Proposal of the Embassy of the Czech Republic Addis Abeba / Ethiopia

Wroclaw University of Technology, (Politechnika Wrocławska), Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław

Project idea

The main idea of the project was to create a safe and functional space, comfortable to use for each employee and guest, regardless of the amount of time they will spend in it.
An important aspect was the interpenetration of the interior with the gardens separated by buildings and the possibility of organizing official and unofficial events in these places.
The aim was to create a complex with elegant, timeless architecture, whose functional program would satisfy the needs of its users.

Project description

An important aspect of the design process was the division of the plot into separate usable zones, functioning independently of each other, but forming a coherent and logical urban layout. Individual functions are spread over the corresponding parts of gardens and roofs, which allows for the transfer of formal and informal events to these places. Thanks to the appropriate composition, the building blocks divide the plot into separate gardens belonging to different functions.
The designed blocks and zones are distinguished by subdued, elegant architecture, which in a clear way informs guests about the importance of the place in which they are located, while at the same time, thanks to the small scale of development does not overwhelm them.
By using the extended roofs of the buildings, it is possible to organize outdoor events in spite of bad weather. Additionally, the mentioned eaves shade the cubature and prevent its excessive insolation and overheating.
The location of the buildings on the plot allows for free penetration of wind and its natural ventilation. Interfacing the buildings with green courtyards improves the microclimate and lowers the temperature locally.
Circular communication has been reduced to a minimum for biologically active areas and pedestrian routes.

Technical information

Thanks to a simple structural system, the construction and maintenance of buildings is easy and inexpensive, and at the same time allows for the free shaping of the designed objects. The applied structural, architectural and spatial solutions allow the construction of embassy buildings at a relatively low cost.
In order to refer to the character of the place, but also to modern building traditions, such material and technological solutions as rammed earth technology mixed with concrete or window woodwork made of wood naturally impregnated by burning have been applied.
The Rammed Earth fence and wall finishes were made from a compacted mixture of cement mixed with several different variants of locally sourced soil.
The large roof areas were used in two ways. Solar panels covered with attics allow to store large amounts of energy, and the system of water storage for later use. In addition, some parts of the roofs have been adapted to green roofs, which further improves the microclimate and prevents overheating of the buildings.

Co-authors

Tomasz Bachórz, Dominik Pierzchlewicz, Karol Łącki

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