The embassy of the Czech republic - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

STU in Bratislava - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The main idea of the whole project was to create an example of the two cultures and nations working together. After I took a look at the location and analysed the culture, architecture, flora and the appearance of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia in general I was able to pick some of the most suitable and interesting aspects that work with the Czech elements used in this project. Since I am very fascinated by the modern 20th century interwar architecture of the Czech republic and it also was a really significant epoch of the history of architecture, I chose to let myself be inspired by those times and works.
As you can see in my analysis paper I picked numerous buildings that represent the Czech architecture as well as the traditional architecture of Ethiopia. Since the Czech interwar modern architecture was defined by compact designs, simple forms, flat roofs, vertical and horizontal façade articulation I decided to stick with these characteristics.
As regards the Ethiopian part of the project, I chose to let the project be defined by the available materials. The number one or the most used ethno material is bamboo. It was chosen because of the huge availability and low cost of the material. After this decision I payed more attention to wooden materials. This is also why I decided to use timber façade in the form of shading panels for the official embassy building.
The philosophy of connecting the two countries and their common work is symbolized in the materials itself as well as the whole landscape design. Since bamboo , which represents Ethiopia, and constructional timber, which represents the Czech republic, both age the same way and end up with the same aerugo or patina, it is a clear hope for a pleasant partnership. The look of the landscape was influenced by the simple, divided public spaces that are in my view a good example for a representative common space. I chose to represent the flow of cooperation by a simple waterflow that leads to a tukul and ends with a fountain as the symbol of a successful end.
The location of the premises and the creation of a common space among the buildings allowed me to create not only a common space but also a private part for each building where there can be all the recreational zones.

Project description

Official embassy building
The embassy building has two levels above the ground and one under it. In the underground is the office section C located as well as the technical support room and 10 parking lots. The ground floor is divided into two parts, the representative spaces and offices. There is the office section D, the meeting rooms. The representative part contains the lounge, dining, assembly room, kitchen and all the storage listed in the legend. The first floor is only for office spaces. There is the office section A and B. The employees can get there by taking the stairs or the elevator. The entrance hall is completely glazed so the light would be flowing through the space and it also draws more attention to the entrance itself. The rest of the façade is covered with vertical shading elements - constructional timber.
Residential building
The residential building is a two storey building that I lifted on columns so I would provide a higher privacy for the inhabitants. This act crated a really interesting covered common space that can be used for various gatherings. The building is a balcony type residential. This type was selected mainly because of the natural ventilation it secures but also for the communal vibe of it. I would like the inhabitants to create a community and get to know each other so this solution seems like the best option to provide nice living together. The whole façade of this building is covered with vertical shading elements – bamboo bars.
Consular and visa building
This building has a very simple and compact design but its look is completed with the added sun deck in front of the public entrance and the bamboo bars that bring comfort into the cold construction. Bamboo elements are also added from the side of the entrance for the employees. The path from the residential building to the consular building is shaded with bamboo bars and plexiglass. This flow of the material symbolizes the workflow of the area.
Residence
The ambassador´s residence is a luxurious villa with an expressive entrance hall. It is a two storey house where all the private spaces of the ambassador and his family are located upstairs. The guest area is made as an independent small house so the guests could have their own privacy but at the same time be connected with the rest of the house. The façade is made of simple white plaster to which are bamboo bars added for shading and separation. The guest house is fully cladded with bamboo bars since it needed to be visually differenced.
Building for local workforce
This building holds onto the idea of a simple social living where again the mass is completed by bamboo bars that again create shade for the entrances and also separate the terraces of each apartment. The rest of the façade in white plaster.

Technical information

The official embassy building and the residential building are designed with a grid of bearing columns made of reinforced concrete. The spaces in between the columns are filled with bricks. The other buildings are designed with bearing wall systems that are combined with columns in cases it was necessary. The facades of all the buildings are made of plaster. Where there is added cladding, there is also a steel frame construction that is anchored into the bearing parts.
The fences are going to be made of prefabricated concrete panels and the transparent parts in the location of the representative buildings are going to be made of steel bars with sharp ends at the top. Both are going to be three meters high so they would be securing the area. There are going to be 4 entrances where the main entrance and exit are going to be controlled by the security control points and its guards. The other two are going to be electronical and be controlled with security cameras. The entrance for the consular building is going to have its gate open during the office hours and after those it is going to be locked and overseen by security cameras.

Co-authors

Consulting teacher – Ing. arch. Juraj Hermann

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