Located just outside the capital city of Bridgetown on a dramatic 3.2 acre site, this new 86,000 sf embassy includes the renovation of an existing five-story office building and a new addition of similar scale. In response to the challenging site and Department of State security requirements, the design concept combines prevalent vernacular architectural styles with local materials and modernist forms to create architecture that both reflects important elements of its local context and serves as a symbol of U.S. democratic ideals. The building's hinged form connects public and private functions with a smaller centerpiece while the use of locally inspired elements and materials, such as the rich use of bright color to differentiate scale and volume, deep shading devices to protect against the tropical sun, plaster work with contrasting smooth and textured finishes, honed coral, and naturally finished local wood, were incorporated to subtly reference the diplomatic mission of the U.S. Embassy.

Client: United States Department of State