Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP has announced Australian architecture practice Bates Smart as the design consultant for the new Australian Embassy in Washington. The competition winning design by Bates Smart, in partnership with local firm KCCT, is to be located at the diplomatic heart of Washington with views of the White House.
The environmentally sensitive design embodies the spirit of Australia through direct references to the distinctive Australian landscape: its bright and clear natural light and open skies, its warm materiality and its vast scale. The use of these associations will create a civic building and symbol of Australia that is both enduring and welcoming.
Innovative environmental design solutions permeate the building achieving the highest global environmental design standards available. Features include a thermally efficient façade, a green roof with an extensive photovoltaic array, expansive use of natural light and the latest building services technologies.