New Embassy Beijing, China - New Ambassadors Residence, Archtectural Services

Tender description

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) have singled out the Ambassador's Residence as an opportunity to showcase a design that fully reflects Britain and Its values and are therefore seeking an architect of the highest calibre to develop the concept and then work in collaboration with the overall project team during the delivery phase. The aim of the project is to provide a residence to modern standards, in compliance with appropriate building codes (UK and Chinese) to provide a platform for the Ambassador to project Britain's global influence. The FCO are seeking architects with the right combination of exceptional design expertise and a demonstrable collaborative approach to working alongside the FCO's selected delivery team. Experience of previous work for the design and delivery of similar buildings in Beijing, China or the Far East generally may be an advantage. The Circa 1,100 square metre Ambassador's Residence will in effect be a mini hotel. It has entertainment spaces, reception spaces, formal dining rooms and access to the grounds. These need to be backed up by commercial kitchen facilities and back of house functions. In addition the Residence has formal guest accommodation - for visiting Ministers and VIP's and then it also has separate private accommodation for the Ambassador and his/her family. The building should be a showcase for British Design and products, however it should also be easily maintainable in Beijing. Thought needs to be given to its function as a representational building but also to respect Chinese sensitivities such as Feng Shui. The FCO do not want to have a building which does not respect those 'Rules'. The building also needs to be seismically resilient.