The Piper building was constructed in the 1950s for North Thames Gas and by 1995, despite its distinctive murals by artist John Piper, had become redundant. Careful investigation of the structure revealed a precast concrete frame without internal columns and exceptional floor to ceiling heights, on which the developer Baylight wished to capitalise. The principle hurdle to be overcome was a planning presumption in favour of an industrial or commercial use on the site. Negotiation with the council led to a mixed-use scheme with space for 78 loft-style apartments, as well as office, studio and light industrial uses, which, since its completion in 1999, have included fashion, wellbeing and fitness. While the case for retaining the existing structures was practical and financial rather than aesthetic, there was no doubting the quality of the volume of space in the apartments. The floor to ceiling heights were generous., varying between four and six metres, so innovative planning of the existing spaces, restoration of the murals and terrazzo floors in the reception, and replacement of the existing curtain wall with an insulated skin animated by balconies to animate the façade, produced a highly successful and marketable scheme.

The development contains a mix of large shells  and fitted-out flats, which were designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. Two basic plan forms were applied. The first, the so-called ‘Philip Johnson egg’, takes its cue from the layout of the New Canaan Glass House and places services in a central island core with a mezzanine above. The alternative layout features a double-height living space, with an upper level mezzanine gallery over the kitchen. The interiors are cool and modern in feel and exploit the basic volume: mezzanine levels, generous storage, and access to private outdoor spaces. The white expanse of the exterior is animated thorugh the use of large pull-down blinds, bright yellow in hue, to give shade and privacy to the light steel balconies. The roof of the large single-storey block is laid out as a communal garden. This block has been rendered in a rich yellow, a memory of the Mediterranean set alongside the Thames. Housing Design Award 1999 Hammersmith and Fulham Best Conservation Scheme Award 2000

Architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Services Engineer Waterman Gore Structural Engineer Waterman Partnership Main Contractor Try Construction Photography Andrew Putler, Chris Gascoigne9/ from 4 user reviewsAddress:310 Lee High Road, LewishamLondon, SE13 5PJMap:Region:LewishamNearest Station:BlackheathCategory:Blinds, Awnings & CanopiesTelephone:Opening Hours:Mon:09:30 - 17:30Tue:09:30 - 17:30Wed:09:30 - 17:30Thu:09:30 - 17:30Fri:09:30 - 17:30Sat:09:30 - 17:30All Blinds, Awnings & CanopiesMost Popular Blinds, Awnings & CanopiesHomestyle By Peter Rhys (0.0 miles)Lee High Road, Lewisham, SE13 5PJTudor Blinds & Tudor Shutters (2.1 miles)The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UDWhite Villa Limited (2.3 miles)Surrey Canal Road, New Cross Gate, Lewisham, SE14 5SDAdd a PhotoSubmit a Top TipWrite a ReviewUser Rating: 9We had to wait for a while but eventually we were told our shutters had arrived. They were fitted and we are very pleased. Great service and good quality! It was worth the wait.

Oliver, South East LondonThe star rating for the review has been removed and discounted due to an official response being added.I am having a horrific time trying to get my blinds fixed. minnie mouse curtains dublinI took them to have the width adjusted back in November. black omen - curtains of imaginary vortexIt took three weeks to get them back, and when I did, they had taken up the length too (for no reason whatsoever - it was clear that this had not been requested), so they were too short for my windows. jill zarin curtainsI took them back in and they said they would adjust them back. fairmont lined thermal door curtains

2 weeks later, we picked them up and they were still too short. It is now January, I have had no information, despite leaving 2 messages, and they wont answer the phone. lush decor lillian purple shower curtainNo blinds for christmas and very upset. eclipse blackout eyelet curtainsThis comment has an official response:From: EmmanuelPosition: Service ManagerUser Rating: I was amazed at the professionalism shown from ordering to installation. marimekko red poppy shower curtainTheir price is competitive and their attention to detail was exceptional. The Managing Director took personal responsibility for overseeing the work and we are now the proud owners of the most beautiful shutters in the street.

I have rated them 10/10 and have already recommended them to relatives and friends. Let us continue to support our local companies.User Rating: I would just like to say, I just had my stutters install today and they are first class absolutely brilliant well worth the money very competitive pricing and the staff made the experience effortless, I I'm now the envy of my neighbours, I would highly recommend this company to a friend. 10/10.User Rating: 8NewbieMember since: Jul 2012Posts: 0View ProfileI would agree with the other comments that the communication could be better, but overall I'm really happy with the service. We have had some beautiful shutters fitted. They took 12 weeks to be made a fitted (not far off the 10 quoted). The finish is excellent and the product is top quality. V.HappThe star rating for the review has been removed and discounted due to an official response being added.NewbieMember since: Apr 2011Posts: 0View ProfileThe most unrealiable company I have ever used in my whole life.

I purchased shutter blinds in Oct 2010 and job is still not yet done (nearly 7 months on). I had to wait 3 months (even though he said it would only take 8 weeks) for the shutter blinds to arrive. When they did arrive, he realised the frame in the living room was measured incorrectly (he did all the measuring himself by the way) and now I am still waiting for them to arrive. I must have called him over 50 times to chase about my shutters, for him to make one excuse after another. These shutter blinds have cost me a lot of money and the only reason why I used them was because I wanted to help local trade. I have made a terrible mistake using this company and would never use them again. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANYThis comment has an official response: From: EmmanuelPosition: Service ManagerThe star rating for the review has been removed and discounted due to an official response being added.NewbieMember since: Sep 2006Posts: 0View ProfilePoor service, poor quality products and appauling aftersales care - avoid at all costs.