Swiss embassy's new look for growing ties

THE Swiss government is doing a major upgrading of its embassy here in Singapore to provide more working areas as new staff are posted here to cater to steadily growing bilateral ties in many areas of mutual interest, and provide space for the offices of the Swiss Business Hub, Switzerland Tourism and the defence attache, to put all of them under the umbrella of the Swiss embassy here.

The upgrading of the Swiss embassy in Singapore is part of a larger effort of the Swiss government to upgrade many of its missions around the world to cater to its growing international relations. The modernising of the embassy buildings in Singapore and elsewhere in the world will also be used to showcase contemporary and sustainable Swiss architecture.

"Our existing embassy was completed in 1987. After nearly 35 years of use in a tropical climate, it became necessary to plan a comprehensive renovation while upgrading the embassy to contemporary and modern standards and adapting it to technological, security and functional requirements," Swiss Ambassador Fabrice Filliez says.

"Embassies can be seen as much more than a building or a work of architecture. Through the universal language of diplomacy, the architecture of an embassy can embody the values of a country and express subtle reminders of elements of national identity. The Swiss architectural project in Singapore inspires harmony, openness, environmental integration, as well as quality and sustainability...

"As an element of Swissness in the heart of Singapore, in an area surrounded by references to Switzerland, on the compound of the Swiss Club, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the new embassy is not only a testament to the vibrancy of the relationship between Switzerland and Singapore, but also to Singapore's growing global significance," he adds.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

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The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing an active role in implementing the global 2030 agenda for sustainable development in Switzerland and abroad, says the Swiss envoy to Singapore. The Swiss embassies are showcasing Switzerland's commitment to sustainability and leading by example.

The new workplace is designed for a long-term future. It will host, for the years to come, the team of the embassy in a bright and functional office space, meeting all requirements of a modern and forward-looking embassy, he adds.

The current Swiss embassy building is being expanded to a new entity that will provide up to 30 modern workplaces and transparent, multifunctional rooms will be available in the future.

The design and plans for the major upgrading of the embassy building have been completed and work on the site will start in the coming months, says Maurice Berrel, owner and managing director of the Zurich-based architectural firm Berrel Krautler Architekten, which has been awarded the project. Meanwhile, the Swiss embassy has moved to temporary premises in Bukit Timah Road.

Sharing why the embassy here is going to be rebuilt, he says: "The available space no longer meets today's needs. Moreover, due to the above-average stress caused by the tropical climate, many of the building's components are coming to the end of their life cycle after 35 years of use...

"The building shell and the technical installations must be replaced. In the future, 30 modern workplaces and transparent, multifunctional rooms will be available. The Swiss embassy, defence attache, the Swiss Business Hub and Switzerland Tourism will find space under one roof."

The Swiss government acquired the embassy site covering 8,000 sq m from the neighbouring Swiss Club in 1983 on a lease for 99 years. The administration building, four service flats and a staff house were built on it in 1985. The embassy building consists of a ground floor with around 500 sq m of floor space and a basement. While it was intended for 10 workplaces, gradually the embassy's needs grew and the workplaces were shrunk to make place for more staff, and in some cases, even moved to the basement.

Mr Berrel says the strength of the Swiss embassy project being undertaken by his firm here is the integration of all the requirements with minimal intervention in the building. "At first glance, it is hardly possible to see what is new. The adjustments made are amazingly simple, but the spatial improvement is immense. For example, a great deal of space was gained by moving the glass facade slightly outwards. We liked the simple structure of the building and have expanded and optimised it to create a new entity."

A key feature of the proposed new building is the wide square roof on pillars which makes up the basic shape of the existing building. However, a cut-out in one of the corners and several annexes disrupted this simple form.

Says Mr Berrel: "We first clean up the shape by removing the obscuring parts of the building and adding the missing piece to complete the square. The roof, which has been expanded into a rectangle, covers all the office spaces as well as a new separate conference room and a spacious entrance area. This forecourt is designed as an elevated platform overlooking the garden and at the corner, the roof is slightly raised - a welcoming gesture that aims to show the openness and transparency of our country."

