We are delighted to be included in the Dezeen Awards 2023 longlist! Dezeen is one of the world’s most respected architecture and design platforms.
The Dezeen Awards are global and take place annually. The Dezeen Architecture Awards are separated into fifteen categories. The category RISE Design Studio applied for with The Lexi Cinema & Hub is called “Cultural”.
This year 4,800 nominations were received of which 150 entries made it to the Longlist. In the “Cultural” category only 16 entries are selected, of which The Lexi Cinema & Hub is one of them!
We would like to thank The Lexi Cinema, Sally Wilton, Rosie Greatorex and Zoe Cooke among others for the great opportunity as well as the Dezeen Awards jury for their kind reviews!
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.
The Lexi Cinema & Hub won two awards at the Brent Design Awards in May 2023
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.
Aerial view of Screen 2 at the back of the original Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise, North West London
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. 💨 ♻️
Sean, Director at RISE Design Studio, and Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, at the awards ceremony
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. 🎬👷🏾♀️
Sean and Imran, Directors at RISE, with Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council
Situated in a residential neighbourhood 🏘, The Lexi Hub’s design needed to be approached with sensitivity, taking into account the houses neighbouring the site. This was not just an architectural task but a community endeavour; we envisioned an extension that mirrored the genuine care and regard for the community that local patrons have consistently shown towards The Lexi. 👨👩👦 👩🏽🎓👩🏼🍳 In order to minimise the new Lexi Hub’s visual bulk, we proposed a sunken extension, excavating 1.5 metres down. This ensures that the extension rises only 2 metres above the adjacent garden wall, whilst also allowing level access from the car park. This design strategy hides a foundation of reinforced concrete, including services, and robust acoustic and thermal insulation.
Rosie from The Lexi, Alice Lester MBE Operational Director Regeneration, Growth and Employment at London Borough of Brent and Sean, Director at RISE Design Studio
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.
We’re absolutely thrilled that the Lexi Cinema extension and refurbishment has received two awards, Heritage & Culture as well as the People’s Choice, at the inaugural Brent Design Awards last Thursday.
The Lexi Cinema & Hub has won two awards at the inaugural Brent Design Awards
Thank you to all who voted for us in the People’s Choice Award, your support is very much appreciated.
Huge thanks also to our amazing client, 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.
Aerial view of Screen 2 at The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise, NW London
Humbling and inspiring speeches by Councillor Muhammed Butt, Councillor Shama Tatler 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. 💨 ♻️ 🎥 📽️
Sean, Director at RISE Design Studio, and Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, at the awards ceremony
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 square metre 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, The Lexi and RISE Design Studio submitted a planning application backed by 1,211 local signatories, and construction began in July 2020. 🎬👷🏾♀️
Sean and Imran, Directors at RISE, with Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council
Located in a residential area 🏘, The Lexi Hub required a sensitive design approach to exercise consideration to the close neighbouring homes adjacent to the site. An exercise in community partnership, we conceptualised an extension that reciprocates the same care and thought for the community which is wholeheartedly shown to The Lexi by local patrons. 👨👩👦 👩🏽🎓👩🏼🍳We proposed a sunken extension, digging down 1.5 metres to reduce the new Lexi Hub’s massing, ensuring the extension sits only 2 metres above the neighbouring garden wall while also enabling level access from the car park. This strategy conceals a foundation of reinforced concrete, services and thick acoustic and thermal insulation.
Rosie from The Lexi, Alice Lester MBE Operational Director Regeneration, Growth and Employment at London Borough of Brent and Sean, Director at RISE Design Studio
Key to the Client Brief were the Sustainable Strategies, which included Super-insulated walls and roof, Airtightness, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, Air-Air Source Heat Pump, Wildflower Sedum Green Roof.
Have you been yet?🍿Head down and check it out – run by volunteers with all profits going to charity.
