The U.S. Department of State’s mission is to protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic values and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive. The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) manages the U.S. Department of State’s building program and sets worldwide priorities for the planning, acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of overseas property.
Project Overview
Allied Works Architecture
Design Architect
Yost Grube Hall Architecture
Architect of Record
Pernix Federal, LLC
Design/Build Contractor
$284 million
Project Budget
2021
Completed
The new U.S. Embassy Maputo supports important diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Mozambique.
It embodies OBO’s mission of providing the most effective facilities for U.S. diplomacy abroad ensuring the United States is safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Design & Construction
The parametric design considered the sun’s angle throughout the year to limit direct sunlight and eliminate glare, while maximizing daylight access inside. Keeping in mind the corrosive coastal environment, special care was taken to use materials that resist the elements and require minimal upkeep.
The training, experience, and certification provided to workers expands the pool of skilled workers for future mission needs.
Building Performance
A model of building performance optimization, the resilient design reduces risk and operating costs associated with utilities and maintenance while enhancing natural hazards adaptation.
Extensive engineering and sitework protect the site from flooding, while stormwater runoff is diverted to culverts that return water to the ocean, reducing the risk of damage to adjacent properties and minimizing infrastructure costs.
Low-maintenance, drought-resistant vegetation and water-efficient irrigation systems utilizing treated wastewater further reduce resource consumption and operational costs.
Art
The new U.S. Embassy Maputo embodies U.S. creativity and heritage through design and craftsmanship, fostering dialogue and diplomacy to strengthen relationships and advance U.S. interests.
A defining feature of the new embassy is the incorporation of U.S. and Mozambican contemporary artwork throughout the building, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE).
