Vietnam Mission

Situation

Since joining the WTO, the number of representatives based in Switzerland has increased to such an extent that the building housing the Permanent Mission in Grand-Saconnex no longer meets requirements. Hence the need for an extension.

Project

Built in twelve months, the new building features a concrete structure topped by a timber frame.

The perimeter insulation is decorated and embossed. This protection, complemented by gas-fired heating and double-flow ventilation, enables the building to meet the highest energy standards.

An underground garage adjacent to the main building provides twenty-three parking spaces. The access ramp has been designed in such a way that a large, century-old cedar tree will not be affected by the work. The old building will be restored at a later date.

Program

Two parts, one building. The idea behind the project was to complement the existing building with a new four-storey structure, including an underground level, offering three times the floor area of the old building. The new L-shaped section is integrated into the existing house by means of a passageway linking the two parts.

and allows you to bypass the regulatory distance between two buildings.

The specifications for the new building called for thirty-five rooms, some of which could be combined to increase capacity. Living space was to be scalable according to the number of diplomats residing in Geneva and variations in the size of their families.

Special features

Tradition. Since the building represents an Asian state rich in tradition, the design of the Geneva mission had to take this into account. This is why access is via an aisle and steps that create an upward movement, the anabasis, a sign of moral and religious values. You arrive at a pediment in orange-red – a lucky hue – referring to a Vietnamese temple founded in 1070, where the imperial aristocracy trained its scholars and civil servants.

To the left of the welcome esplanade, a twelve-metre-long low wall serves as a pedestal for six statues representing important Vietnamese historical figures.

In keeping with tradition, the building’s red foundation stone, engraved with the date February 25, 2014, as well as plans and building permits, can be found in the basement, at the foot of the staircase leading up to the attic.