CAMBRIDGE, IA — Residents recently began moving into the Ember Recovery Campus, a dedicated addiction recovery facility specifically crafted to support the unique needs of youth and young adults. The campus, designed by RDG Planning & Design, is part of the YSS community and combines nature-based and trauma-informed design to provide a safe, welcoming space where individuals can focus on healing and self-discovery.
Nestled within a rural landscape in Cambridge, Iowa, RDG’s design for the campus echoes Iowa’s natural landscape. Looping pathways, sensory gardens, and private outdoor spaces combine with a lodge and home-like residential cabins to foster a sense of safety, encourage self-reflection, and build resilience, supporting the campus’s mission to offer a sanctuary for healing and personal growth.
“Our work with YSS on the Ember Recovery Campus is grounded in a deep commitment to trauma-informed design and the healing power of nature," said Anne Machian, PLA, ASLA, RDG Landscape Architect and Partner. "As a result of deep engagement with YSS staff, families, current clients, and alumni, we’ve been able to create a space that fosters a sense of calm, empowerment, and connection, offering a sanctuary where young people can find peace, gain confidence, and reconnect with themselves and with the natural world."
At the heart of the 53-acre campus, walkways weave through diverse zones, from native prairie gardens to sensory-rich spaces. Each path follows a gentle, natural arc inspired by the local prairie grasses, while varied widths provide residents with choices, symbolizing the individuality of each recovery path. Upon entering the site, visitors and residents are welcomed by a tree-lined driveway that transitions into a blend of manicured lawns and restored native prairie. Privacy berms and strategically planted native vegetation create a visual separation between different campus zones.
Each element of RDG’s holistic design contributes to the mission of fostering a safe, healing, and inclusive space. Within the central campus, the lodge serves as a community anchor, featuring a café, a plaza for activities such as yoga and group meditation, and classrooms where students can continue their education in partnership with Ballard School District and the Heartland Area Education Agency. The sensory garden features carefully selected plants that evoke touch, scent, and color.
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Residential buildings are designed to provide a sense of home and security, blending commercial durability with a warm, residential aesthetic. Each two-story cabin offers bedrooms for residents that incorporate expansive windows to maximize natural light and provide views of the surroundings. Behind each cabin, private patios offer additional quiet spaces furnished with seating, hammocks, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
“The Ember Recovery Campus is a place of hope, opportunity, and healing for young people who have faced immense challenges," YSS President and CEO Andrew Allen said. "Our vision was to create a space where nature and nurturing intersect, providing a sanctuary for self-discovery, resilience, and growth. We’re excited to open these doors and welcome youth into a community where they can feel safe, empowered, and supported every step of their recovery journey.”
Beyond its role as a recovery center, the Ember Recovery Campus prioritizes sustainability and community, with plans for future stormwater management that uses native prairie landscapes and decorative ponds. Additionally, the Ember Recovery Campus master plan provides future trail connections into the Story County Conservation Easement. An official grand opening celebration is expected to take place in the spring of 2025.
