The Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C. by Bates Smart

Located in the heart of Washington D.C. and completed in 2023, the Embassy of Australia by Bates Smart both honours the enduring bond between the nations and showcases innovative design. From its architecture to its interior aesthetics, the embassy embodies the spirit of Australia, pays homage to the legacy of its predecessor – a 1967 international-style embassy – and celebrates Australia’s emerging art and culture while embracing a forward-looking approach.

Designed to integrate into the United States capital, the embassy pays tribute to its previous iteration while creating new connections with its surroundings. Situated on Scott Circle, the design harmonises with Capitol Hill’s architectural style, completing the urban landscape. Its folded copper and glass facade reflects values of openness and trust, inviting visitors into a space that celebrates the Australian landscape and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Situated on Scott Circle, the design harmonises with Capitol Hill’s architectural style, completing the urban landscape.

At the heart of the monolithic form is a grand atrium – a focal point that reveals a powerful connection between the ground and the sky. This central area also features a series of spaces arranged in an axial manner, which creates a sense of order, purpose and materiality. Australian timber is the main material, featured in textured horizontal bands that shift seamlessly from rough to smooth. This echoes the protective nature of eucalypt bark throughout a forest’s cycle of growth, burn and regrowth.

The embassy’s expansive interior spaces are designed to inspire creativity and collaboration while representing the vastness of the Australian landscape, with open workspaces flooded with natural light. “The interior expresses the unique qualities of the Australian natural environment, the bold textures of our bushland and the soft filtered light that falls upon it,” says Mark Healey, director at Bates Smart. Materiality and light play important roles in expressing the design, as the appearance of the building changes throughout the day, depending on the perspective of the viewer.

“The interior expresses the unique qualities of the Australian natural environment, the bold textures of our bushland and the soft filtered light that falls upon it,” says Mark Healey, director at Bates Smart.

A testament to Australia’s vibrant arts scene and cultural heritage, the embassy showcases a selection of furniture designed by First Nations creatives and Australian designers. From bespoke rugs by First Nations artists like George Tjungurrayi and Kathleen Petyarre to contemporary furniture crafted by the likes of Adam Goodrum, Ross Gardam, Jardan and Kett, every element of the interior tells a story. Moreover, the embassy’s environmental focus underscores Australia’s global leadership in sustainable design. Designed to obtain a LEED Gold rating, there are also plans to apply for a Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating, which would make the embassy the first overseas Green Star-rated project.

The new Embassy of Australia in Washington is more than just a diplomatic outpost; it’s a symbol of cooperation, innovation and sustainability. From its design to its interior furnishings, every aspect of the embassy spotlights the true-blue Australian spirit on the world stage.

Architecture by Bates Smart and KCCT. Interior design by Bates Smart. Structural and facade engineering by Aurecon and SGH. Development by DFAT OPO. General contracting by Clark Construction. Project management by Jacobs. Cost consulting by Rider Levett Bucknall. Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, vertical transport, AV, security and communications consulting and fire services by Aurecon and Interface. Fire engineering, acoustic and ESD consulting by Aurecon and Arup. Signage by Ongarato. Traffic consulting by Wells & Associates. Civil consulting by Aurecon and Sorba. Kitchen consulting by Chris Love Design and Culinary Advisors. Landscape consulting by TCL and Wiles Mensch. Lighting consulting by Electrolight and One Source. Town planning consulting by Holland & Knight. DDA and OHS consulting by du Chateau Chun.