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British Embassy, Warsaw

Tony Fretton Architects, Warsaw, 2009

 

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Exterior view of the glazed facade 

Peter Cook (website)     Download Original

  • Exterior view of the glazed facade    
  • The embassy entrance features a table-like porte cochere    
  • The glazing reflects the sky surrounding    
  • The facade has echos of Eero Saarinen    
  • Detail of facade structural system    
  • Exterior view, the double facade can be seen as a contrast    
  • Exterior glazed facade acts as a skin surrounding the building    
  • Double facade    
  • The first floor planted courtyard    
  • First floor office space    
  • Stone cladding detail    
  • The only unglazed facade    
  • Garden spaces    
  • View of stairs    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • Second floor plan    
  • South elevation    
  • North elevation    

Competition winning design for an Embassy in Warsaw, featuring predominantly glazed facades and two internal lightwells

Located on the edge of a park in the embassy district of the city of Warsaw, the building has a serene and simple form with glazed facades on all sides.

The building is arranged over three floors. The ground floor provides space for public activities and features a large exhibition space with an adjoining restaurant, and a consular and visa section with separate entrance. The floors above contain more private workspaces and areas dedicated to ambassadorial work.

Glass topped vitrines planted with Hawthorn trees penetrate the first floor and the ambassadorial offices are served by two roof courts planted with poppies and long grasses which allow for 360 degree views across the city.

The building is enclosed by a double façade, which provides thermal insulation in winter and acts as a chimney to exhaust heat in the summer. this solution addresses the tight security requirements of the building without compromising the high level of fenestration. The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent Rating.

Data

  • Begun: Mar 2008
  • Completed: Jul 2009
  • Floor area: 4,309m2
  • Sector: Civic
  • Procurement: NEC
  • CO2 Emissions: 103kg/m2/year
  • Address: Kawalerii , Warsaw, Poland

Professional Team