Royal Thai Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand

The new Royal Thai Embassy stands on a landmark site close to the New Zealand parliamentary precinct in Wellington.

FIT Architects were commissioned to undertake the design of the project in October 2009. The project is being run as a design/build contract by Fletcher Construction Ltd.

The 1970s waffle-slab reinforced concrete structure of the existing tavern building is being retained, and refurbished to a high standard with a new building envelope. The building will be extended upwards to add a further level in the form of a lightweight steel-framed structure with a pitched and stepped mansard roof, atop the existing reinforced concrete frame. 

The refurbished and enlarged building will accommodate new offices for the ambassador and his staff, with a Visa Section located on the Ground Floor for ease of public access, with an adjacent Business Centre and exhibition space. 

A new three-storey wing will be constructed as a separate building along the Pipitea Street boundary, connected to the main embassy by a glazed link at Ground floor level. 

This wing has been designed to complement the aesthetic of the refurbished main building, and uses a similar rhythm of glazing and solid construction to echo its facade treatment, together with similar exterior finishes. 

This new wing houses a Functions Suite which is accessed directly from the main reception lobby. 

The suite is fully self-contained, with its own kitchens and catering facilities and will host a wide variety of events, such as receptions, banquets, dinners, and conferences.