During our European tour, we visited the Appleby Blue Almshouse Seniors Centre, located in South East London on the outskirts of the city centre.

Designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects and winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2025, this facility exemplifies how to thoughtfully integrate a large seniors residence into a historic neighbourhood while providing modern, forward-looking housing that supports independence for older adults.

The design strategy is compelling: the exterior features a stoic brick façade reminiscent of traditional almshouses, while the interior circulation corridors are enveloped in glazing that overlooks the courtyard and gardens.

A model of the Appleby Blue project shows the building’s thoughtful massing, with five stories opening to the south on three sides, while a two-story lower section features a rooftop garden.

The rooftop garden was initially designed by the landscape architect however later residents wanted their own input into selection of plants and vegetables.

A double-height community room features large glass doors that open to the garden spaces. The room serves residents and the public for lunches and presentations. The deliberately mismatched furniture avoids an institutional aesthetic.

The community room was alive with conversation and laughter as we toured the main space with Jude, the facility’s Director.

Throughout the common facilities, high-quality finishes and tasteful colour palettes stand out. Grey tile flooring used extensively, including in the courtyard-facing corridors, provides a coherent material language that is repeated in outdoor courtyard.

On ground floor is a large common kitchen utilized by staff to create healthy meals.

Corridors are well lit and open to the courtyard below, with operable windows and tiles that mimic the exterior walkway material.

Large wooden operable windows look out onto the landscaped courtyard with ping pong table and waterfeature that after 3 years the trees and bushes have started maturing.

The building is a empowering example of what a seniors residence can be that offers light, open space, dignity for the residence and a optimistic view on latter years of life.