A new Embassy which is located in the diplomatic district of Sana’a. The building is set on a sloping site within extensive grounds. The altitude of the site and its location near the base of mountains creates a microclimate; intensely dry but with periodic heavy rainfall in the short rainy season.

The landscape strategy was defined by the need to create shelter within the site, to lessen the open aspect, to reduce exposure from prevailing winds and to mitigate soil loss. The grounds are sheltered from the wind and open aspect with a screen of forestry trees and under storey. The planting is zone-based with those requiring more watering close to the building, drought tolerant species further away.

The public spaces within the embassy grounds have open views. The private areas are set within walled terraces and individual enclosed gardens. The site was planned in accordance with the theme of the Paradise Garden giving four distinct character zones of varying levels, privacy
and shelter. The garden designs innovatively interpret the traditional Yemeni garden as terrace gardens enclosed by mud walls, built using traditional local methods.

An on-site nursery was established to grow on all the plants for the project with native planting sourced from locally gathered seeds and cuttings.