Sensitive restoration and thoughtful design

Pelham Architects continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading specialist in the restoration and renewal of historic almshouses, delivering modern, energy‑efficient homes that honour heritage while meeting the needs of today’s residents.

With almost 50 years of shared expertise through NCHA, Pelham continues to revitalise historic almshouses, delivering modern, energy‑efficient homes that honour heritage while supporting the needs of today’s residents. Here’s a couple of our projects;

Restoring and expanding the William Woodsend Almshouses

Pelham played a central role in rejuvenating the 1912 William Woodsend Almshouses on Derby Road, Nottingham. Originally created to support residents in reduced circumstances, particularly older women from caring and educational professions, the charity faced funding challenges until NCHA stepped in.

Working closely with NCHA’s property services team, Pelham:

• Fully refurbished and modernised the existing almshouses
• Preserved and respected the heritage features of the 1912 architecture
• Delivered additional, sensitively designed bungalows to expand capacity.

This careful combination of restoration and new-build design has ensured the Woodsend legacy continues to provide safe, modern homes for those in need.

Revitalising the Lambley Almshouse

Pelham Architects led the sensitive restoration of the 1897 Lambley Almshouse following NCHA’s takeover of the charitable trust.

Once nearing dereliction, the buildings were fully revitalised in 2016, with new heating systems, improved insulation, and a complete modern refit. The refurbished homes now provide high‑quality, comfortable accommodation for older residents while preserving the distinctive character of the original architecture.

Supporting charitable housing providers 

As a social enterprise owned by NCHA, Pelham reinvests surpluses into providing more homes for local communities. Our work with almshouse charities reflects this mission, protecting historic assets while enabling them to thrive as modern, affordable homes for older and vulnerable residents.

From early feasibility and condition surveys to full architectural design, Pelham Architects provide end‑to‑end support for almshouse trusts seeking to:

• Modernise outdated housing
• Improve energy performance
• Expand almshouse provision
• Protect heritage buildings.

Pelham Architects remains committed to ensuring almshouse communities, and the charitable values behind them, continue to thrive well into the future. Get in touch to discuss how we can help safeguard your historic housing and create sustainable homes for future generations.