How can we give sense, dignity, beauty and sustainable responsibility to a highly symbolic program such as an embassy?

The riad – a typical, vernacular flat volume used to create courtyards – was used as the basis of the composition. Construction proceeded by lifting part of this volume for the reception area, creating a unique shape meant to become a city landmark. The project incorporates time-tested solutions for sun protection such as fixed, vertical sunshades and meets Passive House, net zero energy as well as BREEAM Excellent standards.

It is the very first self-sufficient embassy in the world. This off-grid performance is achieved by simple solutions that are essentially based on the treatment of the building envelope, parametric design, and engineered with the pragmatic Belgian know-how in sustainable design.