Exterior of a light brick multistory building with brushed gold accents, awning that extends from glass entryway

Embassy of Switzerland Renovation

An Icon of Mid-Century Embassy Design, Restored

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Project Location

Washington, D.C.

Area

30,000 SF

Award

AIA|DC 2024 Design Award in Historic Resources

Style

Mid-Century Modern

The restoration of Swiss-American Architect William Lescaze’s original design for the Embassy of Switzerland equips the building with a high-performance exterior envelope and efficient building systems. This includes a full replacement of the brick veneer, curtainwall, and windows. The project was completed in collaboration with Christian Dupraz Architecture Office of Geneva, Switzerland.

Large floor to ceiling windows outlined in brushed gold frames, looking into an empty room

A new public entry and screening area replaces the non-original vestibule addition, easing navigation to the Consular Area and Chancery. New operable windows maintain the original 1950s configuration with bright metal finish frames, replacing the dark casement windows from the 1980s. The original office wing cantilever now features a smaller glass curtainwall-clad addition instead of workspace infill. The new staff cafeteria in this area features a covered terrace that creates a setback, mirroring its original layout.

Seating area inside a building with floor to ceiling windows, blue flooring, white tables and chairs, modern glass fixtures suspended from the ceiling, grey walls

The building cavity was insulated behind its rebuilt brick façade, enhancing thermal performance to meet current standards. The open staircase connecting the first and second floors was restored and brought up to code. Where possible, all original interior finishes have been preserved and restored.