A new Embassy which is located in the diplomatic district of Sana’a. The building is set on a sloping site within extensive grounds. The altitude of the site and its location near the base of mountains creates a distinct microclimate. The landscape strategy was defined by the need to create shelter within the site, to lessen the open aspect, to reduce exposure from prevailing winds and to mitigate soil loss.

The site was planned in accordance with the theme of the Paradise Garden giving four distinct character zones of varying levels, privacy and shelter. The garden designs innovatively interpret the traditional Yemeni garden as terrace gardens enclosed by mud walls, built using traditional local methods. An on-site nursery was established to grow on all the plants for the project with native planting sourced from locally gathered seeds and cuttings.

Emirates Glass Leaf award for ‘Best Environmentally Sustainable Project of the Year’, 2007
RIBA International Award, 2007

Client: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Architect: Design Engine

Engineer: Ramboll UK

Area: 1.5 ha