Brasília, 2026 – When Hersen Mendes Arquitetura was invited to renovate the official residence of the British Embassy in Brazil in 2023, the mission was to update the rooms for the arrival of Ambassador Stephanie Al-Qaq — the first woman to hold the position in the country — and prepare the space for the celebrations of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camila in May of that year.
The challenge was to create an intervention that would harmonize with the existing building, marked by a strong postmodern expression. Original documents were consulted to recover the characteristics of the project, recognizable in asymmetries and right angles and 45-degree angles. The result added a new layer to the building's history, symbolizing the maturing and transformation of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Brazil.
“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.
In addition to its diplomatic function and hosting dignitaries, the building also houses the daily life of the ambassador, her husband, and their three children. Therefore, the project sought to balance the comfort of a private home with the ability to host important meetings. Gardens surround the residence and integrate with the interior spaces, where existing marble and wood coexist with contemporary colors and openings that favor the natural light of Brasília.
The intervention also incorporated works by Brazilian artists. On the long diagonal access wall, a panel of hand-painted tiles by Alexandre Mancini—a disciple of Athos Bulcão—brings together geometric shapes inspired by the Brazilian flag in dialogue with the colors of the United Kingdom. In the living room, a green marble panel evokes British naval tradition, complemented by a boat-shaped lamp. The banquet hall features a mural by Brasilia artist Sandra Crivelaro, inspired by the flora of the Cerrado, one of Brazil's biomes.
The furniture reinforces this cultural exchange. Among the pieces are Windsor chairs by Jader Almeida, which reinterpret English tradition, and Lina armchairs, inspired by architect Lina Bo Bardi. The collection also includes creations by Domingos Tótora, Jacqueline Terpins, and Zanini de Zanine, highlighting contemporary Brazilian design. On the upper floor, the room reserved for the King has been renovated to welcome His Majesty on a possible visit, including a handmade Kamaiurá hammock on the balcony, made from buriti and cotton fibers.
“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.
With less than 40 days to go before delivery, Hersen Mendes Arquitetura coordinated a team of professionals to ensure completion within the deadline. The inauguration took place during the celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III in Brasilia, when guests were able to see part of the renovation that symbolizes, in every detail, the dialogue between two nations.
