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U.S. Embassy — Port Moresby

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

In recent years, the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, experienced unprecedented growth as the result of a rapidly expanding local economy and increased U.S. interests in the area. Consequently, space requirements rose significantly even as a New Embassy Compound was under construction. Krueck Sexton Partners was invited to join the project team as Design Architect, with the goal of integrating a partially built chancery structure into a larger campus expansion.

The KSP-led Master Plan incorporates a new chancery annex, marine residence, pool cabana, and redeveloped landscape areas into the existing complex. The main office building is positioned prominently along Port Moresby’s main thoroughfare and uses the previous half-built structure to host the building’s entry sequence and consular functions.

Sustainability and energy performance are optimized through site positioning and façade design. An east-to-west orientation that concentrates window openings along the south and north reduces solar heat gain while taking advantage of scenic landscape views in either direction. External sunshades, ubiquitous in indigenous and contemporary Papua New Guinea construction, protect the expansive windows on these facades from glare and reduce the need for electric lighting and cooling. Photovoltaic arrays are incorporated onto available roof surfaces to further promote resiliency and self-sufficiency.

The site design restores the embassy complex to its natural character with the use of native planting materials. Combined with trellis walkways, the landscape creates comfortable outdoor spaces and provides additional shading for the buildings.