Trauma, by its very nature, disrupts an individual's sense of safety and control, leaving lasting impacts on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Feeling safe, both physically and emotionally, is the most fundamental requirement for trauma recovery; thus, providing an environment that fosters feelings of safety and security is the top priority.
A large portion of this is achieved through location. Haven House and Cloud Nine Studios were built in a quiet, mature residential neighborhood of a few cul-de-sacs, so there is no through traffic and hours can pass without a single car driving by. This location is nestled in a natural canyon, which eliminates almost all noise from wind or adjoining areas, making it especially serene. Often, the only sounds you'll hear are the calls from songbirds in the surrounding trees and the flow of the waterfall in the back.
Despite being uncommon in such a safe area, both actual and perceived safety has also been enhanced through a variety of physical security measures, such as motion-activated lights, advanced electronic door locks, double-gated perimeter paths, and an extensive network of security cameras.
However, for people recovering from trauma, it is not enough just to be safe but to also feel safe. To that end, certain architectural elements enhance the perceived safety even further. For example, the outdoor aesthetic incorporates elements from castles, like the rough-hewn stone block walls and handcrafted lion door knockers on every entry door. While such features do not provide any additional physical security, they do provide subconscious cues that steer residents toward seeing their home as a fortress that will keep them safe.
To learn about the largest measure taken to make residents feel safe, please read about the Recovery Pathway.