Avanti Architecture Ltd

ARCHITECTURE LTD

e info@avan w www.avan m 0724 090 Green View, E P.O. BOX 1984

ARCHITECT

ABOUT US AVANTI ARCHITECTURE LTD is an international design studio based in Nairobi operating within the fields of architecture, urbanism, research and development.

AVANTI’s architecture emerges out of a careful analysis of how contemporary life constantly evolves and changes. Not least due to influence from multicultural exchange, global and local economical flows and urban organization.

WHO WE ARE LEADERSHIP TEAM

all our projects we test the effects of size and the balance of programmatic mixtures that can catalyze the most innovative solutions. We create architecture by mixing conventional ingredients such as living, leisure, working, parking and shopping into tailor made solutions that are highly effective and that responds to our clients’ constraints.

We believe in collaborations and processes The biggest struggle between clients and to arrive at architectural solutions where the architects is the lack of a common language whole is greater than the sum of its parts. and we believe that by taking adequate time to think with our clients before commencing the design process, it is our proven experience that we can provide solutions of greater clarity and quality.

We view constraints as opportunities and in

WHAT WE DO We offer a wide range of services from Mas- struction, selection of construction team. terplanning and Urban Design to ArchitecPost-Contract services include construction ture and Workplace Consultancy. and programme supervision, issuing of inPre-contract services include advising on structions and certificates, quality and cost project brief, site and building appraisals, control. statutory requirements, procurement strategy, selection of consultant team, development of designs from concepts to schematic and detail design, preparation of production information including working drawings, specifications for tender and con-

MARCO CAROLEI

DIRECTOR MA (Urban Design), Dipl. Arch, BA (Hons), MAAK, RIBA chartered member Marco was born in Florence, Italy, and he trained and worked in Italy and the UK as an Architect on projects ranging from the careful design of a door handle to large scale mixed-use masterplanning.

Marco holds a master degree in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK and is a registered Architect in Kenya with the Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), the In Italy he was part of the delivery team for Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) the eighty million euro Antinori Winery now and is a chartered member of the Royal completed. While in London he worked on Institute of British Architects (RIBA). the design of several high end residential projects in the Notting Hill area and while Marco cofounded Avanti Architecture Ltd at Rafael Vinoly Architects he lead the team where he is a Director bringing over 7 years for the design development of the Battersea of international and local experience of the building industry.

Power Station masterplan.

Since his arrival in Nairobi in 2008, he worked on several large size projects ranging from residential, commercial, retail and hospitality before moving to Mombasa as the Architect supervising the construction of English Point Marina.

SAMUEL KAMONDAI

KENNEDY WAMBUGU

DIRECTOR BArch (Hons), MAAK

Samuel was born in Kenya where he trained and worked as an Architect on mid-size to large projects from golf courses to mixed use commercial and hospitality developments.

Samuel design ethos combine shrewd analysis, playful experimentation, social and environmental responsibility sparked by out of the box thinking.

Samuel holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from the University of Nairobi and registered as an architect in Kenya with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) and the

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Dipl. Arch (JKUAT) Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).

Samuel cofounded Avanti Architecture Ltd where he is a Director bringing over 9 years of experience of the building industry both in Kenya and the East Africa region.

Kennedy was born in Kenya where he trained and worked as an assistant Architect becoming a technical reference specialist with over 20 years in the construction industry in Kenya and East Africa.

where he was the Project Leader.

Kennedy joined AVANTI ARCHITECTURE LTD taking the role of Technical Director interpreting and implementing the practice utopian designs efficiently and practically Kennedy experience crosses several within the constraints of the project. typology of buildings from commercial to residential and high rises office blocks such as the twenty five floors KCB new tower

FEATURED PROJECTS

URBAN WAVES

Text by Krystal Midega Photo by Vincent Muthini What do a pair of Nike sneakers, a kingfisher bird and Hell’s Gate have in common? An iconic building changing the landscape of Nairobi, curve by symmetrical curve.

The white waves of her balconies ripple in Nairobi’s afternoon sun.

