The entrance to British House with Zoe Bradley's paper chandelier greeted Team GB & guest's.
After Team GB's most successful Olympic Games to date, we reflect on the last incredible 16 days in Rio and like a ripple effect, the feel good factor its left in its wake, that will inspire a whole new generation of sporting talent.
Team GB won medals in 19 events, more than they achieved in London four years ago. Since last weekend British athletes have appeared unstoppable in their quest to attain or in many cases retain Olympic medals. It has been an incredible sporting event to witness and we have been honoured to have had a piece of Zoe Bradley paper art hanging within the beautifully transformed space of British House.
Team GB won medals in 19 events, more than they achieved in London four years ago. Since last weekend British athletes have appeared unstoppable in their quest to attain or in many cases retain Olympic medals. It has been an incredible sporting event to witness and we have been honoured to have had a piece of Zoe Bradley paper art hanging within the beautifully transformed space of British House.
A view from underneath the Zoe Bradley chandelier at British House
Olympic Canoe Slalom Gold medallist Joe Clarke.
The old colonial style architecture of the building set within Rio's Botanical Gardens in Parque Lage could not have been better placed. In the shadow of the iconic and monumental Christ the Redeemer it has been Team GB's hospitality residence during the Games. We couldn't have possible predicted before these Games in Rio that so many British athletes would be collecting such an impressive medal haul and having their photo taken in front of our paper floral chandelier.
Olympic Gold medallist's Katie Archibald & Elinor Barker for Team Pursuit Cycling
It was the very impressive and decorative doomed entrance that the hundreds of paper floral garlands hung from a circular structure. Made up of three rings, that decreased in size, rather than the more symbolic interlocking five rings, the colourful iridescent paper was illuminated both day and night, welcoming Team GB athletes their families and guest's into a home from home environment where they could relax and share their success and most importantly switch off from the pressures of competing within the Olympic Park or other competing venues.
Olympic Medallist's David Florence & Richard Hounslow won Silver in the Men's double Canoe Slalom
A delighted Bryony Page jumps for joy after winning a Silver medal in Trampolining
Perhaps now the very late nights of the past fortnight have been put to rest and the many dark circles that hung less graciously than the Olympic flag from our eyes have started to lift, we can truly appreciate what coming second on the medal board, ahead of vast nations such as China and Russia means to our small but great nation.
We hoped by adding the colour gold into the paper floral garlands that it would offer some incentive and inspiration to our athletes. Little did we know when it was hung in place 2 weeks ago, just how symbolic the gold would become and how dominant the colour would be for our most inspiringTeam GB yet.
Golden Olympians: Team GB success in the rowing both in the Men's Fours and the women's pairs. From Left to Right: Mohamed Sbihi, George Nash, Helen Glover, Heather Stanning, Alex Gregson, Constantine Louloudis
It seems the chandelier that everyone has had to pass under into British House reflected some of its glory and colour, namely gold onto Team GB, bringing them Olympic success.
Bring on the Great! Bring on Tokyo 2020!