National Property Board Sweden

House of Sweden is the result of an architecture contest announced by the National Property Board of Sweden in 2002. The Swedish government had just signed an agreement with an American developer to rent a part of a planned building in Georgetown on the Washington Harbor - and at the same time design it through Swedish architecture. A whole new type of embassy.

The relatively complicated contest requirements included creating an atmosphere of openness and transparency, which is unique for an embassy building. The structure would also have more public areas for exhibits and seminars, plus two floors of apartments.

In January 2003, the jury selected the entry submitted by Swedish architects Tomas Hansen and Gert Wingårdh, and construction began in August 2004.

The National Property Board Sweden (SFV) aims to make all Swedes proud of their national treasures. Palaces and royal parks, theatres and museums, Swedish embassies abroad and property comprising one seventh of the total land mass of Sweden. All are owned by the Swedes collectively. The duty of the Board is to administer them in the best possible way. Read more at www.sfv.se

Photos below:  A selection of other Swedish properties abroad managed by the National Property Board Sweden (SFV).