New York-based architect designs Swiss spot in D.C.

The Swiss Residence in Washington, D.C. by Steven Holl Architects and Russli Architects will open on September 16, 2006. The official residence of the Swiss Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D.C. is a cultural institution that demonstrates national architectural and artistic qualities. In addition it is an extension of the Swiss Embassy's work space and will be used for official functions. It is estimated that the residence will hold approximately 400 working events and host over 3000 guests annually.

Steven Holl Architects, in collaboration with the Swiss firm Russli Architects, won the anonymous competition over ten other Swiss-American architectural partnerships in 2001. The design was unanimously selected for its central concept of moving diagonally through space.

Sited on a hill with a direct view to the Washington Monument in the distance, the building's design is based on overlapping spaces drawn through a cruciform courtyard plan. From the entrance hall, one can see diagonally through the building to the terrace and from the terrace on to the Monument.

The residence is positioned on a plateau with an arrival square, a reflecting pool, a reception courtyard and an herb garden. Among the public areas are two formal dining rooms, three salons, one reception hall and a stone terrace that offers spectacular views of Washington, D.C. Each of these functions connects directly to an outdoor space that can accommodate groups up to 200 people. The private areas are located on the second floor and include the Ambassador's living quarters, two guest rooms and staff rooms.

The materiality of the residence is an important feature of the design. The building's charcoal color concrete and sand-blasted translucent structural glass planks were inspired by the black rocks and white snow of the Swiss Alps. The floors are made of black terrazzo and dark stained bamboo, a highly renewable resource.

Steven Holl Architects constructed the residence according to Swiss "Minergie Standards," a higher, level than the US Council for Green Building's LEED standards, to keep overall energy consumption low. While the south facade use passive solar energy, the low maintenance "sedum" green roof with PVC panels provides considerable energy savings by serving as a fifth green facade.