Caribbean Consular Compound
Overview
Architectural Design // Project Management // Firm: KieranTimberlake
KieranTimberlake was charged with the complete redesign and renovation an existing General Consulate on an island in the Caribbean. The current compound was last updated in the 1960s and the State Department was keen on expanding the consular functions and capacity of the facility. Situated on a challenging clifftop site overlooking a UNESCO world heritage site, the project required a careful balancing of the Department’s stringent standards and a consideration of the compound’s surroundings. I lead the design of the consular and service entry pavilions, service buildings, and landscape elements. I was also responsible for developing the main consular building facade system.
The project consisted of six buildings in total; a new office building, a consular entry pavilion, a service entrance and parking facility, and building and vehicle maintenance shop. In addition, the existing consular office building and the Consular General’s residence were retained but received a complete interior remodels. Collaborating with OLIN, compound also underwent a full landscape redesign to create beautiful grounds that included a meandering walking path and outdoor plazas and gardens for consular events.
The project also targeted LEED Platinum certification which was achieved through extensive on site solar, local materials, and novel mechanical and plumbing system design.
The facade of the New Office Building (NOB) consists of a series of dichroic glass fins with a custom frit pattern. These fins serve two purposes, providing self shading for the building, and as a nod to the colorful vernacular architecture of the island. The upper bands of the building use a scalloped high performance concrete facade panel which protects the critical functions within the building.
