Berrel Kräutler Architekten
Swiss Embassy, Singapore
best architects 25
renovation and addition
Place
Zurich, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Khoo Guo Jie
Description
Built in 1984, the office building presents itself as
a flat bungalow in the middle of a park-like landscape on the outskirts of
Singapore. A respectful approach to the existing building led to minimally
invasive solutions. The square shape of the structure was optimised by
extending the building envelope outwards. The previously open corner at the
main entrance was completed and the outer façade moved one metre outwards to
create space for a tripling of workstations and common areas. The striking new
canopy demarcates the new conference room, while glass walls create seamless
transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. The new load-bearing structure is
limited to a few precise measures that are based on the existing building and
also significantly shape the new spatial structure. The separate, glazed
conference room is now located in the entrance area, with an open, covered
plaza in front of the entrance. This arrival area is designed as a slightly
raised platform that offers a view of the surrounding greenery. The roof above
is slightly raised towards the corner – an inviting gesture that stands for the
openness and transparency of the country.