Witherford Watson Mann Architects has been awarded the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 for their innovative Appleby Blue Almshouse, a groundbreaking development that redefines social housing for older people. Located in Bermondsey, London, this project offers 57 social-rent apartments designed specifically for residents aged 65 and over. The architects have taken a fresh approach to the centuries-old almshouse concept by focusing on community and human connection, addressing pressing social issues such as loneliness and housing shortages among the elderly.

The design is distinguished by its thoughtful, high-quality spaces that blend function with a strong sense of community. Unlike traditional layouts, Appleby Blue places generous communal areas at the centre of the scheme to encourage interaction between residents. Key features include light-filled hallways equipped with customisable planters and benches, a communal roof terrace, and a double-height public 'garden room.' There is also a community kitchen and an active public events calendar aimed at fostering engagement both among residents and with the wider neighbourhood.

Architectural critics have praised the project for setting new standards in social housing for later life. Ingrid Schroder, director of the Architectural Association School of Architecture, described Appleby Blue as “a provision of pure delight,” highlighting the architects’ ability to craft spaces that truly care for their residents. Similarly, the warm, timber-clad interiors evoke a domestic rather than institutional atmosphere, reflecting a nuanced understanding of ageing as not merely a physical condition but fundamentally a social experience.

The external design incorporates terracotta walkways and street-facing bay windows at ground level to forge strong connections between residents and their urban surroundings, combating the isolation often faced by older people. The building’s courtyard layout includes shared growing spaces and sociable balcony access around the entire structure, distinguishing it from conventional high-density housing models.

In addition to clinching the Stirling Prize, the Appleby Blue Almshouse also won the Neave Brown Award for Housing, further emphasising its excellence as an affordable housing project. Its client, United St Saviour’s Charity, was named Client of the Year, underlining the success of the partnership that brought the project to fruition.

This latest accolade by the Royal Institute of British Architects recognises Appleby Blue as a pioneering model for housing in later life, showcasing how thoughtful architectural design can restore dignity, reduce social isolation, and foster a vibrant community for older residents in urban settings.

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Source: Noah Wire Services