Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands has worked up proposals to comprehensively update the landmark modernist building New Zealand House on London’s Haymarket.

Praised by Iain Nairn in his classic Nairn’s London, the building was designed by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall & Partners (RMJM) and listed at grade II in 1995, in recognition of its “elegant tower and podium composition”, characterised by plate glass strip windows and pronounced Portland stone bands and interior quality.

But according to LDS, the 19-storey building – which is owned by the Crown Estate and houses the New Zealand High Commission – has systems and services that are now “at the end of their usable life” and refurbishment to bring the 1963 building up to modern standards is required.

…