Appleby Blue Almshouse in Southwark, London, designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, has been awarded the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize, marking a significant achievement in the evolution of social housing architecture. The £25 million project, commissioned by United St Saviour’s Charity, reimagines the traditional almshouse to meet the needs of contemporary later life, providing 57 one-bedroom flats exclusively for residents aged 65 and over. This carefully designed scheme replaces an abandoned care home and offers a fresh approach to inclusive social housing, with rents capped at social housing levels to ensure accessibility.

The design centres around fostering community and reducing social isolation among older residents. The flats are arranged around a sunlit, landscaped courtyard, creating an oasis of calm and encouraging interaction both within the building and with the wider Southwark community. Communal spaces include a ground-floor multipurpose hall and kitchen that open onto the street for use by local groups, promoting active neighbourhood engagement. Access balconies overlook the courtyard, featuring seating areas to encourage residents to socialise and connect, thus combatting loneliness.

Stephen Witherford, director of Witherford Watson Mann, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project with United St Saviour’s Charity, emphasising the goal to create an environment "that reduces loneliness, encourages connection, and supports a good later life." The charity was also honoured as Client of the Year during the same event, underscoring its commitment to socially conscious housing development.

The jury, chaired by Ingrid Schroder, director of the Architectural Association, praised Appleby Blue as “a hopeful and imaginative response” to pressing social challenges such as housing shortages and isolation among older populations. Schroder noted that the project exemplified how "architecture can blend function and community to create environments that truly care for their residents." The thoughtful design integrates features such as balconies protected by an oak and glass façade, providing residents with good views over neighbouring Victorian gardens and their own rooftop garden, further enhancing the quality of life.

Appleby Blue Almshouse also won the Neave Brown Award for Housing, further cementing its status as an exemplar in the field of residential architecture for older adults. This accolade, alongside the Stirling Prize, positions the project as a touchstone for the future of socially responsible housing.

Other notable winners on the night included Sheerness Dockyard Church by Hugh Broughton Architects, which received the Reinvention Award for its sensitive restoration and reinvention of a historic building, and St Mary’s Walthamstow by Matthew Lloyd Architects, which earned the Stephen Lawrence Prize recognising early-career architectural excellence.

The success of Appleby Blue builds on a growing recognition within architecture of the importance of designing housing that supports community and well-being for older residents. This project sets a new standard for social housing by combining architectural innovation with a deep commitment to social impact, demonstrating that well-designed communal living can enhance both autonomy and social connection in later life.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services