RIBA Stirling Prize Lecture – Bristol

Appleby Blue with Witherford Watson Mann

Take your seat for the Annual Stirling Prize lecture.

Proving that housing can be both humane & inspiring, Appleby Blue stands as a powerful testament to what thoughtful design can achieve for later living in the city. Winner of this year’s Stirling Prize, the project demonstrates that social purpose & architectural excellence are not opposing ambitions, but mutually reinforcing ideals.

“Designing social housing for later life is too often reduced to a simple provision of service. Appleby Blue, however, is a provision of pure delight.” Ingrid Schroder, Stirling Prize Jury

Designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects for United St Saviour’s Charity, Appleby Blue offers a model of community-led, high-quality housing for older residents in Southwark. The building’s warm brick façades, open walkways & lush communal gardens create a sense of belonging & neighbourliness — a calm sanctuary within the city’s vibrant fabric.

‘Hopeful & imaginative’ Financial Times

Inside, the architecture celebrates everyday life: carefully proportioned apartments, generous shared spaces & subtle detailing that balances practicality with grace. The project’s success lies in its quiet confidence — its ability to make residents feel both secure & connected, dignified & at home.

Join Architect Stephen Witherford as he reflects on the making of Appleby Blue — a project that redefines what social housing can be, and proves that architecture, at its best, is about care as much as craft.

OUR SPEAKER

• Stephen Witherford, Director of Witherford Watson Mann

This event is in partnership with RIBA and Savills

Our talks are open to the public and professionals alike.
The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA