Labelled as the most expensive embassy in the world, with an estimated building cost of $1 billion (£730m), we take a look inside the 12-storey glass marvel that Donald Trump refused to visit.

Sitting on the bank of the River Thames in Nine Elms, southwest London, the new US embassy in London is one of the most expensive of its kind in the world. It's now also become the most notorious after US President Donald Trump cancelled his visit to London over his outrage at the cost and move, labelling it a ‘bad deal’.

The decision to move out of the previous building in Grosvenor Square (pictured) in the upmarket Mayfair district came in 2008 under President W Bush's administration due to concerns over security. The new building has been funded by the sale of US government properties in London, including the old embassy, during the Obama administration. A report by the Guardian newspaper suggested the final sale price was around $690 million (£500m). Whatever the final sum was, President Trump dismissed it in a tweet as "peanuts".

Opening to the public on 16 January, the 12-storey ‘sugar cube’, designed by architecture firm KieranTimberlake, will be home to around 800 staff.

The transparent building, which offers commanding views of the Thames, has strict security requirements and includes an ornamental moat which helps set it back 100 feet from the street.

It also has deep trenches designed to stop truck bombs and a six-inch blast wall. It will also produce more energy than it uses: the roof is filled with solar panels, rainwater is collected and recycled and the plastic polymer on the exterior increases energy efficiency.

A wall inside the main lobby shows the names of all the former ambassadors from the United States. Overall the building covers 518,000 square feet of space, nearly double the size of the old embassy.

This sculpture by British artist Rachel Whiteread depicts a typical home in the United States built in the 1950s. The sculpture has been placed in the consular lobby inside the embassy. The multi-cultural art on display also includes the work of Jenny Holzer, Mark Bradford and Sean Scully.

This surreal-looking sculpture outside the embassy is called Modern Marriage 2015 and is by artist Simon Fujiwara.

Among one of the features is this circular bar. It has raised seats around the outside with a large glass window providing expansive views over the city.

The offices are said to have high ceilings and plenty of light, with all the amenities of a modern work place including a gym and post office.

The increased space in the new building will make it easier for visitors to attend their interviews for US visas.They can also relax outside in the public gardens, which are protected by the ornamental moat.

The new building is designed to make the most of space and natural light to encourage transparency and openness. The Canyonlands Garden represents the Grand Canyon and the desert landscape of the southwest US. Overall, the embassy features six interior and exterior gardens, with each being inspired by a different region in the country.