Modern and colonial architectural sit comfortably together in this ground-breaking, cross-cultural project comprising a new British embassy and conserved heritage Ambassador’s Residence. Lyndon Goode Architects Founding Director Simon Goode successfully led the project from concept to completion for John McAslan + Partners.

The new building fuses Arabic and western influences through a modernist form and Islamic-inspired crafted detailing. One such intervention is the 6m-high timber fins, inspired by the architectural vernacular of Algerian palaces. As part of an environmentally future-proofed design, these provide shading and reduce solar gain while creating beautiful shadow patterns. This is the first instance of 21st Century contemporary architecture in the city; its innovative design and detailing is matched by its sustainability credentials as the first building in Algeria to achieve a BREEAM rating.

Sited in the re-landscaped gardens of the 19th Century Ambassador’s Residence, the new building is partially sunk into the topography to preserve key sightlines to the Bay of Algiers. The project was shortlisted for the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture.