British High Commission

Location: New Delhi

Client: Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Sector: Office, Commercial and Mixed Use

Cost: £16m

Status: Detailed Design

The proposed redevelopment of the existing 1950’s British High Commission building in New Delhi was commissioned by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to provide accommodation for FCO and the Department for International Development. As part of the upgrade the existing structure will be seismically enhanced to comply with the current seismic regulations.

The building will be refurbished to be fit for purpose for the next 30 years. The facade of the existing building will be upgraded with a new energy efficient envelope that will meet current FCO security requirements. The proposal comprises of three stiffening cores, which will act as bookends to brace the existing buildings, and a new 3 storey extension.

The design embraces major features of the existing building and unifies the buildings into a coherent concept.

The accommodation will offer open plan office space and improved workspace environment. The project aims to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Careful consideration was taken in developing a phasing plan that will allow the building to stay operational during construction works.