A huge thank you to our wonderful client and project team for making it such a success:
Sean (RISE), Rosie (Lexi), Krupesh Hirani (London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow), Imran (RISE), Iljaz (CBC) and Musa (CBC) at the Brent Design Awards
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3290 1003
In the world of contemporary design, where lines are blurred between art and function, vision and pragmatism, we are situated at an intersection where creativity meets commitment to the earth’s future. At the helm of this small design-led architectural studio for the past two decades, we have been privy to the extraordinary developments within the architectural landscape, and am proud to say, we’re part of an exciting, inspiring, and critically important movement towards sustainable construction. Our allegiance to this cause is marked by our membership with The Green Register and our registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Our directors, Sean Ronnie Hill and Imran Jahn, hold the distinction of being Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Here’s a deep dive into these remarkable institutions and the ethos they embody – the ethos that we at RISE Design Studio staunchly uphold.
Imran and Sean discussing our Herbert Paradise project
Chapter 1: The Green Register – Embracing a Greener Tomorrow
The Green Register of Construction Professionals is not merely a name in our list of affiliations. It is a resounding emblem of our unshakeable dedication to sustainable building practices. As an eco-conscious studio, it is a matter of both pride and responsibility to be a part of this not-for-profit organization that is tirelessly working to transform the construction industry’s understanding of sustainability.
The register is a collective of like-minded professionals, all bound by a shared commitment to the environment. But our alliance doesn’t end at membership; our engagement is both active and comprehensive. Each member willingly immerses themselves in a minimum of two days of The Green Register training, ensuring a continual reinforcement and expansion of our knowledge base in sustainable building practices.
This is a community of shared learning and growth, fostering an environment where knowledge exchange is not just encouraged, but cherished. This steadfast commitment to sustainability is not just an abstract concept; it is an integral part of our work, as can be seen in our recent portfolio of projects. Prospective clients can take heart from our membership in The Green Register, as it underscores our unflinching commitment to sustainable construction. The Green Register’s informative blog serves as an open resource for anyone keen on staying abreast of the latest trends, discussions, news, and legislation in sustainable building.
Chapter 2: The Architects Registration Board – Upholding the Gold Standard
The Architects Registration Board, or ARB, is more than just a regulatory body. It is the guardian of architectural integrity in the UK, a standard-bearer that was born from the vision of the UK Parliament in 1997. As a part of ARB, we not only affirm our legitimacy but also our commitment to excellence, ethics, and the highest standards of conduct and practice.
Being registered with ARB isn’t just about meeting the qualifications to be an architect; it’s about demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to the profession and its continued evolution. The ARB maintains the UK Register of Architects, a comprehensive catalogue of qualified architects, serving as a beacon for anyone seeking the highest calibre of architectural expertise.
Bethany and Imran on site checking progress of Herbert Gardens, Kensal Rise, NW London
Chapter 3: The Royal Institute of British Architects – An Institute of Inspiration and Aspiration
The Royal Institute of British Architects or RIBA is a thriving community of approximately 44,000 members who are the heartbeat of architectural brilliance across the UK. Our directors, Sean Ronnie Hill and Imran Jahn hold the esteemed title of Chartered Members of RIBA. This signifies our unwavering dedication to the continuous learning, growth, and advancement of the architectural profession.
Since its inception, RIBA has strived to promote appreciation and understanding of architecture, going beyond the realm of professionals and reaching out to the public sphere. Its efforts have been fruitful and notable; for instance, the partnership with Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has led to the birth of the Architecture Gallery, the first-ever permanent exhibit in the UK devoted to architecture. This gallery acts as a testament to the transcendent beauty of architecture and its transformative potential.
Beyond its commitment to training and support, RIBA also takes the role of a curator, maintaining the British Architectural Library, a treasure trove housing over four million items spanning books, papers, and more. But perhaps, the most acclaimed aspect of RIBA’s work is the prestigious architecture awards it conducts, the most prestigious of which is the Stirling Prize, awarded to the ‘Best New Building of the Year’. As well as the Sterling Prize there are regional awards, which we were shortlisted for in February 2023 for our The Lexi Cinema & Hub project in Kensal Rise, NW London.
