German House New York

German House is the Manhattan home of Germany's Consulate General, its Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and affiliated cultural institutions, standing on United Nations Plaza directly opposite the UN headquarters campus. The existing granite-and-glass tower is being comprehensively reworked rather than replaced, following an international competition won by Berlin practice sauerbruch hutton with Studio Gang as architect of record and general planner. The scheme replaces the facade with a box-window system that integrates photovoltaic panels, solar shading and operable windows for natural ventilation while preserving the security envelope a diplomatic building requires. Internally, a mid-level sky lobby with a vertical garden and shared workspace is intended to knit together the consulate's and the mission's separate operations, which currently sit apart. The upper floors gain a restaurant opening onto a covered roof terrace with East River views, and a garden pavilion is planned for public cultural programming.