ISSUE 4 KSH 200
REVIEWING ARCHITECTURE IN KENYA AND THE REGION
Feature
What If Nairobi:
The Fuel Station
Feature: Triad and Planning Celebrate Anniversaries Profile: Arch. F. G. Mungai Visit our website www.buildesign.co.ke
Contents Features 8
Planning Systems: Celebrating 35 Years
16
What If Nairobi: The Fuel Station
22
Architect – F. G. Mungai
28
Triad Foundation Golf Tournament
8 16
Opinion 14
The Proposed Slum Policy: A Deterrent to New Formations
26
Glass Architecture – A Case for Nairobi
33
Choosing an Architect for your ‘Small’ Project
Advertorial 13
Crown Paints Launches Bacterial Paints for Hospitals
20
Sound Proofing to Shout About
30
Neo Classical Elegance – The New Grandera from Grohe
22 28 33
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FROM THE EDITOR
T Editor:
Martin Tairo tairo@architecturekenya.com
Editorial Silas Odiero Coordinator: silas@architecturekenya.com Editorial Assistant:
Wendy Kinya wendy@architecturekenya.com
Contributors: Loki Eric Karuga Koinange Steve Ted Gome Carol Rimberia Elly Fred Jaideep Menon Nisha Van Hoek Design:
InsyncMedia Limited mejumaa@insyncmedia.co.ke
Advertising: Tel: (+254) 0722387110 (+254) 0725722225 (+254) 0725075993 Publisher:
Architecture Kenya Media Ltd Suite 16, 5th Floor, Vision Plaza P. O. Box 60540, 00200, Nairobi info@architecturekenya.com
Copyright:
Architecture Kenya Media Ltd
DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retriaval system without the permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear or for any consequence of using the information contained here in.
For enquiries and feedback send your mail to: Architecture Kenya Media Ltd Suite 16, 5th Floor, Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road P. O. Box 60540, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Email: info@architecturekenya.com
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wo leading architectural firms are marking major milestones this year. Triad Architects, which was founded in 1963, will be celebrating its 50th year in operation while Planning Systems & Services celebrated its 35th year of operation on 1st May 2013. We congratulate these firms in marking the milestones they have achieved and also for setting standards in the local practicing scene. We will be featuring the activities that these firms undertake as they celebrate in the coming issues of BUILDesign magazine. To start us off in this issue, we attended the charity golf tournament at Muthaiga Golf Club organized Triad Architects in February to raise funds for various charities they contribute to. We were also present at the anniversary cocktail for Planning Systems Services offices on the eve of Labour Day. Our featured architect section returns with a story on Architect F. G. Mungai, founder and partner at AAKI Consultants. F. G. tells us his story and the secrets to his success. In our continuing series of ‘What If Nairobi’, we look at the fuel station that has for the last century evolved from a pure fuel supplier to what it is currently, a fully fledged and self contained retail facility. Our regular columnists have also commented n various matters, from Slum Upgrading Policy to looking at Glass Architecture. Some advice has also been provided for those outside the profession wondering exactly what size of project requires the input of an architect. We would like to thank you our reader, for once again picking up your favourite and most influential building and design magazine in Kenya. We would also like to thank all our partners for helping us come this far.
Tairo
FEEDBACK
The Housing Problem
in Kenya
Dear Editor, Mine is a comment on your article regarding low cost housing in Buildesign Magazine issue 003. The figure quoted for annual housing needs of 150,000 units was arrived at in the seventies. I was then the Municipal Engineer of Mombasa Municipality at which time several studies on housing needs, costs and construction methods were being undertaken by the various government agencies. I laugh every time the same figure pops up because I know it is not applicable any more. Agitate for an urgent update by the relevant ministry. The housing shortage has been blamed on the current building code which was released in 1969 in imperial units. Although some efforts to update it have been made since 1978, such as the Low Cost Housing Bylaws Study and other inter ministerial task forces which culminated in the little known ‘Code 95’, the Kenyan professionals in the built environment sector have done little to update the code even to convert it into metric units. Yet the document remains the main reference material for planning, spacial and structural building designs. It is well known that the cost of housing has been prohibitive to the majority of Kenyans. During the 70s, various experiments were launched with the aim of enabling as many Kenyans as possible afford some form of shelter including site and services schemes, site and core houses, slum clearance projects and other cheap housing endeavours.
The cost of land and infrastructure services has made housing unaffordable to many. For several years, the government, as the custodian of large pieces of public land all over the country, has been urged to make available serviced land for mass housing projects to be undertaken by investors, government bodies and private developers.
