Page 87 - AIT1224_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Berrel Kräutler Architekten, CH-Zürich
„Die Architektur ist perfekt auf die
tropische Vegetation und die Bedürfnisse
im vorherrschenden Klima abgestimmt.“
Berrel Kräutler Architekten
Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan
Schnitt • Section
Bauherr • Client BA für Bauten und Logistik, CH-Bern
Standort • Location 1 Swiss Club Link, SG-Singapur
Foto: Mirjam Kluka, Zürich
Nutzfläche • Floor space 1500 m 2
Fotos • Photos Guo Jie Khoo, SG-Singapur
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 150
SWISS EMBASSY
IN SINGAPORE
After 35 years, the Swiss Embassy in Singapore was due
for renovation and expansion. Berrel Kräutler Architects
took a sensitive approach to the existing structure, enhan-
cing it with a generously cantilevered canopy – a welco-
ming gesture symbolising the country’s openness and
transparency. At the same time, the understated design
reflects Switzerland’s modern neutrality.
D ue to its proximity to the equator, the island city-state of Singapore
has few distinct seasons and is characterized by a tropical climate
with the typical very high humidity and temperatures ranging between
20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is therefore no wonder that the thriving
metropolis is also known as the “City of Gardens”. The Swiss Embassy
is located in one of these green oases with lush vegetation, about ten
kilometres from the Central Business District. Built in 1984, the flat bun-
galow had already been well-adapted to the special weather conditions
at the time: the roof overhang prevented direct sunlight, while the large
windows and the open floor plan favoured the essential good air circu-
lation. To make the building fit for the future, however, a renovation and
expansion had become necessary, for which Berrel Kräutler Architekten
from Zurich were responsible: they had won an open project compe-
tition in 2019 and have now restored the chancellery building. One of
their major interventions was to complete the basic geometry: in their
opinion, a previously recessed corner of the roof at the main entrance
violated the integrity of the square pavilion. Accordingly, the corner was
added and the façade was moved one metre outwards to create space
for three times as many workplaces and common areas. Since all exteri-
or walls are made of glass, not only are the boundaries between inside
and outside blurred, but the workplaces also have plenty of daylight
and are characterized by the lush greenery of the surrounding area.
Light-coloured, smooth floors and matching furniture reflect the colour
and warm wooden fixtures, while blue-green upholstered furniture
intensifies the feeling of being in a tropical garden. The attractive inner
courtyard has been preserved and continues to contribute to the lighting
of the interior offices, which have been modernized and structured into
clear security zones: offices which require the highest level of security
are located compactly at the rear; the cafeteria, conference room and
waiting area for guests are located in the middle as a mixed zone; and
the customer area with the reception and the offices of Switzerland
Tourism are located right at the front – under the inviting roof.
AIT 12.2024 • 087