The Lexi Cinema & Hub in Kensal Rise, NW London, shortlisted for RIBA Regional Award
Our journey through the architectural landscape, and our dedication to creating sustainable, low energy and low embodied carbon designs is a pledge we make anew each day. At RISE Design Studio, we stand as a testament to the transformative potential of sustainable architecture. We are deeply rooted in the ethos these institutions represent and their commitment to advancing the cause of responsible, future-facing architecture. The very fabric of our existence is interwoven with the threads of environmental consciousness, architectural brilliance, and an unyielding pledge to sculpt a sustainable future.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3290 1003
RISE Design Studio is elated to announce the completion of the refurbishment and extension of The Lexi, a cherished gem in the heart of London and the city’s only social enterprise cinema, nestled in Kensal Rise.
A beloved asset to the local community, RISE brought back to life a 99 sqm piece of empty land in the rear parking lot of the historic Edwardian gabled brick theatre 🏛️. Teaming up with The Lexi, we consulted Brent Council who guided us away from the initial idea of a formal beer garden 🍻 due to noise considerations. Instead, they proposed a potential enclosed second screen 📽️. And voila! RISE began to visualize an eco-friendly second cinema and bar 🍹, aiming to accommodate the expanding community programme and boost the revenue for The Lexi’s ecological charity endeavours 🌳. With Brent’s instrumental support, the project – affectionately named The Lexi Hub – was guided by continuous advisory, ensuring a delicate balance between planning policy and community needs.
Thanks to a successful two-year fundraising campaign, boosted by grants from Brent NCIL, a generous £50,000 contribution from the Mayor of London’s community fund 💰, and heartwarming local donations, The Lexi and RISE submitted a planning application endorsed by 1,211 local signatories. The construction, filled with hope and anticipation, kicked off in July 2020.
Nestled in a residential area, The Lexi Hub demanded a thoughtful design approach, considering the intimacy of neighbouring homes 🏘️. Driven by community partnership, RISE envisioned an extension that reflected the same affection and care for the community that The Lexi continues to receive from its loyal patrons ❤️. The design of a sunken extension, dug 1.5m down to reduce the massing of the new Lexi Hub, ensured the addition only rises 2m above the neighbouring garden wall and also facilitates level access from the car park. The Lexi Hub can now accommodate up to 30 viewers with flexible space for wheelchair users, panel discussions, and events and also houses a brand-new bar 🍸.
In order to minimize visual bulk, the design drew inspiration from neighbouring roofs, using in situ cast concrete arches that lean away from neighbouring gardens at a 45º angle 🌈. Reclaimed London stock brick and buffed stainless steel reflecting the sky above were used to beautifully blend the extension into its surroundings. As a token to nature, a lush green wildflower roof was installed 🌼. Prioritizing sustainability, The Lexi Hub was designed to minimize heat loss and energy usage, featuring an MVHR system for regulating temperature and air quality, a pioneering move in UK cinemas! 🌎💡
Sadly, during the construction, a fire 🔥 caused significant smoke damage to the original Screen One, requiring a thorough refit of the existing interiors. Yet, RISE managed to salvage precious period details and characters, including the original parquet flooring which was restored and reinstated in the Box Office 🎟️. The unfortunate incident was an opportunity to breathe a new life into the cinema’s facilities and spaces. Raw blush plaster and black walkways now serve as subtle guides, leading patrons from the Box Office to a glimmering side extension, and onto a newly refurbished bar, ending at Screen Two 🎬.
Life and movies 🍿 are about embracing the unexpected, and at The Lexi, we’re all set to face the future together, armed with the magic of cinema!
A complete list of the longlisted projects is available on the RIBA Journal website. The winners will be announced at the end of January and in the RIBAJ February 2023 print edition.
