DIPLOMACY PROJECTS
French Embassy in Brasilia
PROJECT INFO
Location
Brasilia, Brazil
Status
2023
Client
Embassy of France in Brasília
Type
Diplomacy
Size
6700 sqm
Other Features Architectural
Architectural Project, Engeneering Projects, Budget Planning, Energy Efficiency Consultancy
Atria conducted a comprehensive assessment and preliminary design for the restoration of the green roofs at the French Embassy in Brasília, alongside an energy audit to identify targeted energy-saving measures and their implementation requirements.
The original conceptualization of the Embassy, envisioned by Le Corbusier, was tragically interrupted by his passing. His collaborator, the distinguished Chilean architect Guillermo Jullian, carried the vision forward, preserving the essential concept of two distinct volumes—one for the Chancery and one for the Residence—and embracing Le Corbusier’s principles of béton brut. Jullian also responded thoughtfully to Brasília’s unique climate and ecological conditions. In a 2007 interview, he remarked: "The French Embassy in Brasília project has no facade. I never concerned myself with the facade. The challenge here was for the climate to transform itself directly into the structure, without being ecological, and today it works perfectly—it's the only Embassy in Brasília without air conditioning."
Acknowledging the building’s architectural and historical importance, Atria undertook a detailed diagnostic and design process focused on restoring the embassy’s iconic green roofs. The energy audit precisely identified areas for intervention, prioritizing long-term performance, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency.
Today, the need for air conditioning is minimal—limited mainly to technical rooms. In tropical climates like Brasília’s, HVAC systems often account for a substantial share of energy consumption. The challenge in this project lay in preserving the structure’s historical integrity while improving thermal performance. This was achieved by revitalizing the vegetated roofs and incorporating photovoltaic systems for renewable energy generation—reinforcing the embassy’s pioneering approach to climate-responsive architecture and sustainable design.
