Proctor and Matthews Architects have won planning consent for a supported housing scheme in Colchester for Family Mosaic.

The Ascott House development, which is inspired by historic Essex almshouses, will provide new temporary accommodation and support facilities for homeless families and  individuals.

The development has been influenced by historic Essex almshouses and, like them, will offer support and accommodation on a domestic scale. Houses and apartments will be arranged alongside other facilities around two intimate courtyards offering landscaped communal spaces and play areas for children. A gatehouse will act as a threshold between the street and the more tranquil spaces within, enhancing the sense of domesticity, security and community. The scheme will be built using patterned brick and terracotta tiles to give a contemporary interpretation to the traditionally inspired layout, and will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.