Vientiane, Laos - In an important symbol of our commitment and enduring relationship with Laos, Under Secretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Laos Daniel A. Clune, and the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ Managing Director for Construction, Facility, and Security Management Eric Rumpf, alongside local officials dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Vientiane today.
The new multi-building complex provides employees with a safe, secure, and modern workplace. The campus is situated on a 7.4-acre site in a neighborhood south of downtown Vientiane, on the road leading to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River.
With a project budget of $145 million, it includes a Chancery, a U.S. Marine Security Guard residence, a parking structure, and a utility building.
The project incorporates numerous sustainable features to conserve resources and reduce operating costs, including energy-efficient appliances, photovoltaic panels, solar hot water heaters, and drought-resistant landscaping. All wastewater generated on-site is treated and used for site irrigation.
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP of Portland, Oregon, is the design architect and PAGE of Washington, D.C., is the architect of record. B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama constructed the multi-building campus.
A new American Center, scheduled for completion in late 2015, will be constructed on the current compound in the downtown area, which will be renovated and continue to support the Embassy.
Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 119 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 41 projects in design or under construction.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