The housing shortage has been blamed on the current building code which was released in 1969 in imperial units. Although some efforts to update it have been made since 1978, such as the Low Cost Housing Bylaws Study. Unfortunately, nothing positive has come out of this and instead, the government has become a competitor to would be benefactors in the provision of mass housing. Hence informal housing, slums and shacks have continued to mushroom in tandem with population increase, escalation of poverty and onset of strange diseases leading to early deaths. What is commonly referred to as slum upgrading actually transforms into slum clearance. Whatever it may be called, the project should be dictated by the desire
to cater for the needy and improve their quality of life. While the objectives remain noble, reality does not allow its success in that the end product will always be out of reach for every person it is intended for. Real slum upgrading program will involve some form of physical planning to introduce infrastructure services in the existing slum areas. Road networks would be designed to provide access to essential service vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines. Water reticulation would include accessible water points, sewerage systems culminating in group septic tanks or other sewerage treatment and disposal works and garbage collection stations. The planning should be such as to necessitate as little demolition of the existing structures as practicable. The slum dwellers must be involved early in the project in order to confirm acceptability of the project and affordability of the services. In Mombasa, the physical planning service had been offered for free by the Municipal Council in the 1970s to owners of large tracts of land to entice them to accept slum upgrading. The response was overwhelming as owners readily accepted to adjust or remove altogether any structures coming in the road reserves and way leaves for services. Eng. A. S. Kitololo
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SOCIAL MEDIA
The ‘Elevated Highway’ Debate Continues Eric Kigada: I still have not given up on this topic. I have been to Syracuse and used the elevated highway pictured below. They want to tear it down and with good reason. Why are we building something similar right through the city centre? Nairobi will be split east from west. This will only manifest once it is built. We will have to live with it for the next generation. The engineering thinking of linking two points with the best highway possible does not apply when the highway goes through a
city. Both sides along the city need to interact with each other which require slow moving traffic. The current split between Uhuru park and the city centre will be enhanced with the elevated road. We have other dynamics not like the western world so I like using the examples of the elevated highways in Egypt and Lagos which are terrible. Looking at them we kind of get an idea of what will happen to the elevated highway in Nairobi. Hawkers underneath the highway, everyone trying to use the elevated portion instead of the road below leading to traffic jams accessing the elevated portion etc. If you drive through the city centre, expect to stop and drive much slower than usual. The fastest way should be around the city, the bypasses should be 8 lanes wide or even 12 lanes. This is the better solution.
David Simiyu: In the local context, what will it separate? I think going with that theory, we shall be copy pasting theory. The practical is totally different, very positive locally.
express highway and as such, an elevated one. There are more urgent and relevant urban projects. We should be discouraging veicular traffic within the CBD instead
Ngumbau Gideon: A better option for the city would be to explore pedestrianisation of the entire stretch from Haille Selassie Round about to University way, and allowing only ambulance and police cars.
Kishindo Ibrahim: Theories aside, the real push for that project lies in the private concessionaire to manage and charge toll on it, therein lies the answer gentlemen. Insist that it be run for G.o.K by KENHA and it will certainly ‘die a quick death’. This is just another cash cow in the offing.
Sujesh Patel: Einstein had once stated that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sadly, a very educated lot is going to argue for and build that flyover expecting different results. Robinson Manguro: I believe that the CBD needs no
Abu Amila Duncan: Our cities need to be designed for humans not cars. Unfortunately this is rocket science to engineers. Unless we remove the CBD concept and rethink our land use theories, the car will still rule our cities and the CBD will forever remain a car park.
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MAIN FEATURE
Celebrating 35 Years of
Architectural Excellence
Jim Archer
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MAIN FEATURE
I
f there is an architectural practice in Kenya that can confidently lay claim to the title of being the ‘best architectural firm’, by any standards, be they of having been around long enough, or having a huge stamp in the landscape of Nairobi and other cities in the world or even having bagged the most number of local and international architectural awards, that firm can only be Planning Systems and Services Ltd.
of their clients, fellow consultants and staff members, as they celebrated their 35th year in the industry.
Rahimtulla Towers to mention but a few of the buildings which are easily notable to many.
It was a narrative filled with highs and lows, failures and feats, challenges and achievements. The most important thing is that they kept their promise of delivering to their clients not only what they wanted but also what they never dreamt of.
Other projects include the Citibank Building in Upper Hill, The Atrium in Kilimani, Windsor Golf and Country Club in Nairobi and The Australian High Commission in Riverside Drive.
On 30th April 2013, Jim Archer and his long time partner, Trevor Andrews, recalled how the firm came to be, exactly 35 years ago, to an audience comprising
The result is that the firm has quite literally modified the skyline of Nairobi with its high-rise projects; Fedha Towers, Lonrho House, I & M Building and
One of the projects that the partners won’t stop singing about involved some 60 acres of an abandoned coffee plantation in Lower Kabete that became the subject of an architectural competition in the late 1970s.
