New British High Commission

New British High Commission

New British High Commission

Kampala, Uganda

Winner:  British Expertise 'Consultancy Project of the Year' Award, RIBA International Award and runner up for the Lubetkin Prize

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

THE ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL

THE ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL

NBHC_Kampala_Bridge-Adrian_Hobbs.jpg?_i=AA

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

“The British High Commission building in Kampala is all about engaging with the local economy. Instead of ‘arriving in a box’ (as embassies often do) this one arises out of an exploration by architect, client and local contractors of the vernacular and the ways in which it can be adapted to the needs of sophisticated building types such as these. By using and adapting local materials, this project seems literally to grow out of the red soil of Africa.”

THE ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL

NBHC_Kampala_Bridge-Adrian_Hobbs.jpg?_i=AA
NBHC_Kampala_Courtyard-Adrian_Hobbs.jpg?_i=AA
NBHC_Kampala_Courtyard-Adrian_Hobbs.jpg?_i=AA

“The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... It is down to the strength of the original idea and sheer persistence of the architects that the resulting scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere.”

“The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... It is down to the strength of the original idea and sheer persistence of the architects that the resulting scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere.”

“The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... It is down to the strength of the original idea and sheer persistence of the architects that the resulting scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere.”

ARCHITECTURE 08
THE GUIDE TO THE RIBA AWARDS

ARCHITECTURE 08
THE GUIDE TO THE RIBA AWARDS

The High Commission is arranged as a composition of distinct but linked elements housing the main embassy offices along with the visa section, a clubhouse, a library and maintenance spaces. Beyond the main entrance with its large oversailing canopy, a courtyard provides a sheltered environment and focus for the offices. Designed to be in harmony with the setting and climate, the building makes use of a large range of specially-designed terracotta and brick elements made of local clay.

The High Commission is arranged as a composition of distinct but linked elements housing the main embassy offices along with the visa section, a clubhouse, a library and maintenance spaces. Beyond the main entrance with its large oversailing canopy, a courtyard provides a sheltered environment and focus for the offices. Designed to be in harmony with the setting and climate, the building makes use of a large range of specially-designed terracotta and brick elements made of local clay.

“The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... It is down to the strength of the original idea and sheer persistence of the architects that the resulting scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere.”

“The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... It is down to the strength of the original idea and sheer persistence of the architects that the resulting scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere.”

"The High Commission is a sophisticated and elegant collection of buildings, designed by thoughtful and erudite architects ... the scheme flies a flag not only for Britain but also for good architecture everywhere."

ARCHITECTURE 08
THE GUIDE TO THE RIBA AWARDS

ARCHITECTURE 08
THE GUIDE TO THE RIBA AWARDS

NBHC_Kampala_4411

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Kilburn Nightingale Architects
26 Harrison Street
London  WC1H 8JW
+44 (0) 20 7812 1102
post@KilburnNightingale.com

Kilburn Nightingale Architects
26 Harrison Street
London  WC1H 8JW
+44 (0) 20 7812 1102
post@KilburnNightingale.com

Kilburn Nightingale Architects
26 Harrison Street
London  WC1H 8JW
+44 (0) 20 7812 1102
post@KilburnNightingale.com

Kilburn Nightingale Architects
26 Harrison Street
London  WC1H 8JW
+44 (0) 20 7812 1102
post@KilburnNightingale.com

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© Kilburn Nightingale Architects 2024 | Company Number: 05855934  Registered in England and Wales | An RIBA Chartered Practice | We respect your privacy

© Kilburn Nightingale Architects 2023 | Company Number: 05855934  Registered in England and Wales | An RIBA Chartered Practice | We respect your privacy

© Kilburn Nightingale Architects 2023 | Company Number: 05855934  Registered in England and Wales | An RIBA Chartered Practice | We respect your privacy

© Kilburn Nightingale Architects 2023 | Company Number: 05855934  Registered in England and Wales | An RIBA Chartered Practice | We respect your privacy