October 20 2023

A retirement day centre in London by Mae has been named the UK's best new building by the Royal Incorporation of British Architects.

The cluster of red brick care and social spaces sit within the Grade I listed grounds of Morden College in Blackheath and are unified by a timber cloister and sculptural chimneys inspired by its 17th-century neighbours for ventilation.

Skillfully combining medical facilities and social spaces the design employs level thresholds, concealed handrails, high-contrast flooring and built-in seating to accommodate residents of all needs and abilities.

Founding director of Mæ, Alex Ely said: "The John Morden Centre has been a really fulfilling project to work on. At a time when adult social care is in a perilous state, this award demonstrates that there is hope for the sector and the project offers up a model for others working within health and care – inspiring them to create environments that positively impact on people’s mental and physical health."

Centrepiece of the cluster of pavilions is a mature cedar tree which anchors views through the gardens and pavilions.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Lovely on 20 Oct 2023 at 11:11 AM

Lovely.

#2 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 21 Oct 2023 at 10:53 AM

More middle class welfare -- this time for real.

The design vibe looks forced and very self indulgent -- says more about the stylist than the role of the building.

Cost of the development does not seem to be part of the discussion -- suggests that a horse choked when it saw the bills.

History will show this building to be a pretty weak design but with a great publicity team.

Overall -- a lot of noise over very little.
Must have been a thin year.

#3 Posted by Jamie on 23 Oct 2023 at 11:20 AM

Got to love the self-confidence of some UR commenters, haven't you?

#4 Posted by Another Jamie on 23 Oct 2023 at 16:16 PM

I think this looks like a worthy winner - it's a well-composed and well-executed piece of architecture.

I saw Catherine Slessor's piece on the "dutifully dull" shortlist, but it seemed to me that it was a collection of good buildings which weren't trying too hard to be 'iconic', whatever that means.

I would say it's a shame that all but one of the buildings on the shortlist were located in London (cost-of-living affecting travel expense limits for the judges?!)

#5 Posted by David on 23 Oct 2023 at 16:25 PM

I'd love to see some of the architectural gems Fat Bloke on Tour has produced given the fairly brutal critiques he only ever dishes out...

#6 Posted by Yer Ma on 24 Oct 2023 at 13:30 PM

Is 'Fat Bloke On Tour' genuine, and if so, what does he get out of all this? Get a grip!
Do these sort of self impotrant cavilers really exist or is it just Urban Realm trying to be controversial to encourage others to react? Like they used to do with Big Chantelle.

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