A review of the project by Chris Foges with photographs by Henry Woide was featured last August in Architecture Today, please see here for the article.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3290 1003
We are thrilled to announce that our The Lexi Cinema & Lexi Hub project in Kensal Rise, North West London, has been shortlisted in this year’s FX Awards.
A huge thank you to our amazing client and project team for making it such a success.
Below we’ve included a short description of our journey with the Lexi team.
The Enthralling Journey of The Lexi’s Transformation
We are truly humbled as we reflect on the enthusiasm and interest sparked by the 99m2 extension of the Lexi cinema.
The Lexi Cinema designed by architects RISE Design Studio in Kensal Rise, NW London, has been shortlisted for the FX Awards
The Revitalisation of a Local Gem
RISE Design Studio is thrilled to reveal the refurbishment and extension of The Lexi. This adored treasure in the North West of London’s Zone 2 is the city’s sole social enterprise cinema, nestled in Kensal Rise. The project was not just an architectural endeavour, but also a heartwarming journey of community rejuvenation.
A treasured community resource, we were appointed as architects and have successfully revitalised a 99 sqm plot of vacant land situated in the rear parking lot of the historic Edwardian gabled brick theatre. In close collaboration with The Lexi, and guided by the Brent Council, we navigated away from our initial concept of a traditional beer garden due to noise concerns.
The Lexi Cinema & Lexi Hub – a view of the new Screen 2
Embracing a New Vision
Instead, Sally Wilton, the founder of the Lexi Cinema, suggested an enclosed second screen. This idea sparked our creative vision for an eco-friendly second cinema and bar, designed to serve the growing community programme and enhance revenue for The Lexi’s environmental charity endeavours. With Brent Council‘s consistent support, this vision became a reality – The Lexi Hub. The project maintained a delicate balance between planning policy and community needs, guided by input from the Planning Department at Brent Council.
The Power of Community Support
Our successful two-year fundraising campaign was boosted by grants from Brent’s Community Grants Scheme (formerly NCIL), a generous £50,000 contribution from the Mayor of London’s community fund, and local donations that warmed our hearts. The Lexi and RISE then submitted a planning application backed by 1,211 local signatories. The construction process, filled with hope and anticipation, began in July 2020.
Head of Planning for Brent Council Alice Lester with our director Sean Ronnie Hill, alongside Sally Wilton, founder of he Lexi Cinema and Iljaz and Musa from CBC Design & Build
Thoughtful Design for an Intimate Setting
The Lexi Hub, nestled in a residential area, required a design approach that respected the close-knit neighbouring homes. Inspired by community spirit, RISE envisioned an extension that mirrored the affection and care that The Lexi continually receives from its loyal patrons.
The design of a sunken extension, excavated 1.5m down, ensured the new Lexi Hub only rises 2m above the neighbouring garden wall and provides level access from the car park. The Lexi Hub now welcomes up to 30 viewers, with flexible space for wheelchair users, panel discussions, and events, and also hosts a new bar.
View of the interior of Screen 2 at the Lexi Cinema
Blending Innovation and Tradition
To minimise visual impact, the design drew inspiration from neighbouring rooftops, utilising in situ cast concrete arches that lean away from neighbouring gardens at a 45º angle. Reclaimed London stock brick and polished stainless steel cladding reflecting the sky above were chosen to blend the extension into its surroundings seamlessly. To replace the biodiversity lost during construction, a vibrant green wildflower roof was added.
A Green Cinema for a Greener Future
Prioritising sustainability, The Lexi Hub was designed to minimise heat loss and energy consumption. It features an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system for temperature and air quality regulation, a pioneering initiative in UK cinemas.
A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
Unfortunately, during the construction, a fire caused significant smoke damage to the original Screen One, necessitating a comprehensive refit of the existing Screen One, Box Office and Bar interiors. However, RISE salvaged various historical details, including the original parquet flooring which was restored and reinstated in the Box Office. This unfortunate incident was transformed into an opportunity to breathe new life into the cinema’s facilities and spaces.
