guiding principle
the new building of the austrian embassy and consulate follows the principles of traditional architecture in this region and climate zone:
sun protection
rain protection
air circulation
the multiple protective requirements are achieved through efficient but subtle measures.
functions
a membrane roof protects the entire complex from rain and shades the underlying embassy and consulate areas. the entrance and all areas in front of the security checkpoints are located on the ground floor, 50 cm above street level, while the embassy and consulate workspaces are situated above at the veranda level. this level is defined by a network of quiet work areas in comfortably conditioned wooden boxes, adjacent communication zones, and open veranda spaces. air conditioning is function-based: corridors serve as climate buffers between indoor areas and the ventilated outdoor veranda. the veranda is rain-protected and pleasantly shaded, creating a refreshing oasis with rising cool air, breezes, and diverse tropical plant gardens connected to the parking deck. these tropical gardens provide psychological freshness both on the veranda and for the parking spaces below.
protection principles
entrances and areas with outdoor contact (multipurpose room and visa section) are located on the ground floor, monitored by the porter and security staff. all other offices are accessible only via the security checkpoint on the upper floor, protected by a continuous band of horizontal louvers, which block views in but allow views out. when necessary (alarm, storm, etc.), the louvers can be fully closed. they also serve as rain and sun protection. the second layer of protection comes from the layout of the workspaces themselves: the wooden box façades are mostly closed outward, directing sightlines inward toward the veranda and tropical gardens. the protective measures must be efficient yet avoid giving staff or visitors a sense of hermetic enclosure or rejection.
floor plans
the floor plan solution is flexible, with functions exchangeable and expandable. a structure of prefabricated wooden elements defines quiet work areas, while the veranda’s wooden lattice naturally channels daylight to the parking spaces, arranged around the tropical gardens like a pergola-covered park.
membrane roof – sun and rain shield
the shape of the membrane guides wind and draws rising heat aerodynamically and thermally under the membrane. light transmittance is configured to provide pleasant shading while maintaining the impression of an airy envelope. glare-free daylight is sufficient in work areas despite shading. less curved surfaces are fitted with photovoltaic membrane elements to cover part of the building’s electricity needs.
structural concept
the embassy building consists of two complementary structural zones:
the first comprises the skeleton-like constructions of the “platforms” at the ground and first floors, laid out in a geometrically clear grid adapted to the site, supporting the box-like embassy rooms;
the second is the lightweight membrane roof, spanning the building to optimize the microclimate, channel rainwater, and provide natural ventilation.
foundation
the structure is founded on a grid of reinforced concrete beams anchored on bored piles into load-bearing soil, forming the base for the skeleton-like superstructure. areas without rooms at ground level remain open between beams for rainwater infiltration.
platform
following the foundation grid, the first-floor platform is a skeleton structure of steel beams connected in triangles to brace between small cores and shear walls of the ground floor. the first-floor slabs are made of cross-laminated timber panels, and rooms are arranged as individual boxes on the platform, as on the ground floor.
membrane roof
the entire embassy structure is spanned by a membrane roof. its base is a continuous band of pendulum supports, supplemented by internal columns. five high points in the membrane are raised on steel “air” supports to provide adequate microclimate control. the membrane structure is statically supported: horizontal forces are transferred via the foundation beams and platform beams, requiring no anchoring into the soil.
the new building of the austrian embassy and consulate follows the principles of traditional architecture in this region and climate zone:
sun protection
rain protection
air circulation
the multiple protective requirements are achieved through efficient but subtle measures.
functions
a membrane roof protects the entire complex from rain and shades the underlying embassy and consulate areas. the entrance and all areas in front of the security checkpoints are located on the ground floor, 50 cm above street level, while the embassy and consulate workspaces are situated above at the veranda level. this level is defined by a network of quiet work areas in comfortably conditioned wooden boxes, adjacent communication zones, and open veranda spaces. air conditioning is function-based: corridors serve as climate buffers between indoor areas and the ventilated outdoor veranda. the veranda is rain-protected and pleasantly shaded, creating a refreshing oasis with rising cool air, breezes, and diverse tropical plant gardens connected to the parking deck. these tropical gardens provide psychological freshness both on the veranda and for the parking spaces below.
