Embassy – Heritage-Led Refurbishment of 14–16 Cockspur Street
Our work for the Embassy of Brazil centres on the sensitive restoration and modernization of 14–16 Cockspur Street, a distinguished Grade II listed landmark in the heart of London’s St. James’s Conservation Area. Built in the 1850s as the headquarters of the Hamburg-America Line, the building carries a rich maritime legacy, expressed in the finely carved stonework by William Bateman Fagan and its elegant classical façade. Over time, it has evolved from a centre of global shipping to a diplomatic home, reflecting nearly two centuries of adaptation and civic significance.
The project focuses on safeguarding this architectural heritage while ensuring the building can meet the demands of a contemporary embassy. Works include extensive repairs to the external stonework, upgrades to the historic sash windows, and careful preservation of significant interiors such as the Sala Brasil and Sala Rio Branco. Alongside this, modern interventions—new energy-efficient MEP systems, improved accessibility, and refined internal layouts—ensure the building operates sustainably and effectively for staff, visitors, and consular services.
The refurbishment balances conservation with renewal, reinforcing the building’s role as a cultural and diplomatic touchstone. By enhancing both its performance and its heritage value, the project secures the future of one of central London’s most characterful historic properties.
