Rise Design Studio has completed an environmentally-driven  cinema renovation at a historic site in London, England.

The Lexi Cinema, a former Edwardian theatre, tasked Rise Design Studio with conceptualising a second cinema and bar, titled The Lexi Hub. However, a fire during construction also necessitated a complete refurbishment of the existing cinema.

Located in a residential area, the Lexi Hub required a sensitive design approach. The architects devised a sunken extension, excavating 1.5 meters to lessen its mass.

The extension's visual impact is further diminished by echoing neighbouring parapet rooftops, while a green wildflower roof replaces lost biodiversity and enhances insulation and rainwater drainage.

The Lexi Hub accommodates up to 30 viewers, with a new bar and snack counter and adaptable accessible space for wheelchairs, discussions and events.

This project has been longlisted in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Rise Design Studio
Project: The Lexi Cinema and Lexi Hub
Credits: CAR, Enhabit, Omnex Pro Film, Sammy Patterson, Powell Cinema Engineers, NSS Security Solutions, Blashford IT Support, Dan Shea, Munro Acoustics, Quadrant, Capital Building Contractors London, Osprey Building Consultants, Kaspar Bradshaw, Zalacain