Christopher Boone's Almhouses, Lewisham

Client: Merchant Taylors

Role: Project Architect

The Christopher Boone's almhouses will provide 62 one and two-bedroom almshouses in Lewisham, which are specifically designed for older people. The almshouses follow the recommendations of the 'Housing an Ageing Population Panel for Innovation Report' (HAPPI) which was published earlier this year. In addition there will be an adjacent development of 26 maisonettes and apartments for private sale, which will be accessed separately.

The new scheme reprovides the Christopher Boone almshouses originally located on the site, which were no longer suitable for older people and will continue to provide accommodation for older people on low incomes in the area. The dual aspect homes are arranged around a landscaped South facing courtyard, with balconies and open decked walkways overlooking this central area. The new homes will be specifically designed to allow independent living for older people; all are fully wheelchair accessible and have more living space than the existing homes. Communal facilities include a lounge, summer room, garden, laundry and off street parking, along with a quiet working garden for those interested in horticulture and vegetable growing.