Her curvature hearkens back to the spectacular ripples wrought in stone by the river’s patient hand at Hell’s Gate National Park. As you drive through Westlands, she beckons to you with her colours, first a burning orange, then a refreshing green and at last a wash of cool blue.

You approach, intrigued. A wave mural draws you into the 10 storey building, mimicking her undulating lines and split-complementary colour ways. On the first floor, yet another stunning mural distinguishes the lobby. It leads the eye on a merry dance upward chasing the follies of light let in by the domed skylight. What will your gaze feast upon next? Is it the hanging garden in the foyer or the black marble beast of a desk that stands sentinel? Is it the wood panelling on the ceiling or the steel fence reminiscent of hand woven fabric? Will you embrace the lure of the rooftop infinity pool and the sense that you’re swimming in the sky?

This is Kingfisher’s Nest.

KING

KINGFISHER NEST APARTMENTS Type: Commission Client: Sato Properties Ltd Collaborators: Aegis Development, ARK Africa, AVANTI Interior, AVANTI Landscape, Made With Love Studio, Samalex Engineers, Sanix Engineers Size: 53 apartments 10,000sqm with support facilities Location: Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Completed 2018

A high-rise block of serviced apartments with an unforgettable facade and an interior as efficient as Swiss clockwork. The atrium is functional, providing light and a healthy amount of ventilation. Over and above that, it creates communication between the two wings of the building just like the original atria of ancient Rome. Or perhaps it is similar to the courtyard in an African boma.

Where the atrium leaves off, the bridges take over, providing more connection points. More opportunities for the modern day tenant, bogged down by work constraints and harrassed by city pressures, to find an anchor in benign social interaction. Community.

client was looking for a common thread between the building and his favourite bird the kingfisher. ” He settles back in his chair with an air of satisfaction, “ Eventually, after a few color studies we agreed on blue, green and orange. The colours of the kingfisher.”

Even their prostration before the gods of budget and finance led to choices that lend the building an old world charm. Demonstrative of this, are the hexagonal precast concrete blocks that form the ventilation of the building. Their original choice would have been ultramodern and expensive. However, what they created is a delicious throwback moment that lets much more of the outside in. Even the terrazzo finishes chosen for ease of application and maintenance maintain a friendly duel with the aluminium strips used for detailing.

A marriage of old and new. Raw and polished.

Creating this iconic masterpiece was no mean feat, it required the technical expertise of Kennedy Wambugu, the third member of the Avanti Architecture trio.

“We had to put our foot down insist that the contractor create a fibreglass mould in order to build the balconies. It was the only way to achieve symmetry.”

A man of few words, Kennedy opines, “Form follows function. The building has got to make sense as you build it, right to the smallest detail. Otherwise you and your client will waste so much time and money rectifying.”

For a man so enamoured of the details, the dearth of skilled and passionate craftsmen in the local industry is a major frustration.

“That’s the disconnect in the industry. Most people just want to build as fast and as cheaply as they can.”

Marco Carolei, one of the creative minds behind Avanti Architecture Limited, says, “As we designed the building, it was important to us to create a sense of community. The atrium achieved that for us.”

Kennedy fiddles with his pen, drawing out the words slowly, “You may dream big as an architect but if you can’t find a contractor and fundis who can chase your dream with you, it’s a waste.”

He remarks with pleasure, “The interesting thing about creating curved balconies is the sense of closeness they engender. Tenants could literally talk across balconies without feeling like they’re shouting across a ravine.”

“People don’t see the exemplary drawings you started with, they see the final building. Good or bad.” He chuckles ruefully.

This was a positive consequence that the three architects did not expect but welcome gladly. In the same vein, there is plenty that seems serendipitous about the design choices the architects and client made on this project.

Samuel Kamondai, lead design, narrates with lots of chuckles their decision on the colourways.

“We had been toying with the idea of adding colour to the building.

