Berrel Kräutler Architekten: Swiss Embassy, Singapore - best architects 25
Berrel Kräutler Architekten: Swiss Embassy, Singapore - best architects 25

Berrel Kräutler Architekten

Swiss Embassy, Singapore

best architects 25

renovation and addition

Place

Zurich, Switzerland

Studio

www.bkar.ch

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.