The U.S. Consulate General integrates function, security, and sustainability with a culturally sensitive design and dramatic site response to create a landmark building rejuvenating the U.S. diplomatic mission in Hyderabad. Sustainable strategies were targeted for their long-term operational impact, while also demonstrating awareness and solutions to some of the challenges faced by the host city and country.

Additionally, LEED Gold certification is being pursued. Throughout India, the spinning wheel of the weaver is a symbol of independence. The flowing building forms abstract woven textile strands navigating the massive boulder formations and significant topography characterizing the site. Site planning minimized environmental impact by limiting excavation and preserving the most prominent rock formations. The landscape design creates gardens and extensive naturalized areas using native vegetation to complement an adjacent nature preserve forming an urban oasis representative of the disappearing native landscape.

Materials were selected for their timelessness, durability, and maintainability. Architectural concrete is used for structure and aesthetics. High fly ash content, white cement, and titanium dioxide create its light color and protective finish while reducing embodied carbon. The east and west facades are unified by an overlaid geometric metal skin. Articulated as a Jali screen, the naturally patinated brass panels reflect a traditional response to managing shade and privacy filtering daylight and views through parametric perforations. The optimized shade-screen reduces solar gain by 30% complementing a mechanical system featuring heat recovery, high-efficiency equipment, localized controls, and solar water pre-heating. LED lighting is used exclusively in conjunction with occupancy and daylighting controls. Photovoltaic parking canopies contribute 275kWp of renewable power.

Together these measures result in a 29% reduction from the ASHRAE 90.1 2010 baseline. Lower operational costs are realized alongside reduced demands on coal-fired power plants affecting local air quality. Water scarcity is another challenge. The new Consulate General was designed to exceed stringent local requirements for stormwater management and reuse modelling approaches to address water scarcity, decreasing stress on local facilities. • On-site treatment plant processes 100% of wastewater for reuse as landscape irrigation. • Rainwater harvesting cistern stores water for future irrigation • Native plantings and irrigation using stored water reduces exterior demand by 90% • Bio-retention facilities and green roof areas reduce runoff • High-efficiency fixtures reduce indoor demand by 48% Knowing programmatic needs change over time, long term flexibility was incorporated for primary workspaces using access flooring for power and data distribution. Reconfigurable partition systems define private offices and other enclosed support spaces.

Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2024Architects:Richärd Kennedy ArchitectsLead Architect:James Richärd Contractor: Caddell Construction Co., LLC.Client:U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings OperationsPhotographers:Gabe Border