German Embassy in Canberra (AU) (AUSTRALIA)
New building, Building in existing structures, Refurbishment, Timber construction, Circular construction

The new chancellery extends as an ‘office block’ along the west side of the property and creates a buffer zone between the street and the garden. The single access to the property allows for staged pathways and intensive interaction with the built and grown surroundings. The timber frame structure sits on a concrete base that blends into the slope of the plot. The cantilevered, extensively greened roof is covered with native Australian plants, which also filter the strong sunlight as hanging tendrils. Vertical wooden slats in front of the balconies provide additional shading options. This enables floor-to-ceiling glazing and thus a connection to the garden and the surroundings.

The consulate and the spacious, two-storey foyer as well as other public areas are located on the ground floor of the chancellery. From the foyer, you can step directly under the eucalyptus trees in the densely overgrown garden. The administrative areas are located to the north. In the private garden on the north side, embassy employees can spend their breaks relaxing and socialising with colleagues.

The extensive garden connects the new chancellery to the west and the residence to the south. The existing residence will be largely preserved and supplemented with cubes based on the design language of the 1950s. All roofs will be intensively greened and enclosed by pergolas with vegetation. This creates a sunlight filter like that in the chancellery, which improves the indoor climate and softens the interface between architecture and nature.

The architecture and spatial programme of the residence are based on the strict diplomatic protocol. A long canopy from the driveway of the property to the entrance stages the official entrance with the striking, round wall of glass blocks. To defuse this highly formalised situation and make it more democratic, the entrance at the end of the procession leads to the left into the original entrance hall with attractive views of the garden. To the left is the dining room, to the right the music room and library. These three uses determine the form of the extensions to the high-quality existing building.

The building materials – clay, wood, brick, cellulose, hemp – are durable and easy to dismantle and form the foundation of a resilient, flexible building culture. The building envelope is highly insulating, breathable and moisture-regulating. The natural shading provided by green balconies and vertical louvres reduces the need for cooling in summer. Thanks to the PV system, combined with a heat pump and natural ventilation, the building is energy self-sufficient.

The timber frame construction is not a static monolith, but an open system that allows for conversion and expansion. This extends the service life of the materials - the structure is load-bearing, both literally and figuratively. The high degree of prefabrication of the elements optimises the construction process, reduces emissions (CO₂, dust, noise, etc.) on the construction site and makes it easier to dismantle. Our design demonstrates a sensitive approach to resources and grey energy. The preservation of the existing building and the compact design with sustainable materials show a responsible approach to the environment.