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Steven Holl-designed Swiss Residence Opens in D.C.

The structure was built to Swiss eco-specifications, which are stricter than LEED’s.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 10/13/2006 12:00:00 AM

As the official home of the Swiss ambassador to the United States, the new Swiss Residence was designed as a cultural institution that reflects that country’s architectural and artistic qualities. Designed by Steven Holl Architects of New York and Rüssli Architects of Lucerne, it will function as an extension of the Swiss Embassy’s work space and will be used for as many as 400 official events.

The project, which was unanimously selected in 2001 in an anonymous competition over ten other Swiss-American partnerships, was chosen for its central concept of moving diagonally through space with overlapping spaces drawn through a cruciform courtyard plan. Positioned on a plateau atop a hill with an arrival square, reflecting pool, reception courtyard, and herb garden, the residence’s public spaces include two formal dining rooms, three salons, one reception hall, and a stone terrace with views of the city. Private areas are located on the second floor.

Built from charcoal-colored concrete and sand-blasted translucent structural glass planks, the building was inspired by the black rocks and white snow of the Swiss Alps. The architects also constructed the residence according to Swiss Minergie Standards, which are similar in idea, yet stricter than the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Program. In addition to using materials such as bamboo flooring, the south facade uses passive solar energy, and a low-maintenance green roof provides considerable energy savings.