Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa

FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Project idea

Reacting to the local conditions and requirements, the main idea of the design contains central cuboid, that reflects an ambience of the embassy. The volume defines each of the functional parts in the order of mutual composition. The result of the block is a minimal footprint, that allows optimal utilization of the plot. Despite the fact, that the embassy orientates itself mostly to the inner space, the garden becomes a significant part of the project. The building connects the internal environment with the garden through courtyards and terraces. That creates various spaces for residents or visitors. The longitudinal axis of the building also defines public and private sections of the area, which can be merged or extended during embassy events. Then, the embassy connects sophisticated inner space and natural outer space.

Except for the building for the local workforce, that takes place outside of the main area, the only separate part of the embassy is a residence. The mutual composition with the main volume underlines its importance in the embassy complex. Besides the life inside, the other important element is a connection with the surroundings and an appropriate representation of the country. That is provided through a consular and visa building, that creates a public space in the northern part of the plot. Then, front facades with significant cantilevers become characteristics of the embassy.

Project description

The plot is divided into two parts. One, that is strictly defined by a fence and one, that is a freer part, where is the building for local workforce located. Between these parts is a two-lane road. The entrance to the main area is located on the south side, far away from the existing car service. In a safe distance from the main gate, there is the administrative building with the representative entrance. The space in front of the administrative building is solved efficiently according to the smallest hard landscaping. The road along the south side of the fence is used for access to the residence, the shielding of the existing car service and the possibility to leave the plot on the east side.

The main volume of the structure coming from the diagonal line from south-west to north-east. However, this elongated volume does not form a barrier, forming a permeable and fluent boundary between two different vegetation. The cutouts of terraces and courtyards lighten the basic volume of the building. At the same time, it creates covered spaces for external activities. The second axis, located between the two courtyards, is perpendicular to the dominant diagonal axis. This axis defines administrative (public) part and residential (calm) part. In the intersection of these axes, there is a waterfall. A symbol of flowing space, that also reflects the tradition of water purification and the use of new technologies in water management in the Czech Republic.

Technical information

The structural system of the embassy contains a modular frame according to the simplicity and rationality of the proposal. Reinforced concrete columns and beams work on the principle of Vierendeel bridge to provide a constructional solution of the cantilevers. Reacting to the local conditions (earthquake risk), the structure is based on a foundation slab. All of the floor structures consist of prefabricated concrete panels to simplify a building process.

The aspect of sustainability of the building contains stormwater management, solar systems and reduction of energy consumption. Using solar panels, the building stores electricity surpluses to the battery system. Then, these storage units redistribute the electricity back to the systems in the building (water pumps, exterior lighting etc.). Due to a number of torrential rains, the embassy includes a retention system for the purposes of the building and gardening. The main retention is situated in the underground level and serves to the main building. Each of the residential wings has also its own retention for stormwater, which could be directly used for flushing or as a process water. Extensive green roofs improve stormwater management of the building, reduce air pollution and increase urban biodiversity.

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