Dutch Ambassador's Beijing Residence

The Dutch Ambassador's Residence is located in Beijing's 2nd Diplomatic District. The relatively large site allowed for a single-storey building to be composed with two wings. The private wing is separated from the official functions, protecting the domestic character of the ambassador's home. The design is dominated by an elongated wall of layered Mongolian granite and a cantilevered roof. The south and west façades offer free views to the garden that is designed as a dry river. The winter garden provides year-round greenery in the harsh Beijing climate (text from architect's website).