The John Morden Centre is a modern interpretation of a cloister. It is a meticulously detailed and sustainable CLT and timber structure wrapped in handsome brick. The Centre provides day care facilities for residents of Morden College, a Grade I listed almshouse founded in 1695 by Sir John Morden and built by Sir Christopher Wren’s master builder and successor, Edward Strong.
The scheme consolidates a variety of uses previously spread across the college site into an innovative, characterful new building designed to tackle social isolation among older residents.
Client: Morden College
Architects: Mae Architects
Project Value: Not disclosed
Winner: Stirling Prize 2023
Winner: RIBA London Building of the Year 2023
Winner: RIBA Regional Award 2023
Winner: New London Architecture Prize 2023
“The John Morden Centre is a place of joy and inspiration. It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical facilities and social spaces, delivering a bold and hopeful model for the design of health and care centres for the elderly. Dedication to creating an environment that lifts the spirits and fosters community is evident at every turn and in every detail. This robust building provides comfort and warmth, with thoughtful features designed to prevent isolation. It illustrates how buildings can themselves be therapeutic – supporting care and instilling a sense of belonging. Great architecture orients people so they can thrive, and this building is exemplary at achieving exactly that.”
Ellen van Loon, OMA, Chair of the RIBA Stirling Prize jury.
