Canadian High Commissioner’s Residence

This was a major refurbishment and extension of an existing ambassadorial residence on Toure Drive, Dar es Salaam.

Although the existing building is retained in terms of some internal room walls, all of the external façades of the building our new. The main new feature at the front elevation is the deep covered veranda at the ground and first floors. Both look out onto the Indian Ocean and are designed to be large enough to cater for official functions. The material selected for the residents were as natural as possible using sustainable timber, locally sourced stone floor tiles and cut coral stone wall cladding panels at the double height entrance hall.

Shade, in this case, is extremely important, particularly at the sea facing façade. In order that the building user can enjoy full views of the sea beyond, while being protected from the hot tropical sun. The large, covered verandas also provide optimum spaces for indoor/outdoor living.