We’re absolutely delighted that the Lexi Cinema extension and refurbishment has received two awards, the People’s Choice as well as the Heritage & Culture, at the first Brent Design Awards last Thursday.
Huge thanks also to our amazing client, the Lexi Cinema team, the Contractor CBC Design & Build, all consultants involved and Brent Council for organising what was a truly impressive awards evening. Many congrats to John Stiles, Natasha Reid FRSA, Alice Lester MBE and Ciara Whelehan for pulling this off – a fantastic achievement.
Inspiring and humbling speeches by Councillor Shama Tatler, Councillor Muhammed Butt and Councillor Krupesh Hirani.
The Lexi Cinema: the first cinema screen in the UK to use MVHR and Air to Air Source Heat Pump to control the internal climate of one of its screening rooms.
It is London’s only social enterprise cinema, located in Kensal Rise. A treasured asset within the local community, The Lexi Cinema tasked us with revitalising a 99 sqm parcel of vacant land in the rear car park of the existing Edwardian gabled brick theatre.
Following a successful two-year fundraising campaign including grants from the Brent Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy, a contribution of £50,000 from Sadiq Khan’s community fund, and local donations, RISE Design Studio submitted a planning application backed by 1,210 local signatories, and construction began in July 2020.
Situated in a residential neighbourhood
Key to the Client Brief were the Sustainable Strategies, which included Air-Air Source Heat Pump, Super-insulated walls and roof, Airtightness, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, and Wildflower Sedum Green Roof.