Almshouse

How to house our older generations? United St Saviour’s experience of running a traditional almshouse convinced them of the benefits of independent but collective living in the city; they set the ambition to update this model for twenty-first century London. Facing the challenges of social isolation and dementia, but also the opportunities for an active and involved older age, we have together imagined a new community that will be both cohesive and outward-looking. The new almshouse reverses the historic model of retreat, in favour of direct contact with urban life.

“We want a mix of generations, abilities and backgrounds to come together and learn from each other. We know that older people have lots of skills and time to offer their community, and by keeping them in the community they know and love, the whole community will gain.” Martyn Craddock, Chief Executive United St. Saviour’s

We talked with residents of the existing almshouse, who explained the importance of the garden for them. The new almshouse has been built around a courtyard garden, lined on its sides by glazed galleries accessing the apartments – bringing the changing colours and light of the seasons into the residents’ everyday experience. Facing the street, the ground and first floors house a series of shared rooms – a café, cookery school, craft room and meeting room – supporting both active and sociable use by residents, and supporting exchange with the wider community.