Raw blush plaster and black rubber tiled walkways now serve as subtle guides, leading patrons from the Box Office to a new extension at the back, and a newly refurbished bar, ending at the new Screen Two.
FX Awards Shortlist
A full list of the shortlisted projects is available on the FX Awards website. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 30th November 2022 at the FX International Awards annual ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
A review of the project by Ellie Stathaki with photographs by Henry Woide was featured earlier this month in Wallpaper*, please see here for the article.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3290 1003
🎉 Exciting news to share! Our project, Mill Hill House 🏡 has been nominated for the prestigious ArchDaily Building of the Year 2021 🌟.
Influenced by the aesthetic charm of traditional Georgian facade at the front, and replete with staggered minimalist cubes at the rear, Mill Hill House is a seamless blend of old-world allure and contemporary design.
Mill Hill House was nominated for ArchDaily Building of the Year 2021
Our principal motivation was to craft a space that utilises optimal arrangements and lighting, while still respecting and harmonising with the more traditional adjacent architecture. As a result, we’ve achieved an intriguing progression of spaces that coalesce to form a structure both aggregated and nuanced. 🏛️🌐
The use of materials also echo our design ethos. The Dutch bricks 🧱, with their sintered purple tones, contrast strikingly against the lush green backdrop, while the large glazed surfaces offer a modern dialogue with the site. 🍃🌳
Mill Hill House, new build five bedroom house in North London
Inside, we’ve focused on local craftsmanship, creating harmony through fluent transitions, allowing distinct environments to exist within larger, uninterrupted spaces. Central to the house is a ten-meter high atrium, acting as the home’s beating heart, providing a dramatic transition between the front and the back gardens. 🎨🛋️
Above all, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainable design, incorporating Passivhaus principles, including mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, airtightness, high-performance glazing, green roofs, and solar panels, all seamlessly integrated with the design. 🌿☀️🌏
Thank you to an amazing client and the team involved in this project. This nomination is a testament to our shared passion for creating beautiful, sustainable, and innovative spaces.
Mill Hill House was nominated for ArchDaily Building of the Year 2021
A full list of the nominated projects is available on ArchDaily’s website. Winners are announced on 12th March 2021.
Thrilled to share that our project ‘The Bunker’ has been longlisted for the #DezeenAwards 2020! 🎉🎉
Dubbed the ‘Brexit Bunker’, this project is a sunken, weathered steel-clad extension at the rear garden of a London house 🏡. It offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life 🌆 and unpredictable London weather ☔.
The Bunker in Kensal Rise, North West London
Constructed from hot-rolled steel 🚄, the same material used for the adjacent railway track, the exterior left to rust naturally, providing a unique and industrial aesthetic. With an asymmetric pyramidal roof and an oriel window, the studio stands as a focal point in the garden, framed by two reclaimed London Stock brick walls 🧱.
Inside, the walls and ceiling are lined with plywood, creating a light-filled and warm space 🪵. A skylight offers upward views, enhancing the sense of tranquillity. The walls and roof are highly insulated, offering both thermal and acoustic protection 🎶.
The Bunker in Kensal Rise, North West London
An outside patio with a steel hanging light fixture completes the scene, connecting the main house with the studio. Its asymmetrical pyramid-shape mimics the studio, adding a subtle touch of design continuity 🌟.
Our client describes it as a “place of sanctuary” – a haven where the sounds of birds 🐦 replace the noise of the city, and there’s no visual hint of the urban setting 🌿.
Thanks to our fantastic client and team for making this possible, and to #Dezeen for including us in their longlist.
A full list of the longlisted projects is available on the Dezeen’s website. Winners are announced on 12th October 2020.
A review of the project by Philip Stevens with photographs by Edmund Sumner was featured last October in Designboom, please see here for the article.
