Colombo building uses natural ventilation provided by the construction of high-level chimneys running the full length of each wing
British contractor Gibs has constructed a £10m British High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which features green cooling technologies.
These include the use of natural ventilation provided by the construction of high-level chimneys running the full length of each wing of the building. When external doors are opened the air-conditioning will be automatically switched off, and chimney vents opened to allow the through-flow of cool air.
Designed by Richard Murphy Architects and reflecting the work of the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Barwa, it has been built on a greenfield site two miles from the existing commission.
The reinforced concrete structure is based on a repetitive cross-section with a number of heavily landscaped courtyards.
Accommodation is split into cellular offices and open plan areas, with finishes generally limited to locally procured sustainable materials.
Consultant Edmond Shipway was project manager, QS and contract administrator services, as well as acting as clerk of works on the scheme.
