Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa

Project idea

The concept of the project lies in a fusion of architecture and landscape, adopting a clustered spatial organisation of the required buildings – linear pavilions which, displaced against each other, gradually unfold throughout the space. The placement of the buildings on the site was chosen as the optimal layout in accordance with the requirements – allowing uninterrupted functioning of the different typologies interspersed by a rich repertoire of outdoor spaces. An orthogonal approach to the design of the complex was adopted throughout, in favour of a clean and simple spatial expression, enhanced by the central motives of the design.

Project description

The public buildings occupy the south side of the site, while the more private spaces of the residences lie in the northern part of the plot. Upon contemplation of the site conditions, it was decided that the western part of the plot would best serve as a green buffer zone between the neighbouring structures and the Embassy complex, for reasons of security and privacy. In accordance with the design concept, the local workforce is placed on the main part of the plot, sufficiently fenced off from the complex, but still remaining an integral part of the functional dynamic of the whole. A distinction between public and private was also made in the choice of materials – the lightweight structurality of the glass and steel facades of the representative embassy pavilions provide a stark contrast to the rammed earth walls which envelope the residences. These walls extend beyond the buildings, defining the landscape and creating space, as well as directing people throughout the complex.
The design of the facades of the official embassy buildings was developed as a symbolic unification of Czech and Ethiopian culture. Motives of geometric patterns found in traditional Ethiopian textiles were combined with elements of Gothic tradition found in Czech architecture. The result – a fusion of two traditions in a contemporary architectural interpretation. The strong sense of verticality of the steel columns juxtaposed against the horizontal linear narrative of the overall design emphasizes the representative character of the structure, but also serves the functional purpose of protection from view and insolation.

Technical information

Two types of structural systems were utilized in accordance with the concept: a steel frame system for the public buildings and a load-bearing wall system for the private buildings – residences.

Public buildings:
a frame of vertical I-columns and horizontal I-beams are used to form the main constructive skeleton that carries the slabs, roof, load within the building. Along with this system, a self-supporting façade of tubular (HSS) profiles of a square cross-section was designed – set at equal intervals, they form a network that supports the glass façade. Low-emission glass (Climaguard Solar) is a type of coated glass designed to protect from heat emission from the sun, keeping air-conditioned spaces cool - both by insulating and selectively reflecting unwanted solar heat. The design of the facade
Residences:
Load-bearing walls made of rammed earth were used as a reference to the vernacular – use of soil in the form of mud in traditional residential architecture - but also because of the ecological advantages of this material and its aesthetic qualities reminiscent of the rugged red landscapes of Ethiopia. Sandwich walls are formed from 30 cm of earth, 10 cm of insulation and 40 cm of earth from the exterior to interior respectively. For added stability, the inner layer is reinforced with a concrete frame, not visible from the outside. The homogeneous structure of the material slows down heating and cooling processes, making it very energy efficient – significantly reducing costs. In addition, the density of rammed earth makes it an excellent material for soundproofing. The buildings were built spanning a maximum of 3 levels (basement, ground floor, first floor). Window openings of the residences were designed to be narrow and recessed 30cm from the façade as a measure of protection from the sun’s rays, but, they span almost the entire height of the floor to allow sufficient natural light in.

Co-authors

Mentors:
Prof. Ivana Miškeljin
Milenko Radović