At the time Marco and I were both quite fixated on Nike’s Air Max release which was a multicolored ombre shoe. Simultaneously, our

Perhaps he is thinking of bygone projects because Kingfisher’s Nest is the realisation of a dream. The dream of a client to leave a legacy in Nairobi’s ever changing urban landscape. The dream of three architects who caught a wave and rode the creative muse to a pinnacle of light, color, and form.

In parting, Samuel says, “Architecture is not just what you see, it’s also how you feel in the space and about the space. IT’S SPIRITUAL.”

RIVER BANK APARTMENTS Type: Commission Client: Centum Development Ltd Collaborators: JRHP Dubai (Lead Architect), T&TMML, Metrix Integrated, Norkun Intakes, Image 360 Size: 84 apartments Location: Two Rivers Masterplan, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Under Construction

VILLA MARIA Type: Commission Client: Genting Acres Ltd Collaborators: Masterbill Integrated Projects, Peak Engineers, Sanix Engineers, White Sky Interiors, Lariak Landscape Size: 500sqm Location: Muthaiga, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Under Construction

PROJECTS PRIVATE HOMES

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DOUBLE SQUARE HOME Type: Commission Client: Private Collaborators: Builtsync, JMKAY Engineers, LDK Engineers, AVANTI Landscape Size: 600sqm Location: Kitisuru, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Under Design

O

THE COURTYARD HOME Type: Commission Client: Private Collaborators: Builtsync, JMKAY Engineers, Sanix Engineers, AVANTI Landscape Size: 400sqm Location: Kitisuru, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Under Construction

C

THE COMPACT HOME Type: Commission Client: Private Collaborators: Builtsync, JMKAY Engineers, Sanix Engineers Size: 600sqm Location: Kitisuru, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Completed 2018

U

THE U HOME Type: Commission Client: Private Collaborators: AVANTI Interiors , KRK & Associates, Njora & Kaboro Engineers Size: 500sqm Location: Runda, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Completed 2016

IKU

IKULU HOMES Type: Commission Client: Ikulu Homes Ltd Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape, Batiment Project, BOSCH East Africa, CMAS, DAC Africa Size: 5 villas Location: Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2018)

HOSPITALITY

KT

KASUKU TOWER Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape Size: Mixed Used Development with 180+ Apartments Location: Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2018)

HSG

HOTEL SUITES Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape Size: 200+ Rooms Location: Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2016)

HAB

HABITAT HOTEL Type: Commission Client: Dyer&Blair Investment Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape, Made With Love Studio , Spearhead Africa Size: 130+ Rooms Location: Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2016)

PHA

PURPLE HAZE APARTMENTS Type: Commission Client: Edifice Ltd Collaborators: BOSCH Engineers, CMAS, EngPlan Engineers, Tower Cost, WAVE Architects Size: 200+ apartments Location: Kilimani, Kenya Status: Idea (2014)

ONE

ONE MILIMANI APARTMENTS Type: Commission Client: AMS Properties Ltd Size: 90 Apartments Location: Kisumu, Kenya Status: Idea (2014)

COMMERCIAL

EXE

EXECUTIVE OFFICE TOWER Type: Commision Client: CWY Co. Ltd Collaborators: Armstrong and Duncan Samalex Engineers Sanix Engineers Size: 10,000sqm Location: Eldoret, Kenya Status: Completed (2016)

FOR

FORTIS OFFICE TOWER Type: Client: Size: Location: Status:

Commision AMS Properties Ltd 14,500sqm Kisumu, Kenya Idea (2014)

VCB

VICTORIA COMMERCIAL BANK Type: Client: Size: Location: Status:

Commission Victoria Commerical Bank 10,400sqm Two Rivers Masterplan, Kenya Idea (2014)

MASTERPLAN

NGM Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape Size: Undisclosed Location: Kenya Status: Idea (2019)

GEM

GOMBA ESTATES MASTERPLAN Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape Size: Undisclosed Location: Tanzania Status: Idea (2019)

ECO

ECO-FRIENDLY RESORT Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: UNHABITAT, Samalex Engineers, Sanix Engineers Size: 5 acres Location: Murang’a, Kenya Status: Cmpleted (2018)

