Fathom’s consented development of 62 contemporary almshouses for Southwark Charities creates affordable homes for local elderly residents in need, enabled through an innovative mixed-use development providing 22,500sqm of workspace, community uses and 950sqm of public landscaped gardens.

The almshouse building is expressed in pale terracotta, rising 15 storeys on Nicholson Street, to create a vertical community where local elderly people facing hardship can live independently in a safe and supported environment.

Reimagining the traditional almshouse typology, generously proportioned homes are grouped into clusters of ten with shared facilities – including generous seating areas, shared terraces and productive rooftop gardens – to nurture neighbourliness and promote active lifestyles.

A new pedestrian route links Blackfriars Road to the emerging Low Line, orientated through 950 sqm of new public gardens designed to encourage interaction between residents, neighbours and local workers.