The Norwegian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepali materials produce stricking Nordic flavour
The New Norwegian Embassy in Nepal is located in Patan, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The building was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Kristin Jarmund Architects on commission from the Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property.

The Oslo based practice worked closely with Nepali advisers and contractors during the entire process and managed to achieve a quintessentially Nordic look harmonically integrated with the surrounding city texture thanks to the use of local materials such as wood and stone.

The building covers a surface of 800m2 and is built into the slope of the site, allowing plateaus of outdoor space to extend into the building. A south facing intimate patio is directly linked to the vestibule. The facade, facing the Himalayan Mountains, is architecturally expressed by an added volume, which rises above the main entrance of the otherwise single-storey building. The volume houses the Ambassador's office and is accented by a dynamic zigzag panoramic window, whose trail makes a tribute to the mountainous chain and purposely reflects the Himalayas.
source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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