Celebrating Starts at Home Day

Good design can transform lives

At Pelham Architects, we believe that good design can change lives. Malone Terrace, our latest supported housing project in Clifton, Nottingham, is a powerful example of how architecture can offer not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope. 

Malone Terrace is a purpose-built development of 14 independent flats, designed to support families experiencing homelessness. Commissioned by Nottingham City Council and delivered by NCHA, this scheme provides more than just a roof - it’s a place to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

A fresh start for families

For residents like Mawushi, a mother of three, Malone Terrace has been life-changing. After months of homelessness and temporary hotel stays, she and her children now have a safe, stable place to call home.

“I was sleeping in a train station with my children,” she shares. “Now I look out the window and feel calm. A place like this gives you warmth and security.”

The design of Malone Terrace prioritises independence and comfort. Each flat includes cooking and laundry facilities, allowing families to regain routines and self-sufficiency. Communal spaces and thoughtful layouts foster a sense of community and wellbeing.

Architecture with purpose

Pelham Architects worked closely with NCHA to ensure the building was designed to support vulnerable people. Our design approach focused on:

• Privacy and safety, with secure access and individual living spaces.
• Communal spaces that encourage social interaction.
• Functionality, including kitchens and laundry areas in every unit.
• A calming environment, with natural light and green views to promote mental wellbeing.

We’re proud that Malone Terrace is not just a building - it’s a foundation for new beginnings.

Celebrating Starts at Home Day

This story is part of our support for the National Housing Federation’s Starts at Home Day, a campaign that celebrates the vital role of supported housing across the UK.

Services like Malone Terrace are essential. They provide:

Security: Families no longer face the stress of constant relocation.
Support: On-site staff offer practical help and emotional care.
Independence: Facilities restore dignity and routine.
Hope: A peaceful environment where families can plan for the future.

The Starts at Home campaign reminds us all that when we provide people with the right home, we’re giving them the best possible start in life. At Pelham, we’re proud to work alongside housing associations, local authorities, and support providers to make that vision a reality.