OMT architects

At OMT architects they aim to contribute through their projects and visions to a sustainable future. They value local traditions and support empowerment of existing communities. Through connecting with these communities and in combination with their research into local and sustainable construction methods and resources they develop innovative

design solutions. The implementation of sustainable materials, such as timber, is combined with flexible spatial layouts to support long living and adaptable buildings. OMT architects are located in Berlin. The firm was founded by Leander Moons, previously at home in EastAfrica and now based in New York, and Andreas Trampe-Kieslich.

OMT architects are committed to designing and delivering sustainable building solutions especially in the place where this matters most; Africa! Africa Surveyors conducted an interview with Leander Moons, co-founder of the OMT architects, and here is their unique story.

LM: During the 3 years I lived in Nairobi I first got into contact with the project Fumba Town in Zanzibar and the developer behind this project, Sebastian Dietzold CEO of CPS live. During the initial project work I was working at that time for Bowman Architects Associates in Nairobi – we and our familiesbecame good friends. This also due to the fact that they through their development of Fumba Town were looking beyond the conventional in terms of architecture and building systems. It was a few years after my relocation to New York when we started to envision concepts for more sustainable approaches with timber also for complex multi-story buildings. The local architectural companies, my previous firm in Nairobi included, could not provide designs for these innovative building systems (and also were not really interested in this kind of innovation). I had been running my own design studio, Leander Moons Inc, as a sidekick for a while next to my regular jobs with a special focus on more sustainable design approaches. Once the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, things started to move very rapidly as we discovered the possibilities of bringing our visions to life over web-based meeting platforms. Now my remote location in New York was no longer an issue for projects located in East-Africa. Soon I was looking to extend my design company to cover the resulting workload. I decided to restructure my approach and to use my existing design company, Leander Moons Inc, to advise and support clients and consultants at the early design stages with the implementation of sustainable design systems into potential projects. For all our projects I deliver the design concepts and project management services through my design company. I founded, together with Andreas Trampe-Kieslich, an architectural office in Berlin early 2021. All detailed architectural services are delivered through that company and provided to the local team of architects (part of CPS) for permitting and site implementation. Within OMT architects, Andreas is overseeing our local projects in Germany and I am responsible for all non-German projects.

LM: The BURJ zanzibar is certainly the most iconic project we have been involved in. However, it is important to understand, that a project like this, a high-rise hybrid-timber residential tower; the tallest in Africa and potentially in the world, is only possible because of the other projects we have realised or are under construction in a similar context. Through the experience and increasing scale and complexity of the other timber projects and our work with leading local and international researchers, consultants and companies, we have gathered the experience to realize this iconic project. Iconic not only in terms of its architecture, innovation and scale, but more importantly as a catalyst for the development of a local industry for engineered timber products.

LM: Timber is regarded as the building material of the future as it is much better for our climate than any of the conventional building materials. At the same time the development and implementation of timber building systems is still very limited, both in terms of quantities and in terms of locations. Certainly, Europe is most advanced when it comes to implementation, with the rest of the world slowly catching up. The application of engineered timber products in Africa is unfortunately still limited to a handful projects, not in the last place due to the fact that many people regard wood as a building material for the

poor and would prefer a conventional build house. At the same time climate change is happening and we need to start building more climate friendly. Combine that with the rapid population growth on the African continent and the already existing shortage of housing in most African cities and it becomes clear that the place where we can make the biggest contribution to both society and our environment is Africa. Over the past years we have combined research and experience from all over the world and reviewed what would make the most sense in relation to the East-African context. We looked into different species of wood (what can we in the future supply from local sustainable forestry) and various timber building systems. We have implemented different solutions for different projects and developed them to allow for affordable and equitable products which can compete with conventional built buildings in price. Needless to say, that in a humid tropical context the interior climate in an engineered timber building is a lot higher than the climate of a conventional ‘wet-build’ building.

LM: Our biggest success is that we are able to create sustainable timber housing with units starting from 10.000 USD. We aim to create housing solutions for a far greater part of the African society than regular project developers are currently providing. Therefore, learning from our projects and optimizing them with our local partners to create equitable and affordable houses shows that our vision can become reality, currently in small scale in Zanzibar, but hopefully in the future on a larger scale on the continent. This is only possible when we include the local community in our projects and when we optimize the use of local recourses. This enhances the local value chain and empowers the local population.

LM: I personally have been privileged to live in many different places and to encounter many different cultures and societies. This experience has been an eye-opener when it comes to my work as an architect. Living in the similar places and in a similar social context limits our ability to think outside of the box, it limits innovation. I try to bring this mindset into every new project and look to extend the teams and companies to work with to get as many different angles as possible. On our projects we currently work with people from 5 different continents and many different countries and backgrounds. With all these different opinions we aim to design optimized structures together with the local parties. Their take, from the local parties, on all these different ideas from the international team is –and must be – leading in the decision-making process. Through this process we can not only combine innovation with local solutions for the projects at hand but also give a clear indication how to develop local industrial production processes.

LM: | We are committed to grow the use of sustainable building solutions especially in the place where this matters most; Africa. We know that we cannot do this alone, but I hope we can inspire

through our visions and projects others to start doing the same. I thus hope that in ten years’ time we will no longer be considered pioneers and instead became another mainstream architectural company building timber housing.

