THE EMBASSY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC - ADDIS ABABA (ETHIOPIA)

TUL - Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

By regular disposition of buildings in a clear rectangular grid defined by the street network of the surrounding part of the city, together with placing the objects directly to the perimeter wall of the plot, I create a number of regular, clearly defined spaces - gardens, yards, atria. Each space has its specific use and its specific character. They do not cross each other but are connected by a number of passages and vistas. This structure is intersected by one main axis, leading from the main entrance to the technical part of the areal located at the rear edge.
The intimacy of individual tiny spaces is supported by the fact that all objects are single-story. Their height directly corresponds to the height of the perimeter wall, so they are protected and hidden.

Project description

All buildings respect one architectural language, the principles are repeated and are only slightly modified according to the purpose of the spaces.
The basic element is a wide and thick roof plate, which covers and protects everything under it. In residential buildings, it is designed with a quite big overlap, which provides both shading and rain protection during the rainy season. In the administrative part of the embassy, this roof covers a wide range of open spaces where you can informally meet and relax - protected from the sun and rain.
The second basic element is the load-bearing walls passing through the entire width of each object. The walls are made of rammed concrete. Large windows in solid wooden frames are placed between those verticals of walls.
The windows are always complemented by a solid opening section, which is made of local wood.

Technical information

The load-bearing walls are made from rammed earth/concrete. Cement makes the construction stronger and protects it from degradation by water.
The roof slab is designed as cast reinforced concrete slab covered by a thick layer of soil with grass and taller bushes.