When designing the Republic of Singapore’s embassy, located at the gateway to Washington’s new embassy district, RTKL hoped to capture the spirit of the country, while maintaining the complex’s stately appearance.

The resulting design combines building form and landscape to express Singapore’s image as a lush garden city and a growing progressive country. The front entrance is signified by a large garden, framed by two sides of the building and a curved wall. Bright interior colors and a materials palette derived from Singapore’s black-and-white houses, teak-louvered windows, and large overhanging roofs convey the Republic’s vernacular architecture. The embassy’s first two floors house consular services, dining and public spaces. The ambassador’s suite, offices for personal staff, and a library/meeting room are located on the top floor. A monumental stair leads from the entry level to the garden courtyard below, and a diagonal stone wall divides the upper paved garden terrace—used for diplomatic receptions—from the lower, more informal perennial flower garden.