The Embassy of Czech Republic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Project idea

The project is focused on reflecting the representative concept of the office, a compact mass solution respecting the wider surroundings and rational disposition

Project description

We divided the design of the premises of the Czech Embassy into 5 separate buildings, separated by filling and partially connected by common garages. The embassy can be seen on arrival from the south to the property. It creates a gap between representative spaces and housing, partly also private (residences, apartment buildings) and public space (for admitted visitors). In front of the office building, the Consulate building and the Visa Department are accessible via its own entrance. On the other hand, there are 4 houses with the function of housing. The imaginary rectangle closes in the last corner of the residence building.
We designed the space between the residence and the office as a representative garden with the possibility of pleasant walks in the area, sitting or holding various events. We placed accommodation for local forces outside the area, on the west of the land across the road. The office buildings, residences and housing are 2 storey, the housing building for the local forces and the consular and visa building are single-storey buildings. For all materials, we keep full glazing in the walls opposite each other, and in the other two, we try to keep a full wall. We adhere to glass, special brick bonding and visible concrete. There is also a sports ground for tennis and a swimming pool. These are located with a link to housing in the southwestern corner of the complex with the possibility of extending other small leisure attractions.

Technical information

The building is designed in a passive standard, minimizing open glass surfaces to a minimum. We use passive shielding using brick fronts that create the architectural character of the building. The basic supporting structure consists of reinforced concrete walls and columns. Concrete is largely visible in interiors. It reflects the simplicity and truthfulness of the Czech representation in Ethiopia.

Co-authors

Monika Zörklerová