Appleby Blue Almshouse Shortlisted for UK's Most Prestigious Architecture Award
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Bath-based landscape architects Grant Associates celebrate Stirling Prize recognition for landmark almshouse project in Southwark
Appleby Blue Almshouse, a pioneering development in Southwark designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects with landscape design by Bath-based practice Grant Associates, has been shortlisted for the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s most prestigious architecture award.
Commissioned by United St Saviour’s Charity, the project reimagines the centuries-old tradition of almshouses for the 21st century, creating affordable, independent homes for older people in the heart of London.
Grant Associates created a landscape that fosters connection and wellbeing, integrating seasonal gardens at its heart and productive rooftop terraces to create a sense of sanctuary within the busy city. The design draws on nature to promote health, social interaction and resilience, while enhancing biodiversity in an urban setting.
Widely recognised as a model for later living, Appleby Blue demonstrates how architecture and landscape can combine to deliver inclusive, sustainable communities.
The winner of the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on 16 October 2025.
Keith French, Director at Grant Associates, said:
“It was a privilege to collaborate with Witherford Watson Mann Architects and United St Saviour’s Charity to help bring nature into the heart of this living environment. Our aim was to create a setting that supports wellbeing and community connection, where older people can thrive. We’re delighted the project has been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.”
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About Grant Associates Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice, whose work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. Grant Associates’ design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. The practice combines original thinking, creative collaboration and regenerative design to breathe new life into our cities and landscapes.
