AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR RESIDENCE 2013

The brief called for the reorganisation and redesign of the Residence of the Austrian Ambassador in Athens. At the same time for a full environmental upgrade as well as a cohesive reorganisation of the building’s outdoor spaces and facilities. Taking under consideration the manner in which an ambassadorial residence ought to combine a serene and formal quality, the scheme aims to [re]-create a representative building, which in contemporary terms adequately responds to a variety of ‘public’ events while at the same time appropriately and flexibly caters for varied private, domestic needs.

The renovated building on the hill overlooking Athens is defined by three distinct elements stacked one above the other. The architectural intervention, in almost classical terms articulates a ‘basis’, reveals the main ‘body’ of a ‘Piano Nobile’ and delineates a ‘crown’ - a ‘horizon’ with each element having its own identity through the association between its parts and their relation to the outside.

Despite its transparency and openness, the building is designed with safety and sustainability as a priority. In addition, its self-shaded façade and external insulation have significant environmental credentials, acting as a climatic moderator. Furthermore, mechanically operated shades provide safety and the required protection during summer and night. With regards to heating and cooling, a system of combined solutions render the building autonomous in terms of energy and fossil consumption.