Veilige Veste by KAW Architecten

Literally called “Safe Fortress”, the Dutch edifice located in Leeuwarden, Friesland, is exactly what its name suggests: one of the most contemporary-looking refuges especially dedicated to human trafficking and child prostitution victims. With its three stories of diagonally folded white panels, the building was used to host a police station right after its construction back in the 1970s and has now enough space to provide homes for 48 girls who have suffered abuses of some kind.

It is the first example in North Netherlands of the implementation of Passivhous principles, according to which only a minimum use of energy is made and thus a much-reduced ecological footprint can be achieved. The shelter is able to optimize cooling and heating expenses through an optimized insulation system and draft proofing installations.

In coherence with its protective function, the layout and appearance of the edifice resembles that of a fortress, with a tall façade partly covered with angled, square elements and partly with an alternate sequence of wooden panels and windows. Its elevated position on a platform provides intimacy for its discrete residents, as long as a great degree of interaction with its surroundings. While the bedrooms are concentrated in the top floors, the ground level was conceived as a colorful meeting area, also fitting several treatment facilities. Lastly, the building also has a protected roof terrace for moments of outdoors familiarity, accommodating to the fullest the needs of its unfortunate occupants.