The British Embassy in Brazil cuts a distinctly postmodernist figure within its world-renowned modernist architecture context. The building is set in the country's capital of Brasilia, the city famously created from scratch by a team of creatives, including architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lucio Costa, and inaugurated in 1960. Within this precious historical setting, the embassy structure has now been given a 21st-century breath of life through a recent renovation by studio Hersen Mendes Arquitetura.
Take a tour of the British embassy in Brazil
The project's story began in 2023, when the practice was invited to refresh the space in order to receive the new British ambassador Stephanie Al-Qaq - the first woman to hold the position in the country. It coincided with the celebrations of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla in that same year.
The architects worked hard at updating all the rooms, creating a crisp yet warm atmosphere to serve the ambassador's needs and the building's wider functions. The original architecture's spirit was retained, as the team consulted original planning documents in order to ensure they honoured the existing design, which is defined by asymmetries and a mix of right and 45-degree angles.
'When we decided to rethink the official residence, we had in mind a space that would represent this fusion of worlds. We wanted something bold, modern, but rooted in Brazilian aesthetics - especially those of Brasília - paying homage to local and national artists,' says ambassador Stephanie Al-Qaq.
Balancing the demands of daily life in a private family home with official meetings and formal events, the interiors have been composed as a mix of design-led and vintage furniture, and a wealth of art, which adorns walls and dots the interior.
Featured art pieces include a panel of hand-painted tiles by Alexandre Mancini, who was a disciple of Athos Bulcão. Its geometric shapes have been inspired by the Brazilian flag, but the colours nod to that of the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, in the living room, a green marble panel hints at British naval tradition, and in the banquet hall, a mural by Sandra Crivelaro brings Brazilian flora to the spotlight.
The furniture chosen to populate the different areas plays a similar role - ensuring comfort while elegantly blending Brazilian and British references. There are Windsor chairs by Jader Almeida, and Lina armchairs, inspired by architect Lina Bo Bardi. Works by designers Domingos Tótora, Jacqueline Terpins, and Zanini de Zanine, also feature throughout, highlighting contemporary Brazilian design.
A handmade Kamaiurá hammock is placed in the terrace of the room reserved for the use of King Charles during a possible future visit. Made of buriti and cotton fibres, it nods to Brazil's wealth of local crafts.
'I believe that the result reflects this proposal very well: a blend of modern British style and the bold lightness of Brazilian architecture. It is a space that dialogues with Brazilian and British modernity, celebrating innovation and diversity,' adds the ambassador.
-
An elegant Argentine restomod keeps the spirit of the sporting 1930s aliveThe SP40 Restomod by Iconic Auto Sports is an update of a classic 1930s custom job, enhanced for the modern era
-
Teklan and Ikea bring colour, curves and nostalgia to speakers and lampsPattern-wrapped speakers, soft-serve lamps – and clever combos of the two – star in Swedish designer Teklan’s new Ikea collection. Take an exclusive first look
-
Inside Burberry’s festive Claridge’s takeover – including a Christmas tree covered in bowsBurberry’s Daniel Lee has unveiled his vision for the Claridge’s Christmas tree, while the British house will also be taking over the hotel with Burberry cocktails, baubles and a special pop-up store
-
An exclusive look at Francis Kéré’s new library in Rio de Janeiro, the architect’s first project in South AmericaBiblioteca dos Saberes (The House of Wisdom) by Kéré Architecture is inspired by the 'tree of knowledge', and acts as a meeting point for different communities
-
A Brasília apartment harnesses the power of optical illusionCoDa Arquitetura’s Moiré apartment in the Brazilian capital uses smart materials to create visual contrast and an artful welcome
-
Inspired by farmhouses, a Cunha residence unites cosy charm with contemporary Brazilian livingWhen designing this home in Cunha, upstate São Paulo, architect Roberto Brotero wanted the structure to become 'part of the mountains, without disappearing into them'
-
Arts institution Pivô breathes new life into neglected Lina Bo Bardi building in BahiaNon-profit cultural institution Pivô is reactivating a Lina Bo Bardi landmark in Salvador da Bahia in a bid to foster artistic dialogue and community engagement
-
Tropical gardens envelop this contemporary Brazilian home in São Paulo stateIn the suburbs of Itupeva, Serena House by architects Padovani acts as a countryside refuge from the rush of city living
-
Itapororoca House blends seamlessly with Brazil’s lush coastal landscapeDesigned by Bloco Arquitetos, Itapororoca House is a treetop residence in Bahia, Brazil, offering a large wrap-around veranda to invite nature in
-
A new concrete house in São Paulo state is designed to open up to its hillside viewsArchitects Fernanda Padula and Juliana Risso have shaped this family house in Brazil from meticulously poured concrete forms, precise joinery and a close relationship with the landscape
-
Meet Carmen Portinho, the pioneering engineer who shaped Brazilian architectureCarmen Portinho’s pioneering vision shaped Brazil’s social housing, museums and modernist identity. A new exhibition in Rio finally gives her work the recognition it deserves
