What secrets does a residence hold? The Residenz des Botschafters, nestled in Berlin, whispers tales of diplomacy and design. The Residenz des Botschafters isn’t just a building. It is a carefully crafted space where official duties meet personal life. Icelandic architects Hjördís Sigurgisladottir and Dennis David Johannesson won a competition in 2003 with their innovative design. Their vision brought the Residenz des Botschafters to life in 2006. They wanted a space that could seamlessly transition between public and private functions. The residence is divided into three sections. The architects prioritized a smooth flow between these sections, extending the connection to the outside garden.
A glass-covered hallway forms the heart of the Residenz des Botschafters. This hallway, reminiscent of a rocky crevice, links the front garden and entrance area. It stretches through the entire building, leading to a veranda that overlooks Halensee. A curved, zinc-clad wall defines one half of the building. Supported by pillars, the wall evokes the curve of a ship’s bow. It opens up towards the veranda and garden, revealing reception areas designed for accessibility. A large window connects these areas to the library and dining room, creating a visual effect like a waterfall cascading into a pond.
These reception rooms host various gatherings. Presentations, small concerts, and exhibitions all find a home within these walls. A guest room on the upper floor, accessible by bridge and elevator, ensures accessibility for all. Opposite the curved wall stands a slanted, dark stone facade. This facade, resembling an Icelandic cliff face, marks the entrance to the ambassador’s private quarters. These quarters are separate from the reception areas. The lower level houses the family’s living area, including a small kitchen. Upstairs, the family’s bedrooms provide a private retreat. This private space can be integrated into the reception area when needed.
The Residenz des Botschafters is a study in contrasts. The weather-resistant corrugated zinc wall and blue-black stone stand against polished white ceilings and walls, light furniture, and oak paneling. The materials echo Iceland’s landscape. The load-bearing walls are made of concrete, Iceland’s most commonly used building material. Corrugated zinc, blue-black stone, and oak are used for cladding, both inside and out. These materials are common in Icelandic houses. The corrugated zinc and blue-black stone recall Iceland’s corrugated iron houses and basalt mountains. The strong oak references Norse mythology. Legend says Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, was carved from the wood of a sacred oak tree. The Residenz des Botschafters is more than a residence. It’s a piece of Iceland in Berlin.