The State House of Zambia, situated on Independence Avenue in Lusaka, serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the President. Designed by British architect Sir William Walcot, construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1934. Originally known as Government House, it was the official residence of colonial governors of Northern Rhodesia before Zambia's independence in 1964. The building is heavily guarded by the Presidential Guard, a special unit of the Zambia Army responsible for the president's protection. The compound is closed to the public, with only authorized personnel permitted entry.