A London care home built to tackle social isolation has won a major architecture awardA care home that fosters connections between residents and the wider community has been crowned the UK’s best new building. A modern reimagining of a traditional almshouse, Appleby Blue in Bermondsey, south London, won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling prize on Thursday night. Featuring 59 rent-capped apartments, a community centre and rooftop gardens, the property tackles the twin issues of loneliness and a lack of affordable housing for elderly people. “Sociability is built right into the heart of this building,” said Martyn Craddock, chief executive of United St Saviour’s Charity. It’s absolutely beautiful.” Appleby Blue was up against stiff competition at the awards, notably from the Houses of Parliament’s refurbished Elizabeth Tower.