A social housing complex has been awarded the Stirling Prize for architectural excellence.

Appleby Blue Almshouse in Bermondsey was selected by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in recognition of the ‘high-quality social collective housing’ it provides for those aged over 65.

Designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects and delivered by United Saint Saviour's Charity, developer JTRE and Southwark Council, the complex includes communal facilities and 59 flats as a combination of assisted living and self-contained homes.

Stephen Witherford, on behalf of Witherford Watson Mann Architects, explained that the almshouse is an ‘environment that reduces loneliness, encourages connection, and supports a good later life.’

He added: ‘The charity has made social housing aspirational, enabling people to grow old locally with the right support, benefiting both residents and the wider Southwark community.’

Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: ‘This was only achieved through the hard work of partners coming together, led by the incredible vision of United St Saviour’s Charity, and shows what can be achieved when we work together and think creatively about delivering social value from the planning process.

‘Southwark Council is delighted to have played a key role in facilitating the delivery of Appleby Blue, offering up our land for the project and helping to negotiate the S106 deal which brought financing to the project from JTRE’s ‘Triptych’ development in Bankside.’

Ingrid Schroder, Director of The Architectural Association, said: ‘Built against the backdrop of two crises, an acute housing shortage and a growing loneliness epidemic among older people, Appleby Blue offers a hopeful and imaginative response, where residents and the surrounding community are brought together through the transformative nature of the design.’