The unique Swedish Embassy building in Washington – the House of Sweden – was opened in 2006. The atmosphere here is one of openness and transparency. However the building is protected by Armox - the world’s strongest protection plate. 

The Challenge

Design a safe building expressing openness, democracy and transparency

The Swedish embassy in Washington has aroused a great deal of international interest. The embassy is at the waterfront along the Potomac River in Washington Harbour and was designed by Gert Wingård, an eminent Swedish architect. The embassy houses 16 apartments, as well as public areas for holding exhibitions and seminars. This creative environment is where Ambassador Jonas Haftström and approximately 50 employees work and entertain.

The body of the building is surrounded by a belt of brightly lit trees which give the impression that the building is ‘floating’ at night. The materials used include light-colored wood, glass and stone that reflect the roots and traditions of Sweden.

The Solution

Armox in door and wall structures

Armox protection plate combines good ballistic properties with excellent toughness. It can be used for walls, doors, window frames, reception counters and shutters. Buildings such as airports, police stations, public authority buildings, railway stations and banks often use Armox.

In the Swedish embassy building, different grades of Armox protection plate with various thicknesses are used in door and wall structures, depending on the degree of protection needed.

Customer Benefits

Safety for personnel

For security reasons we cannot say exactly where the protection plate is used and how much Armox has been delivered to the embassy. But the plate is intended to prevent unauthorized entry and create a safe environment for people who live, work and entertain here.

”We have delivered Armox plate to several other embassies as well”

Says Ros-Mari Stockman Koch, Product Manager for Armox at SSAB.