Stephen Proctor describes how the contemporary interpretation of the historic Almshouse model has influenced several of our recent projects for older people in Architecture Today's Inhabit supplement.

With their origins dating back to the 10th century, almshouses were built to accommodate the vulnerable in society and were created through charitable donations. This historic domestic model captures a rich layer of cultural, spatial and social memory. Sometimes deemed overly paternalistic, the architectural form however can potentially act as a model for higher density, low rise living: nurturing a sense of community and encouraging social interaction.

The extensive historic alsmhouses of Essex informed our designs for Hargood Close in Colchester, a centre of excellence for the support of homeless people. Other recent projects influenced by this adaptable typology include Chapter House in Lichfield, John Dower House in Cheltenham and Steepleton in Tetbury for Later Living developer PegasusLife.