British Council - Colombo

Project Name Project Type Area Year Location
British Council Education Institution 3,400 sqm 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka

Project Description

Designed by Richard Murphy Architects in collaboration with DesignForum, this project transforms a colonial-era villa into a contemporary customer service and library complex. Rooted in regional climatic responsiveness, the design incorporates north-oriented pitched roofs, planted flat roofs for rainwater collection, and clerestory openings that bring soft daylight into the interior.

The refurbishment reconfigures the villa’s cellular layout into adaptable, open spaces that shift between classroom and library use. The architectural language balances heritage and modernity—retaining the villa’s character while introducing refined structural insertions and fluid circulation. Reinterpreted verandahs and courtyards enhance environmental comfort and community interaction, creating a cohesive design that celebrates contextual sensitivity, sustainability, and cultural continuity.