The new United States Embassy Building in Namibia has been declared by Engineering News Record to be the Best Project in the Government Building category.
A statement from the Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) says it was proud to announce that the new U.S. Embassy Windhoek, Namibia, was awarded the Best Project in the Government Building category.
The award was announced by Engineering News Record in the recent ENR’s Global Best Projects competition.
“This esteemed recognition highlights the exceptional design and construction efforts behind the embassy, which reflects the United States’ commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relationships worldwide through the built environment,” the statement reveals.
For 2024, the judges examined a total of 120 building projects. These happen to be the most entries Engineering News Record (ENR) ever received.
From that pool, over 35 projects located in nearly 20 countries were selected as outstanding, showcasing Overseas Buildings Operations and partners’ remarkable achievements in global construction.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was the design architect behind the Namibia Project while the Alabama based Billy L. Harbert International constructed the embassy in Windhoek, with PAGE Architects of Washington, serving as the architect of record.
The new environment friendly embassy building is said to exemplify excellence in architecture, sustainability, and innovative construction practices.
This recognition signifies the importance of modern embassies in promoting diplomacy and engagement in host countries.
The embassy in Windhoek will serve as a vital hub for the United States diplomatic efforts in Namibia, enhancing collaboration and cooperation.
The award will be featured in the December 16 issue of the Engineering News Record (ENR), alongside other outstanding projects from around the globe, and the official presentation will take place during ENR’s virtual Global Best Projects awards event on December 19.
The Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) provides the most effective facilities for the United States diplomacy abroad.
The new U.S. Embassy was built using materials that evoke the Namibian landscape including the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, and the sandstone formations of Damaraland.
The building’s outing walls are covered with red sandstone and light-coloured limestone.
The U.S campus was designed to use renewable solar energy, minimize water usage, and incorporate indigenous trees and other plants exclusively.
Solar panels will power 50 percent of the energy needed for the main chancery building.