By Evan Lewis
In a significant milestone in the United States’ more than 150-year friendship with Paraguay, the U.S. Embassy in Asunción proudly opened the doors to its highly sustainable new facility, June 29. Situated on the same 14-acre site as the previous building, this state-of-the-art embassy fuses U.S. and Paraguayan cultures and is poised to enhance diplomatic relations between the United States and Paraguay well into the future.
ZGF Architects’ design of the new embassy pays homage to Paraguay’s rich indigenous Guarani culture and traditional architectural customs. Emphasizing the importance of preserving the historic landscape, the architects ensured its protection and incorporation into the design. The embassy also exhibits a diverse range of artwork that exemplifies a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage and richness shared between the United States and Paraguay, such as a colorful sewn fabric lacework art—known as ñanduti in the native Guarani language—located in the gallery and main stairway.
A focus of the project was to achieve stringent energy-saving and sustainability goals. The new buildings have been carefully designed to minimize environmental impact and optimize performance. To this end, rainwater is collected and stored on site, supplying 100% of the embassy’s irrigation needs while managing stormwater runoff. Native and adaptive vegetation further reduces the demand for irrigation. The use of low-flow plumbing fixtures significantly decreases water consumption indoors. The installation of LED lighting with integrated daylight dimming and occupancy controls contributes to substantial energy savings.
The construction of the new embassy is an investment in the future of the U.S.-Paraguay relationship and a symbol of the United States’ commitment to the Paraguayan people. In concrete terms, the construction has contributed significantly to the local community, with approximately $60 million invested in the local economy over the course of the project. More than 1,300 people were involved in the construction of the new complex, including 922 Paraguayan workers.
As the U.S. partners with Paraguay to combat crime and corruption, and strengthen bilateral commercial ties, the inauguration of the new embassy stands as a testament to the unwavering U.S. commitment to Paraguay, the last country in South America to recognize Taiwan.
Evan Lewis is a media relations analyst at the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations.
