Rammed Earth Environment Friendly Embassy Building

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Project idea

The main idea of this project was to concentrate most important functions in the middle of the site. While surroundings of the site are out of control, one layer of fencing seems not enough. At the center a thick, snake shaped, rammed earth wall is designed. Buildings float between the sides of the wall.

Project description

The most important functions are located in the center of the site and are condensed. In the very middle is a representative garden, separated from surrounding by two layers of fencing, which creates safe, calm and quiet room for social events. Above the representative spaces, lies an office section building, hanging literally above part of the representative garden and making the shelter from the sun for embassy guests.

Building is designed with environment health in mind. Thick, rammed earth exterior walls provide very good heat gain/loss parameters and green roof collects water, especially during rainy months.

Connection between sections and building are very clear.

Consular and visa department designed in the main embassy building, in northern part, below the office sections. Access to the building from the west.

Technical information

Exterior and some interior construction walls as rammed earth walls. Other construction walls as monolithic concrete walls. Monolithic concrete ceilings and green roof on a monolithic concrete roof-ceiling.
Two above ground storey for main embassy building and basement with technical facilities and underground parking.

Ambassador residence, one storey building with underground parking.

Residential building, 3 above ground storey.

All building designed with the same construction system, connection of rammed earth technology with concrete.