Lexicon, London
In March 2017, construction of Lexicon was complete, a new residential high-rise development in North London.
Located on the west side of City Road Basin, the 117 m building, with 36-storeys, is Islington’s tallest building. The project also includes a pair of low-rise canal-side apartment buildings set around a landscaped public courtyard. It was designed by Squire and Partners and delivered by Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM).
The 26,700 sq. m project was first approved by Islington Council in 2006, and provides more than 300 apartments, of which 35% are ‘affordable’. The public spaces are enhanced by ground floor retail and restaurant spaces which extend onto the waterside.
In terms of architectural design, the tower features an innovative curtain wall with glass channels set within a ventilated cavity. Unimpeded views over the city are provided by the facade, while full-width terraces line the tower’s upper levels. Apartments in the low-rise development have balconies that offer views over the City Road Basin water.
Content and images courtesy Squire & Partners.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?



















