Thai Residence

The Official Residence of the Ambassador of Thailand, historically known as “Brooklyn House,” is a landmark property in Pretoria with significant architectural and political heritage. Originally built in the early 1930s and later expanded, the residence has housed prominent South African figures and hosted pivotal political events. The Royal Thai Embassy has commissioned Earthworld Architects to modernize and expand the residence while preserving its historic character. The project aims to create a contemporary, functional home that respects and highlights the building’s original features.

Scope of Work

• Extension: Addition of approximately 310 m², including expanded living areas, a new outdoor entertainment area, a prayer room, and upgraded staff facilities.
• First Floor Reconfiguration: Complete redesign of the roof to accommodate more functional sleeping quarters, utilizing portal frames and a new bitumen shingle finish that mimics the original roof.
• Modernization: Comprehensive upgrade of all services (electrical, mechanical, and wet services) in collaboration with specialist consultants.

The design retains and celebrates the historic exterior shell and roof gables, while introducing a contemporary “box” structure within the roof, clad in timber slats. This new element contrasts with and complements the original architecture. The northern masonry walls are replaced with glass sliding doors, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and maximizing enjoyment of the extensive gardens.The “box” structure is constructed from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), a highly innovative and sustainable engineered wood product. CLT was selected for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for a lightweight structure that does not require additional foundations and can be rapidly assembled atop the existing building. This approach minimized disruption to the historic residence and expedited the construction process. Notably, this project represents one of the largest applications of CLT in South Africa, setting a new benchmark for sustainable building practices in the region. This approach balances heritage conservation with modern living. The intervention is intentionally distinct yet respectful, highlighting the original building’s character while providing 21st-century amenities. The new elements are visually and functionally integrated, ensuring the residence remains a prestigious and comfortable home for future ambassadors.