British High Commission Offices (Europe and Sri Lanka)

Completed
2016
Budget
£2m
Location
Colombo, Prague, Ibiza, Alicante
Client
Gilbert Ash

Since 2008 a number of projects have been completed with the British High Commission overseas, to include foreign offices in Ibiza, Prague, Alicante, and most recently, Colombo in Sri Lanka. In response to a very specific client brief provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, White Ink Architects have worked in partnership with Gilbert Ash to address and deliver the functional, financial and security requirements.

Although these projects have been undertaken in a British context under UK legislation, it has been important to respond to site specific challenges, such as context, availability of materials, construction techniques, culture and heritage.

The project in Colombo was particularly challenging as it was necessary to deal with significant termite damage within the existing building as part of its extensive refurbishment and reconfiguration. It was also necessary to respect the original design concept of this unique award-winning building by Richard Murphy Architects.

Photography by White Ink Architects

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“White Ink Architects were always happy to engage in matters of minor detail, and that underpinned the success of this development.”

PETER TISDALE, THAT GROUP ON TERRACE MOUNT BOURNEMOUTH

“We approached White Ink Architects following the viewing of their project – The Hill House. We felt that their careful response to working with and integration to existing buildings would be key to the success of our project. We are delighted with the openness of the new glazed extension and its ability to cross the divide between the internal and external realms.”

PRIVATE CLIENT

“White Ink Architects stood by their concept throughout design development and were able to demonstrate value when aspects of the design were challenged… such conviction has paid off… Project deliverables have met programme and quality targets.”

C.BRADBERRY, INFRASTRUCTURE EXECUTIVE, TRANSLINK ON ADELAIDE MAINTENANCE DEPOT

“They combine design flair with technical knowledge and bring the much needed element of ‘common sense’ to the design and build process.”

MIKE FITZGERALD, PROJECT MANAGER AT MERCER & MILLAR ON PREMIER INN WOKING

“They work in a collaborative and responsive way showing consideration and understanding of our functional needs, and our financial and time constraints.”

PETER TISDALE, THAT GROUP ON TERRACE MOUNT BOURNEMOUTH

“They are always pro-active and prompt in dealing with the day to day issues that occur on a project.”

MIKE FITZGERALD, PROJECT MANAGER AT MERCER & MILLAR ON THE PEARSE BUILDING AND PREMIER INN AT MAIDENHEAD

“…the refurbishment of the Whitehall Building is a feather in the cap for Sandy Row… its refurbishment breathes new life into the area.”

MR DAVID EVANS, PERSPECTIVE MAGAZINE ON WHITEHALL TOBACCO WORKS (MURRAY'S EXCHANGE OFFICES)

“White Ink Architects provided a unique and strong visual solution to this project working closely with our teams to ensure functionality was not compromised.”

C.BRADBERRY, INFRASTRUCTURE EXECUTIVE, TRANSLINK ON ADELAIDE MAINTENANCE DEPOT