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.
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