CASE STUDY
Trauma-Informed Design
Thoughtful design has the power to change how people experience a space.
This trauma-informed project demonstrates how sensory design transformed an existing residential care environment into a place that supports safety, belonging and wellbeing for young adults rebuilding their lives after trauma.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Brief
Terel Sensory Studio was commissioned to redesign an underused room within a residential aftercare service supporting young adult refugees aged 18 and over.
Located within a mid-19th century Victorian residence overlooking Clontarf seafront, the space was intended to become a shared environment where residents could relax, connect, learn and feel supported in everyday life.
The aim was to create a welcoming, multi-purpose space that reflected the values of the service while encouraging a sense of safety, belonging and independence.
Design Challenge
The room needed to support quiet reflection, social connection, informal learning and everyday living within a single space.
Working within an existing Victorian building and a defined budget, every intervention had to respect the character of the property while responding sensitively to the residents' diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and sensory needs.
The challenge was creating an environment that felt calm, flexible and restorative without relying on extensive structural change.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The existing room was a space that very few people chose to spend time in. It felt cold, underused and uninviting.
Through conversations with residents and staff, we transformed it into a warm, flexible environment designed to support a range of everyday activities — creating a space where people genuinely want to spend time.
Inspired by the surrounding Clontarf coastline, the design introduced ocean-inspired colours, an aquatic mural, seashell lighting, natural textures and planting to create a stronger connection to nature. Flexible low-level seating, layered materials and dedicated sensory resources helped create a space that feels welcoming, adaptable and supportive.
LOW SEATING
Flexible low-level seating reflects cultural familiarity and encourages informal gathering, comfort and connection
WINDOW NOOK
A quiet retreat providing residents with a dedicated place for reflection, reading and sensory regulation.
MEDIA WALL
Integrated storage keeps sensory resources organised and accessible while reducing visual clutter throughout the space.
COASTAL MURAL
Inspired by the Clontarf coastline, the mural introduces colour and organic forms that connect the room to nature.
THE THINKING BEHIND THE DESIGN
SENSORY DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Every design decision was guided by sensory principles, user insight and a focus on creating a space that supports comfort, connection and personal control.
01 | CULTURAL FAMILIARITY & BELONGING
The design incorporated low-level seating, fluid beanbags and a custom coffee table to create a more relaxed and familiar way of gathering. Inspired by floor-sitting traditions found across many cultures, the space encourages informal interaction, comfort and a stronger sense of belonging.
02 | CONNECTION TO NATURE
Drawing inspiration from the Clontarf coastline, the design introduced a calming palette of ocean-inspired blues, soft greens and natural textures throughout the room. An abstract aquatic mural, seashell lighting, planting and layered materials including rattan, wool and cotton created a restorative environment with a meaningful connection to the natural world.
03 | SENSORY REGULATION & PERSONAL CONTROL
Sensory resources including fidget tools, weighted blankets and calming supports were integrated discreetly within the space, reducing visual clutter while keeping essential items accessible. Adjustable lighting, remote-controlled media and flexible areas such as the window nook allowed residents to personalise their environment, supporting choice, independence and a greater sense of control.
04 | PREDICTABILITY & CLARITY
A structured layout, clear circulation pathways and integrated storage solutions created a sense of order and ease within the space. By establishing defined areas for different activities and reducing unnecessary visual clutter, the environment became easier to navigate, helping residents feel more comfortable, confident and supported in their surroundings.
PROJECT INSIGHTS
Project Outcomes
The completed space has become a valued resource within the service, used frequently by residents, staff and visiting groups alike.
What was once an underused resource is now a welcoming, flexible space that supports reflection, connection and group activities.
It provides a dedicated setting for trauma-informed activities, staff reflection, training sessions and moments of quiet retreat — uses that were not previously possible within the space.
The transformation has been embraced by residents, staff and visitors, demonstrating how thoughtful sensory design can positively influence the way people experience and engage with their environment.
Evidence In Practice
Every recommendation was informed by careful observation, service user feedback and environmental assessment.
The existing acoustic performance of the room was evaluated and found to be appropriate, allowing resources to be directed towards the elements that would most meaningfully support residents’ experience.
Rather than applying unnecessary interventions, the design process focused on targeted improvements including sensory resources, lighting, layout and environmental control.
This evidence-based approach ensured thoughtful investment in the areas that would create the greatest impact while delivering a considered response within realistic budget parameters.
WORK WITH TEREL
Creating Spaces That Support People
Every project begins with active listening — understanding your goals, your people and how your environment needs to perform.
Whether you are planning a workplace, healthcare setting, hospitality environment or community space, we work with organisations to understand what matters most and translate those needs into thoughtful design solutions.