Project Brief
The institute is a non-governmental and non-profit organization committed to making Chinese language and culture teaching and resources available to the world, to meeting the demands of overseas learners, to contributing to the formation of a world of cultural diversity and harmony The Chinese Government provided funding for the design and construction of the above project. The University of Nairobi contributed land whose book value was Ksh 800 million at the time of construction. The project consists of teaching space offices, dormitories and public space.
Built-Unbuilt
Interiors
A palette of easy-to-clean, anti-skid and cost-effective interior materials of wood, glass and washable wall paint makes for a seamless and easy interior experience. The project illustrates an evolved understanding of the durability of materials in an appropriate climate. Every element in the building has the parameters of high performance, inherent robustness, and energy efficiency.
Client Brief
Lighting
Pools of natural light flooding from North and East side into the interiors via windows, skylights and courts negate the need for artificial lighting during the day, while the cool breeze entering the house from the north-eastern landscape eliminates air conditioning requirements altogether
Placement on site
The site slopes from north-west to south-east, with the access road along the highest levels. Covering only 1/8 th of the total plot, the open plan house is positioned at the topmost part of the site, derived from the need to maximize on views, natural light and ventilation
Ground Floor Plan LEGEND: 1. Entry Porch
2 Lounge 3 Dining 4 Kitchen 5. Store 6 Cloak 7 Bedroom 8. Master Br. 9. Walk-In Wardrobe 10 Washroom 11. Laundry 12 Passage 13 Garage 14 Kitchen Yard 15. Verandah
Interiors
Design
The client wanted to modernize previously approved plans while maximizing on the plot
The design is extroverted with outward facing spaces and an internal void surrounded by wet areas
This allows the natural flow of air to thrive and enhances the experiential contact between built space and nature, improves the micro-climate, and amplifies the cooling effect of the prevailing breezes, ensuring that the entire house is 100% naturally ventilated.
Security Desk
Left Luggage
Section
Newspaper and Periodicals
Main Reading Hall
Newspaper Reading
Students Lounge
Special Collections
Aquisition
Cataloguing and Maintenance
Asst Library
Staff Lounge
Senior Librarian
Conference Room
Gents
Ladies
Discussion Room
Introduction
Funded through a grant by the Indian High Commission, the project is aimed at transforming the Mahatma Gandhi Library to an ultra-modern library providing more reading space to the growing population of graduate students.
Interiors
The internal spaces are planned keeping in mind the flow of natural light and ventilation Each room is designed uniquely, as per the client’s requirements
The spaces have a variety of finishes with interesting finishes and a choice of furnishings that complements the earth tone material palette.
Introduction
This office renovation was completed over a 2 week period as the clients' needed to have their office space ready for occupancy by the time their lease at their previous location expired Located in an EDGE certified building, pools of natural light flooding from north and east side into the interiors via windows, skylights and courts negate the need for artificial lighting during the day, while the cool breeze entering the house from the northern landscape eliminates air conditioning requirements altogether
Interiors
The project involved renovating and existing lecture space into a state-of-the-art incubation centre centred around an industrialist theme that will allow young minds to foster creative ideas that will propel the University to the frontline of innovation
Introduction
Set amidst the rural precincts of Bungoma, lies a village called Lukhokhwe, where this home sits quietly. The site for this farm house is set up on a private farm that spans across a plot of about 1 acre
The lush green site is immersed in the serenity of nature. The house is planned as a ground floor structure with basic facilities that are wide and spacious The design reflects the blend of traditional approaches and minimalism of the modern times. The house is formed of a residential unit that subtly dissolves in the natural landscape surrounding the site
Interiors
Keeping in mind that brick k ilns are harmful to the environment, with people opting out for natural stone, th is was an attempt to promote local agriculture based industry that is on the brink of extinction The Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (I.S S B.) are a brick masonry method of wall construction in which bricks are placed in vertical position and stacked without mortar
The interiors are planned with living, dining and kitchen that occupy the center of the house. The dining room opens into a beautiful courtyard space. Four bedrooms with attached sit-outs and toilets flank the central area Every space of the house, including the bathrooms, have a visual connection with nature
The approach of making the house rural yet modern with minimal aesthetics, leads to a conscious selection of material palette. Compressed earth has been used for all the load bearing walls while the foundation of the building will be constructed with minimal use of steel
Function
An extension to the apartments that were already under construction for a family of four - a couple and their children, this duplex will serve as the residence of the developer The living room received natural light and air through the windows opening towards the north and east The dining is oriented in the east-west Interaction with the nature adds play of light and shadow to the house responding to the sun’s movement
