The project was to be realised on a tiny plot situated on a hillside in a densely populated district of Meguro. According to Japanese law, the height of new buildings could not exceed 12 metres, and 20 per cent of its surface had to be left for green areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland also precisely defined the size and number of rooms, requesting, among other things, a car park for 16 cars. In order to increase the usable area of the building, the foundations were built deep into the ground. Due to the frequent tectonic movements in the area it was necessary to specially design the basement with a reinforced construction.
For the purpose of acquiring some open space, Ingarden put together two contrasting blocks in an “L” arrangement. By this means, he not only managed to get good exposure to the sun but also created a building which stands out amongst its neighbours without being ostentatious.
The rotunda contrasts with the ample but moderately designed office/residential section. The façade of the rear building is a combination of a large, glazed wall covering the second and third floors with a brighter surface finished with sandstone, which covers the ground floor and the corner. The rotunda, which has exactly the same height as the rear building, is made out of red brick and was made slimmer with big slots and a ribbon of glass near the top. Its interior provides space for the main entrance, the reading room, the foyer, the multifunctional hall, and the meeting room.
The multifunctional hall is situated in the basement has several windows overlooking the Japanese-style garden. Thanks to this, the interior is lit by natural light and those inside can see the garden’s plants.
The Embassy was officially opened on 30 May 2001.