29.01.2019
We're delighted that our extension and refurbishment of The British Council in Colombo, Sri Lanka has been shortlisted at the British Expertise International Awards 2019. Our collaborative design work has been recognised in the International Architecture & Design Project category. The historic villa has been restored and a new library sits opposite it, across a landscaped courtyard, with two contrasting pavilions providing a transformational facility for staff and visitors. The first pavilion includes a large-scale artwork created in collaboration with a local artist whilst the second is clad in polished render with back-lit glazed insets.
Our design responds thoughtfully to the British Council’s ambition by providing a scheme that respects the cultural context in which it is located. The existing mature trees have been carefully retained, and a generous landscaped courtyard of indigenous flora created at the heart of the complex, uniting the villa with the new extension. See all shortlisted schemes here.