Since 1989
December 2014 - January 2015,
Vol 26 No.1
Africa's leading construction journal
The Great Rift Valley
Tapping
i 14,000mw
000
off energy
Kenya: Buffalo Mall, Naivasha
South Africa: SAISC Steel Awards
Feature: Lowering costs of air conditioning
Opinion: Wind power no longer a novelty
HEADER
Swahili Gem
Development,
Mombasa
Defining Modern Swahili Architecture
S
Kenya
wahili Gem is an intimate residential development
of 14 luxury apartments set on the beautiful Tudor
Creek of Mombasa. The project is exceptionally
innovative in its architecture, skillfully combining
the finest elements from the 2,000-year-old Swahili
culture and from 21st century design. The Swahili Gem
team brings a contemporary interpretation of Swahili
architecture; it emphasises comfort, aesthetics, quality
finishes and creative use of spaces.
Project Team
Developer: Swahili Gem Limited
Contractor: Continental Homes Limited
Architect: Urko Sanchez Architects
Structural engineers: Interphase Consultants
Quantity surveyors: Mandhry Associates
Mechanical and electrical engineers:
East African Maritime Services Limited
Electrical contractor: Relcon Power Systems Ltd
Plumbing contractor: Ken Plumbers Ltd
HVAC: Shankar Electronics Ltd
Swimming pool: Davis & Shirtliff
Iconic award-winning architecture
Works on site started a few months ago, but Swahili
Gem has already won an award by the Architectural
Association of Kenya, an honourable mention in the 2014
awards of excellence in architecture (best residential
project). This is recognition for the tremendous amount
of work that was put into the architectural design of this
project. The overall concept is to build modern apartments
of the highest standard but also symbolically rooted in
their cultural context. This is achieved by putting forth a
modern architecture of the highest quality and at the same
time by showing its attachment to Mombasa’s history
by borrowing inspiration from the rich traditions of
Swahili designs. In a way, this development is committed
to harmonising Mombasa's past, present and future
architecture.
The building features a unique Musharabieh structural
shell which is aesthetically pleasing but which also offers
protection from the sun and from possible onlookers from
neighbouring buildings. The project provides large outside
living spaces and for the lower apartments, unique interior
gardens which will boost natural ventilation. This unique
design is the works of Urko Sanchez Architects, a studio
which has in the past ten years strived to achieve modern
architecture with a local twist. Works of the Studio at
Vipingo Ridge and in Lamu are examples of uniquely
Lift: Imagination Solutions Ltd
32
December - January 2015
HEADER
Environmental conscious development
Swahili Gem is an eco-friendly development which
aims to minimize its impact on the environment. The
building has been designed to work in harmony with its
natural surroundings. An environmental strategy has been
developed to promote resource conservation. Natural
ventilation and protection from the sun are promoted. All
apartments are fitted with solar hot water systems. The
provision of a bio-digester waste water treatment plant
allows for recycling of grey water. More information on
this development can be found at www.swahiligem.com.
Kenya
innovative architecture. A residence of high calibre in the
heart of Mombasa. The Swahili Gem development is a
work of art as much as it is a residence of high calibre.
Swahili Gem apartments offer all the 21st century luxury
and comfort of high standards. The development comprises
3 patio homes, 10 terrace apartments and 1 penthouse. All
units are very spacious.
The layouts are optimised to maximize creek views
and natural ventilation. Terraces are vast and constitute
a natural extension of interior spaces, hence maximizing
living spaces. he 14 units conform to the highest
standards of modern luxury. Kitchens and bathrooms
boast European-style fittings and bedrooms are designed
to provide the ultimate in comfort. Air conditioning, lift,
false ceilings, led lighting and backup generators are some
of the specifications which make Swahili Gem the epitome
of 21st Century living. Security and fire-protection are
also enhanced through modern technologies. An infinity
swimming pool, gym and landscaped garden are amongst
the amenities which will make living at Swahili Gem a
great pleasure.
Convenient location
The development is on the island of Mombasa, minutes
away from Mombasa Central Business District, the airport,
the port, shopping centres and beaches. The location is
ideal for a business base as well as leisure indulgence.
Mandhry
Associates
Consulting Quantity Surveyors
December - January 2015
Manda House, House E
Twiga Villas Twiga Road
Off Links Road, Nyali
P.O. Box 34154-80118
Nyali-Mombasa
Tel: 0711 711377/0738 842880
Email: [email protected]
We are proud to
be associated with
the Swahili Gem
Development
33
HEADER
We are proud to be associated with the
Swahili Gem Development
1DLUREL2I¿FH
Off Kolobot Rd, opp. Mr Wok Restaurant
P.O. Box 38744-00600, Nairobi.
Tel: 0775 813965, 0703 647573
Fax: 020-3744369
0RPEDVD2I¿FH
Machakos Road,
P.O. Box 99205-80107, Mombasa
Tel: 041-2229298/9,
Fax: 041-2229317
(PDLO
Kenya
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]
:HEVLWH www.relconpowersystems.com
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KEN PLUMBERS LIMITED
P.O. Box 83507, G.P.O 80100, King Faisal Trust Building
Ronald Ngala Road, Mombasa, Kenya.
Tel: +254721255199, +254737677299, +254751194601
Email: [email protected]
Registered Plumbers, Sanitary Engineers, General Contractors, Installation of Boilers, Compressed Air and Fire-Fighting Systems
We are proud to be
associated with the
SWAHILI GEM DEVELOPMENT
34
December - January 2015