Building orientation plays an integral role on-site respective to sun exposure and walkways. The new chancery employs an exterior sunshade system, a light-harvesting system with with light shelves and dimming controls, rainwater capture, and advanced air filtration for high building performance.
US Embassy
Valletta, Malta
Functionally organized around a linear central atrium, the three-story new chancery in Valletta derives inspiration from the simple indigenous stone architecture of Malta.
Monumental stone stair
Stone represents the history and permanence of the US diplomatic commitment to Malta. The Franka rock face limestone from the Maltese Island of Gozo unites the Embassy with the architecture and geology of its host country and the limestone xeriscape of the site.
Design Approach
The new US Embassy campus consists of eight buildings on a four-hectare site, including the chancery, a Marine Residence, and several support buildings. KCCT led the design of this fast-tracked design-build project, incorporating the discovery of Bronze Age and Roman archaeological remains during demolition and excavation into the campus plan. The central stone garden now features these artifacts.
The chancery exterior is clad in a mixture of limestone, terra cotta-colored granite, and plaster, with colors employed in secondary buildings selected to coordinate with the chancery.
Since Malta has no source of fresh water, approximately two-thirds of this site is a xeriscape, with the remainder utilizing plant species adapted to minimum water consumption.
Project Information
Services
Location
Valletta, Malta
Size
98,275 SF
Owner
US Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
Design-Build Partner
American International Contractors - Special Projects
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