The proposal for the German Embassy in Canberra is grounded in a strategy of valuing and retaining – honouring both the existing building and its surrounding park landscape. The Ambassador’s Residence, graciously positioned and deeply embedded in the site’s natural and diplomatic history, embodies a unique relationship between architecture and garden. Preserving it avoids unnecessary demolition, and safeguards cultural memory. Most importantly, it reduces carbon impact and embodies a contemporary approach to sustainability, guided by the principle that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists. This act of maintenance and thoughtful transformation not only alludes to a contemporary ethos of adaptive reuse – it is also a continuation of the German diplomatic mission on Australian soil, Ngambri Country.
At the same time, we propose a more visible, secure, and distinguished Chancellery. Positioned to take advantage of the site’s dual frontages, its slender north–south volume establishes a strong civic presence, while the Residence remains more discreetly placed. A generous garden buffer separates the two, reinforcing their distinct identities—official and domestic—while a covered walkway provides a secure, direct connection.
The full list of placed entries can be found here