Radical renovation of the Dutch Embassy in Rome. The diplomatic post was situated in a richly decorated urban mansion dating from 1929, built in Renaissance style, flanked by a vaguely similar but much less extravagantly furbished extension dating from a few decades later. In the course of time, both premises had undergone various renovations, but were now more or less run-down. Partly because Italy is the country par excellence of design and culture, the project was seen as a superior opportunity to show what the Netherlands is capable of in the field of architectonic design. In this pursuit, functionality, efficiency, transparency and a modern design took pride of place. On the exterior, cepezed has implemented a great contrast between the two different sections. Because the Renaissance building contained many original details, it was restored to its former glory as much as possible. A skin of corten steel was applied around the extension. This has a rust-coloured patina, which harmonizes well with the trunks of the Stone Pines in the surrounding area. In this way, the main building has acquired an abstract, almost detail-free background that shows it off as much as possible. On the interior, the buildings had no exceptional details and, moreover, there was a poor, chaotic logistic layout. Accordingly, the section were stripped right down to the concrete skeleton and equipped with a new, drastically revised organization oriented toward light, transparency and good mutual communications. As a result, there are now hardly any differences between the buildings on the interior. On all floors, the offices, workstations and meeting rooms are grouped around a central traffic and sitting area offering opportunities for casual encounters.