protection principles
entrances and areas with outdoor contact (multipurpose room and visa section) are located on the ground floor, monitored by the porter and security staff. all other offices are accessible only via the security checkpoint on the upper floor, protected by a continuous band of horizontal louvers, which block views in but allow views out. when necessary (alarm, storm, etc.), the louvers can be fully closed. they also serve as rain and sun protection. the second layer of protection comes from the layout of the workspaces themselves: the wooden box façades are mostly closed outward, directing sightlines inward toward the veranda and tropical gardens. the protective measures must be efficient yet avoid giving staff or visitors a sense of hermetic enclosure or rejection.
floor plans
the floor plan solution is flexible, with functions exchangeable and expandable. a structure of prefabricated wooden elements defines quiet work areas, while the veranda’s wooden lattice naturally channels daylight to the parking spaces, arranged around the tropical gardens like a pergola-covered park.
membrane roof – sun and rain shield
the shape of the membrane guides wind and draws rising heat aerodynamically and thermally under the membrane. light transmittance is configured to provide pleasant shading while maintaining the impression of an airy envelope. glare-free daylight is sufficient in work areas despite shading. less curved surfaces are fitted with photovoltaic membrane elements to cover part of the building’s electricity needs.
structural concept
the embassy building consists of two complementary structural zones:
the first comprises the skeleton-like constructions of the “platforms” at the ground and first floors, laid out in a geometrically clear grid adapted to the site, supporting the box-like embassy rooms;
the second is the lightweight membrane roof, spanning the building to optimize the microclimate, channel rainwater, and provide natural ventilation.
foundation
the structure is founded on a grid of reinforced concrete beams anchored on bored piles into load-bearing soil, forming the base for the skeleton-like superstructure. areas without rooms at ground level remain open between beams for rainwater infiltration.
platform
following the foundation grid, the first-floor platform is a skeleton structure of steel beams connected in triangles to brace between small cores and shear walls of the ground floor. the first-floor slabs are made of cross-laminated timber panels, and rooms are arranged as individual boxes on the platform, as on the ground floor.
membrane roof
the entire embassy structure is spanned by a membrane roof. its base is a continuous band of pendulum supports, supplemented by internal columns. five high points in the membrane are raised on steel “air” supports to provide adequate microclimate control. the membrane structure is statically supported: horizontal forces are transferred via the foundation beams and platform beams, requiring no anchoring into the soil.
air conditioning
cooling is provided by a compression chiller, which transfers condensation heat to the heating system, an air-cooled wet cooling tower, or, if possible, a groundwater system. an absorption chiller operated by a solar thermal system with electrical backup is also used, discharging condensation heat into the same system. a chilled water buffer tank and variable-speed main pumps enable base-load coverage via solar cooling and peak-load coverage via the compression chiller. cooling control groups are implemented for active building components, room air devices (fan coils), and ventilation systems.
heating
heating is provided through a district heating network, integrating residual heat from chiller condensers and a thermal solar system. solar collectors are mounted flat or with a slight incline on the roof, supplying a heat buffer tank and variable-speed main pumps. heating control groups regulate ventilation circuits. due to lower ground temperatures (average 26–29 °C) compared to air temperatures (annual average 32 °C, 30–37 °C in peak months, March–May), it is advisable to discharge unused chiller condensation heat into groundwater at high outdoor temperatures, also allowing potential use for WC and urinal flushing.
cooling
space cooling is provided via active building components and ventilation using variable supply air temperature. fan coils are installed where needed. zoning controls are achieved via valves for post-cooling registers, active components, and fan coils.
heating
the heat network includes a normal-temperature network for decentralized hot water stations and a low-temperature network for ventilation heating coils using variable supply air temperature.
ventilation
the building is sealed to avoid window ventilation, maintaining slight overpressure. supply air ducts are fully insulated and airtight, as are chilled water systems. central mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery and pre-dehumidification (enthalpy rotors) serve all areas, including necessary cooling and heating registers. ventilation supports reduced airflow outside operating hours with energy-efficient fans. air distribution is managed by variable volume controllers, adjustable for building usage. fire dampers are motorized. supply air enters via displacement or induction outlets, exhaust via vents. outdoor air is shaded; exhaust air is discharged through the roof. sanitary rooms have decentralized mechanical exhaust.
sanitary system
water is supplied from the local network with filtration and treatment. hot water is generated decentrally via flow-through systems fed from the heat buffer tank. greywater use from groundwater is planned for WC and urinal flushing where possible.
