Entrance
The main entrance is located on 30th Street, N.W. which runs right down to the Potomac River. Enjoy the sight of the sparkling water before you go indoors. You will pass through Ingegerd Råman’s cubical glass installation in which the slowly undulating water along the interior walls reflects the building’s relationship with the Potomac River.
The wall to your left, leading to the entrance to the Embassy of Sweden, is a repeat of Ingegerd Råman’s water theme, this time represented by a wintry layer of frost on the glass. The uniquely crafted wooden door stands open and welcoming when the Embassy is receiving visitors.
The black and white concierge desk introduces Gert Wingårdh’s recurring theme throughout House of Sweden: contrast between two materials- dull/shiny, black/white, wood/glass. Behind the concierge desk you see the Anna Lindh Exhibition Hall, an area defined by glass, allowing uncluttered views of both the Potomac River and Rock Creek.
From this area, steps lead down to a black granite pond designed by Ingegerd Råman. Seven black, iced rods in the pond reflect light and conjure up images of floating ice floes. Around the pond are conference rooms and Alfred Nobel Hall that can serve as a dining hall, exhibit area or concert hall.
Embassy
The Embassy of Sweden in Washington is housed on half of the entrance floor and the entire second floor. An internal, maple covered stairway connects the two floors. The presence of light and airiness continues throughout the interior: all offices have large windows, the walls are white and the floors are a light wooden parquet and as many areas aspractically possible have been left open, or glass walled to create a feeling of transparency.
Above the Embassy lie two floors of apartments with some of the best views in the Washington metropolitan area. The apartments are designed in the Swedish style: simplicity, clarity and functionality are the obvious goals which have been achieved with great success. The wood and wood work are Swedish. The floors are all wood, the kitchen cabinetry is of the finest Swedish carpentry.
Rooftop Terrace The terrace offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of Northwest Washington, Roosevelt Island, Arlington, VA and all the tour boats and pleasure craft floating on the Potomac. We pause and gaze down river at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Watergate Complex.