The new British Council building in Nairobi is built alongside the British High Commission on a hillside outside the city. Avoiding the typical compound design of other diplomatic properties, this welcoming and inclusive building addresses important issues of security through a series of shallow pools that step down the hill. Beyond these pools, the building remains clearly visible from the street. Shaded by a planted wall, its form mirrors the horizontal planes of the pools with deep overhanging eaves that also defend against monsoon rains.
The majority of this passively ventilated building was built with locally sourced materials; Nairobi Blue stone and a series of cream and white renders, with timber acoustic panelling adding warmth to the interiors.
The back-of-house offices are placed on a mezzanine, cantilevered above the main space, connecting the public areas to the other activities of the Council above. Below, and open to the public, are eight seminar rooms and a library, which are enhanced by colours and textures chosen in collaboration with British artist David Tremlett. Vibrant blues and reds reflect the colours of the African sky and earth.