Reach Out Centre for Kids

ROCK is one of the largest mental-health facilities of its kind in the Halton Region and has proven to be a vital service to children and families in the community.

Inspired by the sense of solidity and serenity that comes from standing on top of a rock face or rocky mountain peak, our design aspires to provide children, families, and staff a sense of clarity and calmness, as if one was standing atop a large promontory, in keeping with ROCK’s many programs and services, which are designed to do the same. Crevice-like openings within the solid-brick façade provide intriguing shapes for the building’s glazing that emulate organic instances of transparency and accessibility. These openings forge a stronger connection to the surrounding community, helping to break down barriers to and long-standing perceptions of mental health facilities.

The four-storey design is organized to support a range of programmatic needs. The lower level features large, flexible spaces designed for teaching, meetings, breakout sessions, and informal gathering as well as a lounge, kitchenette, and washrooms. This level was designed to be leased to third parties, such as nearby post-secondary institutions, for community and educational use. The ground floor houses the main lobby, which serves as a connective hub between the existing building and the new addition. This level also includes the EarlyON Centre to support early childhood programming.The third and fourth levels accommodate counseling services and administrative offices, providing private, supportive environments for staff and students.