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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

HOK, Cecil Denny Highton, London, 1997

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Peter Cook (website) Download Original

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Drawings
Development images

Restoration and refurbishment to the George Gilbert Scott's Foreign and Commonwealth Office over a 12-year period

An important part of the brief was to increase office space substantially and fully service it with modern facilities. Much of this was achieved through modernising ancillary functions and relocating the plant room into the basement. The existing plan was modified in a form where the integrity of Scott’s design would not be affected.

The biggest contribution was made by inserting a new mansard roof between the wall plates and ridge line of the existing roof. The effect on the skyline is not noticeable. This device created 2,100m² of new space.

During construction the building had to function as a government headquarters with all services maintained, and both noise and dust controlled, while the Foreign and Commonwealth Office played host to heads of state, ceremonial functions and international conferences.