U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad

This project was selected as a Merit winner in ARCHITECT's 2024 Architecture & Interiors Awards, Architecture: Government and Civic Building category.

“I thought it had a really nice kind of material story both in terms of the use of materials and texture and at some level also connecting the building via its site and the materiality of the site to place.” –Juror Ben Crawford

In India, the weaver's spinning wheel is a universal symbol of independence. This concept of weaving influences the architecture and site design of the new U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, integrating function, security, and sustainability with a culturally sensitive and dramatic site response to create a landmark building. The new campus relocates the mission post from an outgrown palace to a facility reflective of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Hyderabad, embodying local identity and the rich history and culture of the host city and country.

The design of the new Consulate General captures the essence of textile strands woven together. The site’s massive boulder formations and elevation changes influence the concept, planning, and design, minimizing excavation to respect the culturally significant landscape. Prominent rock formations were preserved through thoughtful planning, and where earthwork was necessary, salvaged boulders were reused elsewhere in the landscape. The site design complements an adjacent nature preserve featuring a lake integral to regional stormwater management, creating an urban oasis that represents the native landscape largely lost in the surrounding area.

Simple, timeless materials were selected for their durability and constructability. Cast-in-place concrete, chosen for its robust structural qualities, incorporates high-volume fly ash, white cement, and titanium dioxide for a light, durable finish. Metal panels cover the building’s openings on the east and west exposures, unified by a perforated, geometric bronze skin. This Jali screen, a traditional design element, provides shade, privacy, and filters light and views along the primary elevations, allowing natural light into interior spaces like the representational gallery.

The new U.S. Consulate General symbolizes the strong commitment between the United States and India, blending democratic principles with respect for India's rich heritage. It offers a secure, adaptable, and sustainable facility that represents the U.S. government with distinction while welcoming the growing international community in Hyderabad. This landmark establishment stands as a symbol of collaboration, partnership, and a bright, interconnected future for both nations.

PROJECT CREDITS:Project: United States Consulate General Hyderabad, India
Location: Hyderabad, India
Client/Owner: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations

DESIGN-BUILD TEAM: Caddell Construction (Design-Build Contractor)
Integrus Architecture (Architect of Record)

BRIDGING DESIGN TEAM:Lead Architect + Design: Richärd Kennedy Architects
James Richärd, FAIA, Partner, Lead Designer
Stephen Kennedy, AIA, Partner, Lead Technical Architect
Kelly Bauer, NCIDQ, FIIDA, Former Partner, Lead Interior Designer
Andrew Timberg, AIA Principal, Senior Project Architect
Lee Swanson, AIA, Principal, Senior Architectural Designer
Richard Sourbrine, AIA, Associate Principal, Project Manager
Kevin Kolden, AIA, Associate Principal, Architectural Designer
Charles Moreno, IIDA, Senior Associate Senior Interior Architect / Designer

Associate Architect: HGA Ben Webne, AIA, Principal

Design Engineers: Mechanical Engineer: ARUP
Structural Engineer: ARUP
Electrical Engineer: ARUP
Lighting Design: ARUP
Façade and Tensile Fabric Structure Engineer: ARUP
Sustainability: ARUP
Civil Engineer: AST Cowen Design Group
Landscape Architect: OLIN
Geotechnical Engineer: Schnabel Engineer

Other Consultants:Signage: Mayer Reed
Food Service: Culinary Advisors
Local Architect: Magal Associates
Vertical Transportation: Van Deusen & Associates
Technical Security: Hankins & Anderson
Physical Security / Blast: Weidlinger Associates
Life Safety / Fire Protection: Jensen Hughes
Value Engineering and Cost Consultant: Morris Wade Associates

FACTSConstruction Start Date: August 17, 2018
Construction End Date: March 20, 2023
Size in Square Feet: 205,000 sq ft
Design to Cost: $186 million

MATERIALS AND SOURCES (Please list, as accurately as possible, manufacturer name and website for all that apply):White cast in place concrete: Birla White (cement) Rekli (formliner)
Decorative naval brass shade screen and paneling: Sofia Med (material), Kor Celik Muhendislik (fabricator)

Architectural security products / High security windows: Norshield

Lay-in acoustic ceilings/Metal ceiling panels: USG Ceilings Plus Marble pavers: Arizona Tile - Matrix Resources
Landscape / Stone cladding: Grotech
Site Pavers: Krismar
PTFE fabric canopies: Pfeifer Fabritech
Custom wood veneer accessible ceiling: Nergiz Decoration
Techstyle Suspended acoustic ceiling: Hunter Douglas
Channel glass: Bendheim Wall Systems
Interior storefront system: Kawneer
Demountable partition system: Maars Living
Metal coil drapery: Cascade Coil Drapery Inc.
Solid surface counters and cladding: Corian
Roller shades: Lutron

Photography:Gabe Border
E: [email protected] | P: (208) 608-4223

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