Swiss architectural excellence will be showcased in the new Swiss embassy in Singapore. "In the current discourse within the Swiss architecture scene, the preservation of existing substance is one of the predominant themes. Instead of simply replacing outdated buildings with new ones, structures are increasingly being preserved, repaired and adapted to contemporary needs...

"The aim is to lose as little grey energy as possible. In addition, the life cycle of buildings is extended by facilitating spatial adjustments in the future. The Swiss Embassy in Singapore is an example of this endeavour. Through clever and complex but minor interventions and a high quality, flexible new partitioning of the office spaces, the project meets the high goals of a more sustainable society," Mr Berrel tells The Business Times.

The Swiss embassy in Singapore is situated in a picturesque location in the heart of the green and lush Bukit Timah area, and the architects plan to take full advantage of, and blend in with it.

"The existing building presents itself as a flat bungalow, which was embedded in the backdrop like landscape on the outskirts of the city. The architectural language was perfectly adapted to the lush tropical vegetation and to the needs in the prevailing climate, so that the building enters into a close symbiotic relationship with its surroundings...

"A planted inner courtyard brings nature even into the middle of the building. We change very little about this harmonious situation. The full surface glazing of the exterior facade as well as the partition walls between the offices blur the boundaries between the workplaces and the surrounding park even more," says Mr Berrel.

FOR A LONG-TERM FUTURE

He highlights some of the many user-friendly features that are planned for the building - both for the staff and those visiting the embassy.

"The idyllic location in the park with its diversity of plants is in itself an experience for visitors and staff. The embassy welcomes arriving visitors on a wide forecourt under the protective roof. Thanks to the great transparency, the different areas are clearly recognisable and orientation is easy. All rooms are bright and friendly and benefit from views into the greenery. The flexible subdivisions of the offices allow for quick changes in the work structure."

At the same time, some environmentally friendly and energy saving features are being incorporated into the new building. The building seeks to reduce energy consumption, environmental impact and increase performance by meeting the highest requirements of quality and comfort. This is achieved through a consistent use of technical installations, optimisation of construction methods and building systems. Following Swiss quality standards, the building has taken into account the local climate, needs and construction systems from Singapore, following the "Green Mark" standards, says Mr Berrel.

"Construction work will begin in just a few months, in autumn 2021, and should be completed by the beginning of 2023. The new workplaces are designed for a long-term future. Immediately after completion, the space available in the embassy will be very comfortable."

Mr Berrel says that while his firm is the overall-in-charge of the project, "in close cooperation, a local architectural office accompanies the entire process from the beginning of the planning. It takes over the organisation and communication on site with the authorities, local specialists and manages the execution. The contractors are all based in Singapore. Our office and other Swiss specialists are monitoring the construction work from a distance and will also be present on site from time to time, if the pandemic situation permits."

Asked how his firm won the Swiss embassy contract, he says that as is the case for all major construction projects by public clients, an open competition was announced for the extension of the embassy in Singapore.

"We are strong advocates of this tradition of competition, which is prevalent in Switzerland and which may seem costly, but functions very efficiently for long-term quality assurance. In each case, a jury consisting of representatives of the client and experienced architects and engineers selects the most suitable design in terms of urban planning, architecture, programme and technology, from usually a large number of designs...

"Our project for Singapore was chosen out of a total of 54 entries that were submitted. Shortly before, we had already won second place in a competition for the embassy in Beijing. In addition to the embassy in Singapore, we are currently working on five other building projects. All of them are large constructions spread all over Switzerland and all of them are competition winning entries," says Mr Berrel.

Mr Berrel founded the firm about 20 years ago shortly after he graduated, with Raphael Krautler joining him in starting their first office together. Now, having a team of about 30 architects, the firm designs and plans buildings of various sizes and use.

"What we all have in common is a connection to the location and its history, a strong and independent character and a detailed, tailor-made elaboration. We are interested in spatial experiences and surprising elements but we never forget who we are building for. We take the great social, ecological and aesthetic responsibility of our trade very seriously," he adds.