Sanctuary by Design: How Thoughtful Acoustics Create Comfort for Young Refugees

Picture a building that doesn't just shelter but whispers possibility. In Berlin's quiet Wannsee district, an extraordinary metamorphosis is reshaping how we think about spaces for healing.

When Project Manager and architect Valeriya Sidorenko walked into a former retirement home, she didn't see tired walls, she saw potential. Her mission? Transform this forgotten space into a lifeline for unaccompanied refugee teenagers navigating the most precarious moment of their young lives.

Design With Purpose

Sidorenko understood that the environment plays a crucial role in healing and integration. After participating in a BuzziSpace 360 Experience visit in Antwerp, Belgium, she recognized the potential for creating a truly supportive space. The collaboration focused on two critical design elements: acoustics and spatial comfort.

The Architecture of Resilience

Enter BuzziSpace, the acoustic pioneers and masters of spatial storytelling. This collaboration wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about turning raw architectural potential into an emotional sanctuary. BuzziSpace generously donated a range of its innovative acoustic solutions and high-quality products. With its professional assistance and acoustic planning, BuzziSpace helped KJHV integrate the solutions into each designated space to promote a healthy indoor atmosphere. 

BuzziBlox, BuzziLand, BuzziCube, BuzziPebl, BuzziCee, and BuzziSkin Printed became more than just sound barriers; they were a gentle embrace, reducing sensory chaos for children who've known too much uncertainty and trauma. 

Design as Compassion

Imagine rooms where every element speaks of care. Muted-toned furniture in greens, reds, navy, and oranges was thoughtfully adapted to the existing structure, creating a calming and welcoming environment. BuzziPicNic tables invite connection along with flexible seating to allow both solitude and community. 

On the first floor, a cozy balcony area was formed using two BuzziMes, while the living area invites cozy engagements to happen thanks to BuzziCee and BuzziBalance. Lastly, the dining area provides a fun and acoustically sound setting with BuzziPicNic Meet, BuzziPicNic Bench, BuzziCube, and BuzziDee.

KJHV’s second floor features multiple living and play rooms fitted with BuzziCee, BuzziSkin and BuzziCube to reduce noise, minimize sensory overwhelm and improve communication and emotional well-being. To further prevent excessive noise, BuzziSkin Printed, BuzziTotem, BuzziBlox and BuzziLand were installed in the hallways.

Beyond Walls: A Holistic Haven

For seven to twelve weeks, this facility becomes the entire universe for these unaccompanied minors. Here, they are not just refugees; they are individuals being methodically and lovingly prepared for whatever horizon awaits them.

Qualified staff trained in trauma-informed care, language support, resilience building, and intercultural competence assist with individual and group conversations about everything from conflict resolution to personal hygiene. 

Each interaction and each design choice between the collaboration with KJHV and BuzziSpace is a careful stitch in rebuilding fractured narratives and a meaningful investment in the future of these children.