RSC

RIVER SIDE COTTAGES LANDSCAPE REFURBISHMENT Type: Commission Client: Undisclosed Collaborators: AVANTI Landscape Size: 15 acres Location: Nanyuki, Kenya Status: Idea (2016)

WADI

WADI DEGLA SPORT CLUB Type: Commission Client: Wadi Degla Size: 54,000sqm Location: Kiambu, Kenya Status: Idea (2015)

RPS

ROSSLYN PARK SUITES SERVICED APARTMENTS Type: Commission Client: Rosslyn Park Suites Ltd Size: 150+ Serviced Apartments Location: Rosslyn, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2013)

SAA

SAADANI RESIDENTIAL MASTERPLAN Type: Commission Client: Blueline Properties Ltd Size: 200+ Apartments Location: Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya Status: Idea (2013)

OMNIDE is “All about Design�

(Omnia+Design)

OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

Each partner is currently working locally in their office and covering in total 5 time zone with the potential to work 24/7. All of them have developed their international experience working for reputed practices in London: they then have decided to combine this knowledge and their project sensibility sharing it through a network of facilities to establish a world-wide company OMNIDE.

the site and new layer that will be added to the site during construction we aim to deliver what will be the best design.

The designer’s sensibility and the selective process in place give the client a better understanding of the final product along all the process: the client is always part of the process with a clear idea of what will be the final product. this allow him to controll cost and construction quality.

Ivan Lazzaroni Architect (London, UK) Rajiv Khushalani Architect (Mumbai, India) Raffaele Oppido Architect (Rome, Italy) Arzu Senel Architect (Amsterdam, Holland)

The collaborative network aims to develop ideas through critique and reviews by its partners in an attempt to improve and enhance Design using an evolutionary process so that only the most innovative and feasible ideas are considered and www.omnide.com delivered.

Design must always strive to be beautiful, innovative and yet pragmatic: this is reflected in the process where design and the architect sensibility is used as base for any human organisation of space.

Through the evolution of ideas that take in consideration historical layers that exist on

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philosophy will embrace the goal of creating a destination of choice, providing desirable residences which actively promote a low carbon lifestyle.

We have a dedicated research and development team who draw on Broadway Malyan’s global expertise to share learning and innovation, enabling us to pass on technologicallydriven efficiencies to our clients.

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Broadway Malyan has an established purpose-designed sustainability database which references key sources including project applications and examples. The project sustainability brief will be informed by these methodologies in considering the environmental impacts of the specification process.

Sustainability cost/value matrices are used for options appraisals to understand the cost implications of high standards of sustainability, energy efficiency etc. As an integral part of our project management system, all project leaders set environmental targets for each project.

Broadway Malyan has developed a scope of works schedule in accordance with the Green Guide to Specification, which tracks the specification from concept to completion to ensure that the environmental qualities of the project are not lost during the procurement process. The tracking schedule has been welcomed by contractors as it helps them to actively record responsible resourcing, waste management and also recycling achievements that they have made on site. It also enables quantity surveyors to cost sustainability elements, and through this it has enabled projects to come in both on and under budget. Working in collaboration with contractors early in the design process also allows us to utilise their experience and secure the beneficial input from their supply chain.

PRE-AVANTI EXPERIENCE

We establish a strategy for ensuring that harmful emissions from both the construction phase and the operational phase are kept to the absolute minimum.

English Point Marina - Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya Commercial Bank - Upper Hill, Nairobi

Battersea Power Station Masterplan - London, UK

ARCHITECTURE LTD e info@avanti.ke w www.avanti.ke m 0724 090 882 0714 978 454 0724 377 612 Green View, East Church Road, Westlands P.O. BOX 1984-00606 Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

ARCHITECTURE

URBANISM

DESIGN

e info@avanti.ke w www.avanti.ke m 0724 090 882 0714 978 454 0724 377 612 Green View, East Church Road, Westlands P.O. BOX 1984-00606 Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

ARCHITECTURE

URBANISM

DESIGN