide flexibility for families of varying sizes
- opportunities to partner with local council to deliver safe and secure parking.
Change in approach to crisis accommodation
In Australia, refuges have been communal, with women and children sharing spaces. Now there is a shift in thinking about crisis accommodation. It is moving away from communal crisis accommodation to a ‘core and cluster’ model.
The core and cluster model
The core and cluster model consists of a ‘cluster’ of separate units for privacy. These link to a ‘core’ communal area that includes onsite support.
The cluster units are usually self-contained, with:
- bedroom
- kitchen
- laundrette
- bathroom
- living facilities.
Projects funded by NSW government expected to adopt the core and cluster model
The core and cluster model is not mandated under current planning legislation. But the NSW Government endorses its use along with a site-specific project brief.
NSW Government funded crisis accommodation projects should adopt the model where possible.
The functional design brief can inform modifications to existing crisis accommodation. It can also apply to any non-government project targeting women and children.
Development of the guidelines
The guidelines were developed by:
- Homes NSW (as Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC))
- Government Architect NSW (GANSW)
In consultation with:
- Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
- and relevant peak bodies
- community housing providers
- and specialist homelessness providers.
We held engagement sessions with these groups and with organisations representing:
- culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- and people with disability.
How to use the guidelines
You can use the guidelines to help with site selection and design.
You should use the functional design brief along with a site-specific project brief.
This should consider and include:
- the recommendations of the core and cluster model, where possible
- any site-specific limitations such as site size and topography.
Feedback and enquiries about the guidelines
We welcome suggestions for improvement. Submit any feedback via our Contact us page.