Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington DC Renovation, USA Public Architecture, American Building Photos
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC
May 12, 2022
Design: Fentress Architects
Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Photos © Alan Karchmer / OTTO
Royal Norwegian Embassy, USA
Established in 1905, Norway?s Embassy is located on the venerable Embassy Row in Washington, DC between the Vice President?s residence and the National Cathedral. It?s 1970-era Chancery recently underwent an 30,000-square-foot expansion and renovation. Fentress Architects designed this essential element of Norway?s largest embassy complex in to be culturally symbolic, architecturally harmonious, modernized, sustainable and universally accessible.

Since architecture can play a profound role in the diplomatic environment, every element of the project was carefully considered: for staff, guests, and diplomatic relations. Four principles guided this effort: Handlekraft (vigor), Arbeidsglede (joy of work), Profesjonalitet (professionalism) and Åpenhet (openness).
?While providing significant functional, accessibility and sustainability upgrades, our architecture makes Norway?s rich heritage visible on one of the most culturally significant streets in the world.?

? Steve White, Principal & Director of the Washington DC Office, Fentress Architects

The result is a transformed Chancery comprised of three elements: a stone shell, a cocoon, and a copper-clad mass timber hull. The mass and forms of the...