The residence for the Embassy of Spain is composed of an intricate collection of living, ceremonial and working spaces spread over 20,000 square feet of finished interior space. With Rafael Moneo as principal design architect, this project was developed in our office beginning in January 1997.

The design features a modulated building volume that carefully conforms to a programmatic network of interrelated interior spaces. These spaces move across the full breadth and depth of the site, following the gradients of exposure, access, and view. There are distinct "public" and "private" entry facades, each offering a separate and distinct portal to the network of spaces within, and each associated with a corresponding vehicular forecourt.

From the "public" entry one moves through a generous foyer to a 3,000 square foot, 28 foot tall barrel-vaulted Salon with a mezzanine and grand westward views, or downstairs to a 1,300 square foot dining room with an attendant orangerie to the south replete with fountain and tiles from Seville. There are separate living quarters for the ambassador and the ambassador's family, for guests and for live-in staff. Inside the house, details are rich, giving a lean and "open" look. There is a private garage, as well as a 23 car underground garage.

To the rear, a series of terraces link the principal spaces of the building's interior to the landscape behind the house, providing additional entertaining spaces when conditions permit. These culminate in a pool and an easy connection to the landscaped areas to the west of the residence.