A modernization respectful of space. Swiss Embassy by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG
08/05/2024.
[Singapore] Singapore
metalocus, FRANCISCO LANCHAS MORA
metalocus, FRANCISCO LANCHAS MORA
The project developed by the architecture studio Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG, which won the competition for the renovation of the Swiss embassy in Singapore, has completed its construction. The building built in 1984 presents itself as a flat bungalow in the middle of a park-like landscape in the northern end of Singapore.
A respectful approach to the existing building led to minimally invasive solutions in the rehabilitation. The square shape of the building was completed and optimized by expanding the envelope towards the outside, with the new supporting structure being responsible for configuring the new spatial structure.
A respectful approach to the existing building led to minimally invasive solutions in the rehabilitation. The square shape of the building was completed and optimized by expanding the envelope towards the outside, with the new supporting structure being responsible for configuring the new spatial structure.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Site plan. Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG.
Floor plan. Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG.
Section. Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG.
West elevation. Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG.
The building designed by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG places the most public areas such as the new conference room at the entrance, while the security areas are located as a compact unit at the back of the building. The project tries to modernize the existing space with a fluid transition between closed and open spaces that can be adapted to different situations.
Thanks to its glass perimeter, the interior of the building has great natural lighting and is in constant relationship with the vegetation that surrounds the building. While the surfaces of the materials used reflect the colour and intensify the feeling of being in a tropical garden.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Thanks to its glass perimeter, the interior of the building has great natural lighting and is in constant relationship with the vegetation that surrounds the building. While the surfaces of the materials used reflect the colour and intensify the feeling of being in a tropical garden.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
Project description by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG
In 2019, Berrel Kräutler Architekten won an open project competition for the complete renovation and extension of the Swiss Embassy in Singapore against 53 competitors. The existing chancery building, built in 1984, presents itself as a flat bungalow embedded in a scenic park landscape on the northern edge of Singapore. The architecture is perfectly adapted to the tropical vegetation and the needs of the prevailing climate.
The previously protruding corner of the roof at the main entrance violated the integrity of the square pavilion. «Flamingo» is largely based on the existing structure and completes its overall shape. The roof now extends in a simple, rectangular shape over all the offices. The previously open corner at the main entrance has been completed and the outer façade has been moved one meter outwards to create space for a tripling of workstations and common areas.
Swiss Embassy Singapore by Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie.
The new load-bearing structure is limited to a few precise measures that are based on the existing building and also significantly shape the new spatial structure. A separate, glass conference room is now located in the entrance area. Next to this space, a covered plaza in front of the entrances remains free. This arrival area is designed as a slightly raised platform that offers a view of the surrounding greenery. The roof above is slightly raised towards the corner – an inviting gesture – which stands for the openness and transparency of the country. All the exterior walls of the office are made of glass – the boundaries between inside and outside are fluid.
The workplaces have plenty of natural light and are strongly influenced by the lush greenery of the surroundings. The surfaces of the materials used reflect the colour and intensify the feeling of being in a tropical garden. The public areas such as the cafeteria, the conference room with adjoining waiting area and the covered entrance area are connected in the new layout and can be opened up as required. This enables a large-scale presentation of the embassy at major events. The existing space will be modernized. The transition between closed and open spaces is fluid and can be adapted as required. The inner courtyard will be retained and will help to illuminate the offices inside.
The security zones are clearly structured: Offices in the highest security zone are located at the rear of the building as a compact unit. The areas in front are divided into the mixed zone (cafeteria, conference rooms, waiting area for guests) and the customer zone (reception, offices of Switzerland Tourism).
More information
Architects
Collaborators
Construction engineers.- Dr. Neven Kostic GmbH.
Landscape architects.- ORT AG für Landschaftsarchitektur.
Construction physicist.- Kuster + Partner.
HVAC engineers.- Ingenieurbüro Brügger GmbH.
Lighting planner.- Saturday Design.
Electrical planner.- Mettler + Partner AG Consulting.
Visuals.- maaars.
Landscape architects.- ORT AG für Landschaftsarchitektur.
Construction physicist.- Kuster + Partner.
HVAC engineers.- Ingenieurbüro Brügger GmbH.
Lighting planner.- Saturday Design.
Electrical planner.- Mettler + Partner AG Consulting.
Visuals.- maaars.
Client
Bundesamt für Bauten und Logistik BBL.
Contractor
TSF, Singapore.
Area / Volume
1,500 sqm. / 6,200m³
Dates
Competition.- 2019.
Start of construction.- 2023.
Completed.- 2024.
Start of construction.- 2023.
Completed.- 2024.
Location
1 Swiss Club Link, Singapore 288162.
Photography
Maurice Berrel, Raphael Kräutler. Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG
Berrel Kräutler Architekten AG. Since graduating in 2003, Maurice Berrel and Raphael Kräutler have been running an architectural practice that now employs 40 people. Their projects are mainly organisationally complex, large-scale buildings of urban planning and architectural relevance that emerge from open competitions. Berrel Kräutler Architects believe in the immediate value of architecture, and they seek to contribute to a first-rate culture of building with meticulously designed projects that do justice to the requirements of the users, as well as to the surrounding environment. They strive to enhance the quality of life.
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