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ARCA Unlimited was selected to convert a historical residential building into world-class offices for the Austrian Embassy in South Africa. To create light, comfortable spaces, dark areas and unusable or impractical rooms had to be transformed. The theme for the interior design lies in creating a threshold between South Africa and Austria; where South African design language is incorporated with a contemporary Austrian design standard. Design cues arise from both local and European design sources. The new interventions in the building stand in stark contrast with carefully-preserved original design elements and materials. The honest use of materials strengthens the historical aspect of the original house, whilst the use of timber recalls Austrian architecture. The large windows of new additions introduce natural light into originally dark interior spaces. Climate conscious design elements and timber screens minimise the effect of the sun on the eastern and western façades.