This exceptional split level apartment forms part of the Grade II*-listed Pioneer Centre. Built in 1937 to a design by architect Sir Owen Williams, the building was described by Walter Gropius as “an oasis of glass in a desert of brick.”

Configured over two expansive floors, the apartment has been completely refurbished, re-configured and redesigned by Kirckwood McLean Architects, stripping back the apartment and opening up the internal spaces, promoting the flow of natural light care of double-height sections of original Crittal glazing. A contemporary material palette entirely in keeping with the building’s sleek modernist exterior has also been introduced including solid oak parquet on the upper floor, polished concrete aggregate on the lower levels and a wrought-iron spiral staircase.

The Pioneer centre was originally designed as a purpose-built health centre for the Peckham Experiment, a unique study into the nature of health, led by Dr George Scott Williamson and Dr Innes Pearse. The scheme was devised to observe families in a community setting and to monitor the factors that contributed to human health. It is now a fully residential development, configured around communal tennis courts and a recently refurbished indoor residents’ swimming pool. The Centre is characterised by elegant facades with expansive sections of glazing and simple cubic massing of white concrete.

Access is gained towards the rear of the block, along a corridor with glazing directly overlooking the pool. Inside, the apartment has been configured “upside down”; the master bedroom occupies the majority of the first floor with high ceilings, oak parquet underfoot and a glass balustrade looking down over the galleried windows to the living spaces below. There is a closet with ample storage space, as well as a newly-installed bathroom with hand-made Zelig tiles on this floor. The space is currently configured as a one-bedroom apartment, but all work has been carried out to allow for a simple transition back to a two-bedroom layout.

The ground floor is arranged in an open-plan; the living room positioned next to the large Crittal windows is a wonderfully bright space and flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has been designed by Uncommon Projects and is formed of birch-ply with oak veneer, stainless steel worktops and integrated Miele appliances. A playful bar room has been created, adjoining the kitchen, and doubles as a pantry or larder. The dining room sits opposite and a further bathroom with D-Tiles, just beyond.

The Pioneer Centre has communal gardens, tennis courts and, of course, an indoor swimming pool, all for the exclusive use of residents. There is also a residents’ gym which is currently undergoing renovation and will be completed shortly.

The apartment comes with its own allocated parking space.

The Pioneer Centre is excellently located between the thriving areas of Queens Road Peckham and Nunhead. Recent additions to Queens Road continue to appear, notably South-African restaurant Kudu, Peckham Cellars, Mama Dough and the Blackbird Bakery under the railway arches. Nunhead Lane has a village-like feel, with a greengrocer, a famed fishmonger in F.C. Soper, Bambuni Deli, The Good Cup coffee shop and a new community centre by AOC architects. Popular local pubs include the Old Nuns Head, The Telegraph and the Beer Shop.

The nearby Bellenden Road has become a centre for some excellent independent restaurants, bars, and shops, including Artusi, The Begging Bowl and Flock & Herd butchers. The Bussey Building, off Rye Lane, hosts an active and varied programme of yoga/dance classes and workshops, along with a residency from the Royal Court theatre. The green spaces of Telegraph Hill & Peckham Rye Park are a short walk away.

Queens Road Peckham is the nearest station, just a two-minute walk away, running London Overground services to Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Junction in one direction and Clapham Junction in the other. Connections to the Jubilee Line can be reached at Canada Water (10 minutes) and the Northern Line at Clapham High Street (11 minutes). Southern trains run services to London Bridge with a journey time of around 7 minutes. Nunhead station is seven minutes’ walk away with connections to Victoria (in 15 minutes) and King’s Cross St Pancras (in 25 minutes).

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 108 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £2,750 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £130 per annum
Council Tax Band: D
Parking: Allocated parking with the apartment

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.