US Embassy Port au Prince

The new U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince, Haiti incorporates ideas for preserving and enhancing the site’s tropical ecology, capturing and reusing stormwater, and prioritizing native planting and local artistry in the landscape. Many of these ideas were introduced into embassy site development and construction through this project, earning it Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) first Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Sustainable Design. Existing ecological context was considered carefully, and through an understanding of Haiti’s lengthy rainy season the team developed a stormwater management approach to respect the land, preserve green space, and create natural runoff patterns. Much native planting and local site materials were incorporated into the design, including walls, paving, ornamental fencing, Royal Palms, and Tropical Almond trees. Along with these materials, traditional building techniques were incorporated to complement and respect local patterns.