LM: In my lectures I often include a sheet stating the following: “best practice ≠ innovation” and “innovation = risk”. Many architects these days use the words ‘innovation’ and ‘best practice’ in a single sentence, if you want to be successful though you will need to commit to one of both; building your office and architecture around a best practice approach: optimizing the existing, or take the risk of an innovative approach. Since most developers are risk-averse (they want to maximize return of investment) the best-practice approach is mainstream. It is not a coincidence that the building industry is often considered as the least innovative industry. For those who are following the innovative path, like we do, my advice is to stay true to your vision, are not afraid to make mistakes and do not take anything for granted. Innovation needs time, failure and perseverance to eventually happen.

Representing a young, vibrant and most of all sustainable lifestyle, the building will allocate a mixture of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Like all other apartments the penthouses on the top floors of the tower will offer extraordinary views towards ocean, city and island. Throughout the building amenity and commercial spaces offer additional value to residents and visitors alike. The green and sustainable design concept combined with a well-balanced apartment mix and amenity spaces contribute to an ever-evolving character of the tower, combining mundane trends with local culture. ‘BURJ zanzibar’ will become one of the island’s iconic new addresses.

INNOVATIVE | The innovative layout of the tower allows for highly flexible and adaptable apartment solutions. All apartments, reaching from small studios to vast 2-bedroom penthouses, are based on the same modular layout. Through this design approach apartments of different layouts and sizes can be allocated throughout all floors with maximum flexibility. In addition to the increased flexibility this concept will also contribute to an optimized construction time and enhanced finished qualities.

A similar modular approach has been applied to the design of the shell of the building. Utilizing only three types of modules a playful facade has been created by alternating and changing module depth and function. At the same time the facade addresses the local climate by providing permanent sun shading. The enclosed loggias and balconies contribute to the private character of the apartment’s interior. These outdoor spaces can be transformed into planter boxes but could also be included in the apartment by implementing a panorama window. This innovative and flexible architectural concept allows for

CONVENIENT | The entrance to the tower is located at the main entry plaza. Adjacent to the entrance commercial units allow for retail and hospitality functions. An open stair in the double story entrance hall connects directly up to the commercial space on the first floor. These spaces on ground and first floor could offer both public and residentrestricted amenities. On top of the podium structure a vast outdoor garden with terraces and an infinity pool creates a unique outdoor space with a stunning ocean view. On this level also the majority of the amenity spaces for the residents are located. A clear organized central elevator core provides access to all floors of the building.

DIVERSE | The three-dimensional character of the facade is created by the implementation of alternating extruded pods on all sides of the tower. These pods describe the spatial divisions on the tower’s interior and at the same time provide permanent sun shading to minimize heat gain for every apartment within the building. A simple setback on every second floor contributes to the lively impression of the facade and the tower.

The design intent of the facade is to provide a framework for every apartment, from studio up to penthouse, to create its own unique character. The individual ability to configure and use the exterior space as an extension of the interior living space is a key feature in the facade concept. Several options have been created to be included into the design as per the clients and/or residents requests. These reach from the extension of the living area combined with the integration of a panorama window, to the integration of a planter onto the balcony or an opaque window element. At the same time these created opportunities for individual configurations do lead to a greater diversity of the appearance of the building. Green pockets, panorama windows, balconies and even roof-pools contribute to the iconic future presence of the tower on Zanzibar.

GREEN | Nature has been incorporated as an integral element in the building. The biophilic design approach will allow for direct contact with nature even on the highest floors of the tower. Planters and roof gardens create a green screen filtering the air and enhancing views from the apartments. The soil and plants harvest the rainwater and help to reduce the risks of flooding. Most of all the green atmosphere of the tower increases the quality of living for the residents and their visitors.

ENGINEERED TIMBER | Wood, the oldest building material, is the most sustainable building material. Wood sequestrates carbon while steel and reinforced concrete causing carbon emissions in their production process. Sustainable forestry and the application of wooden materials contribute to a better climate.

Although wood itself has been used throughout history of mankind, engineered timber products entered the market only recently. Innovation in production process and applications of these new timber products are disrupting the conventional construction business and are allowing for more advanced sustainable buildings. Moreover, wood and sustainable forestry have a vast presence in the East-African region.

There is no structural limit to the use of engineered timber elements even in high-rise buildings. The limiting factor currently is the combustible character of the material. Worldwide code requirements are subject to change at this moment to increase the use of timber elements in construction. Research and many build examples have shown that with advanced calculation methods the characteristics of the material and engineered timber products when exposed to fire can be determined and sized to fit building integration. The engineering team on ‘BURJ zanzibar’ includes several stakeholders driving the international research and developments in this field. Their knowledge, combined with the experience of the local authorities, will contribute to the creation of guidelines not only for this project but also for many future projects to follow.

QUALITY | Engineered timber products fulfil the highest quality standards as they are produced within an optimized factory settings. Their rapid assembly on site is comparable to steel structures and characterized by a vast amount of prefabrication off-site. This prefabrication process in a controlled environment also significantly reduces the amount of waste produced in comparison to a conventional building site. The high quality of the surface of exposed timber elements not only creates high-quality internal space but also omits the requirement for additional cladding or plastering. The timber elements allow for a high grade of recycling options for future generations.

‘BURJ zanzibar’ is planned as a hybrid-timber tower. The steel reinforced concrete core allows for fire and life safety standards to meet all current code requirements. The structure around the central core is assembled with glue laminated columns and beams as well as cross laminated slabs. The interior of the apartments benefits from the natural look of exposed timber elements to add to the living quality. ‘BURJ zanzibar’ will become a new landmark for Zanzibar and beyond not only because of its appearance but even more so because if its construction method. The building will promote the local available wood as the building material of the future and draw attention towards a more sustainable construction while offering living conditions to the highest standards.