Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Abeba

Project idea

The main idea of ​​the whole project is security. Everything comes out of this requirement - the basic zoning of the land, layout of individual buildings, used structures, materials and overall formal design.

Project description

 From the beginning the most important criterion of the proposal was the safety of the whole area. This requirement has significantly affected the basic zoning of the land. Individual buildings (with the exception of the consular and visa building) were located with a minimum safety distance of 10m from the site boundary. The most sensitive spaces (ie the office building and the ambassador's residence) were located in the center of the area.
 The main land entrances are located at the western boundary. Both these entrances are controlled from the gatehouse building. There is an exit from the grounds at the eastern border.

The layout of the office building and the residence was also formed on the basis of safety requirements.
These objects are arranged around the inner atriums (or gardens), all the offices and rooms are oriented to these inner spaces. On the other hand, this principle manifests itself in the formal enclosure of the exterior facades.
 The principle of orientation of offices into the inner atrium is also used in the consular building. Residential buildings for workers of the Embassy are two-storey terraced houses. Two blocks designed in this way define a common outdoor zone for leisure activities. At the same time, each house has its own garden facing the exterior facade.
 Housing for local forces was located on the western side of the newly created road at the western border of the complex.

 The materials used correspond to the “fortification - like” character of the main buildings. The predominant material here is concrete.

Technical information

Ground floor layout
1st floor layout
2x perspective
elevations