electrical supply and lighting
power distribution is via area sub-distribution from the low-voltage main supply. lighting is tailored to space usage, primarily with fluorescent lamps, electronic ballasts, and LEDs for energy efficiency. escape and emergency lighting uses LED technology.
photovoltaic system
a grid-connected photovoltaic system partially covers electricity needs. modular PV panels on the roof generate DC, converted via inverters, and fed into the local grid via a separate meter, coordinated with the utility. self-consumption is metered through the utility supply.
measurement, control, and regulation system
building systems are managed via a modular DDC system with BMS functions and central color-graphic control stations. airflow, room temperature, lighting, and sunshade control are managed via bus-enabled room controllers.
energy efficiency measures
energy-saving and alternative energy measures include:
heat recovery from internal loads
groundwater use (thermal and greywater)
solar thermal energy (heating and cooling)
high-efficiency cooling recovery
sorption dehumidification
active building components for cooling
energy-efficient lighting and LED systems
photovoltaics
cooling is provided by a compression chiller, which transfers condensation heat to the heating system, an air-cooled wet cooling tower, or, if possible, a groundwater system. an absorption chiller operated by a solar thermal system with electrical backup is also used, discharging condensation heat into the same system. a chilled water buffer tank and variable-speed main pumps enable base-load coverage via solar cooling and peak-load coverage via the compression chiller. cooling control groups are implemented for active building components, room air devices (fan coils), and ventilation systems.
heating
heating is provided through a district heating network, integrating residual heat from chiller condensers and a thermal solar system. solar collectors are mounted flat or with a slight incline on the roof, supplying a heat buffer tank and variable-speed main pumps. heating control groups regulate ventilation circuits. due to lower ground temperatures (average 26–29 °C) compared to air temperatures (annual average 32 °C, 30–37 °C in peak months, March–May), it is advisable to discharge unused chiller condensation heat into groundwater at high outdoor temperatures, also allowing potential use for WC and urinal flushing.
cooling
space cooling is provided via active building components and ventilation using variable supply air temperature. fan coils are installed where needed. zoning controls are achieved via valves for post-cooling registers, active components, and fan coils.
heating
the heat network includes a normal-temperature network for decentralized hot water stations and a low-temperature network for ventilation heating coils using variable supply air temperature.
ventilation
the building is sealed to avoid window ventilation, maintaining slight overpressure. supply air ducts are fully insulated and airtight, as are chilled water systems. central mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery and pre-dehumidification (enthalpy rotors) serve all areas, including necessary cooling and heating registers. ventilation supports reduced airflow outside operating hours with energy-efficient fans. air distribution is managed by variable volume controllers, adjustable for building usage. fire dampers are motorized. supply air enters via displacement or induction outlets, exhaust via vents. outdoor air is shaded; exhaust air is discharged through the roof. sanitary rooms have decentralized mechanical exhaust.
sanitary system
water is supplied from the local network with filtration and treatment. hot water is generated decentrally via flow-through systems fed from the heat buffer tank. greywater use from groundwater is planned for WC and urinal flushing where possible.
electrical supply and lighting
power distribution is via area sub-distribution from the low-voltage main supply. lighting is tailored to space usage, primarily with fluorescent lamps, electronic ballasts, and LEDs for energy efficiency. escape and emergency lighting uses LED technology.
photovoltaic system
a grid-connected photovoltaic system partially covers electricity needs. modular PV panels on the roof generate DC, converted via inverters, and fed into the local grid via a separate meter, coordinated with the utility. self-consumption is metered through the utility supply.
measurement, control, and regulation system
building systems are managed via a modular DDC system with BMS functions and central color-graphic control stations. airflow, room temperature, lighting, and sunshade control are managed via bus-enabled room controllers.
energy efficiency measures
energy-saving and alternative energy measures include:
heat recovery from internal loads
groundwater use (thermal and greywater)
solar thermal energy (heating and cooling)
high-efficiency cooling recovery
sorption dehumidification
active building components for cooling
energy-efficient lighting and LED systems
photovoltaics
- location:
- bangkok, thailand
- architecture:
- fasch&fuchs.architekt:innen
- team architecture:
- robert breinesberger, stefanie schwertassek, heike weichselbaumer
- structural engineering:
- werkraum ingenieure zt gmbh
- building physics:
- exikon_skins
- building services engineering:
- die haustechniker
- model making:
- 1zu1 prototypen gmbh&co. kg , hagen zurl
- rendering:
- franz rohm
- competition:
- 2013