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by Sean Hill on Sep 16, 2022
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 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.
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.
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.
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 3973 9073
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