Windsor Golf and Country Club
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MAIN FEATURE Having just set up their practice, Jim and Trevor were the underdogs who were not even qualified to compete and the big boys were the only ones invited. But through some intervention, they were also allowed to compete. They produced the winning entry for the developer, Nairobi Homes Ltd. Lakeview Estate is now acknowledged as the foremost residential estate in
Eastern Africa. It has been a recipient of a number of national awards over the years since its completion. Ongoing projects of Planning Systems and Services Limited include the KCB Headquarters in Upper Hill, which was featured in Issue 03 of the BUILDesign magazine, and the luxurious apartments at English Point Marina in the coastal city of Mombasa. The firm has not only engaged in the architectural industry but also social ptojects - Planning Systems and Services Limited are the visionary of
the Community Cooker Foundation, a project that was established in 2010 by Jim Archer in Kibera slums. Community cooker is a stove designed to produce safe, clean and cheap energy for cooking from rubbish. Planning Systems Services Ltd has also proposed an intervention project titled ‘Re greening the City in the Sun’. They are advising on the renovation and redevelopment of the Nairobi River Front, Mazingira Park and other significant public land within the boundaries of the city of Nairobi. The success story of Planning Systems
The success story of Planning Systems Services Ltd cannot be solely attributed to Jim and Trevor. Over the years, they have maintained a steady policy of recruiting and training a competent team of technical and administrative personnel to run their firm. And with their sunset years approaching, the partners have slowly begun to relinquish power to a younger generation of architects. Rahimtulla Tower
Aerial view of the proposed Tatu City.
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MAIN FEATURE Services Ltd cannot be solely attributed to Jim and Trevor. Over the years, they have maintained a steady policy of recruiting and training a competent team of technical and administrative personnel to run their firm. And with their sunset years approaching, the partners have slowly begun to relinquish power to a younger generation of architects. The firm is currently being run by Arch. Musuva Mumo who is the Managing Director. Several other staff members have been appointed as directors to run
The result is that the firm has quite literally modified the skyline of Nairobi with its high-rise projects. Fedha Towers, Lonrho House, I & M Building and Rahimtulla Towers are just but a few of the buildings which are easily notable to many. the various arms of the firm, which is now a limited liability company. Delivering their promise to clients with mind blowing designs, Planning Systems also have a high regard for nature, a rule incorporated in all their projects. This keeps their initial clients
coming back, making their largest clientele referrals and return clients. Today they are looking into how to improve building and construction in the industry by embracing technology and developing creativity, for instance the artificial lake view design at their own premises.
Citi Bank
Trevor Andrews
Ocean Seven, Mombasa
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ADVERTORIAL
Crown Paints launches
Anti-Bacterial Paint
For Hospitals
New product targets at reducing hospital-related infections
C
rown Paints Kenya Limited unveiled an innovative coating solution with unique anti-bacterial properties targeting health institutions and other work and living spaces requiring high standards of hygiene. The new paint is called Medicryl Silk Emulsion. In addition to curbing bacteria growth, is also odorless and fast-drying making it suitable for rapid deployment in busy environments such as hospitals, restaurants and even schools. The new coating solution will be an important component of healthcare as it will help address the perennial problem of nosocomial or hospital infections, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) affects ten out of every hundred people hospitalized in developing countries. They also account for 75 per cent of deaths of newborn babies in those countries. Speaking at the launch of the new product, the Chairman of the Kenya Medical Association Dr Elly Opot hailed the new product saying it would enhance the provision of health services in the country. “We commend Crown Paints for introducing this innovative product in the Kenyan market. This product will help address the challenge posed by hospitalrelated infections to both patients and
hospital staff,” said Dr Opot. Crown Paints CEO Rakesh Rao said that his company was focused on innovative products that provide an enhanced living environment for users. “As the leading paint manufacturer in Kenya, we are committed to providing coating solutions that not only have decorative appeal but also improve the living environment. Medicryl will enhance the environment in which we care for patients in Kenya and help reduce hospital-related infections,” said Rao at the cocktail ceremony attended by medical professionals from the public and private sectors. He added that Medicryl has been endorsed by the UK-based Industrial Micro-Biological Services signifying the high standards of hygiene that the product is designed to deliver. Although statistics for hospital-related infections in many developing nations like Kenya remain scant, WHO attributes these to inadequate environmental hygienic conditions in healthcare infrastructure. Such infections result in additional suffering at high cost to patients and their families. Besides prolonged treatment, hospital-related infections have been known to inflict permanent disability on patients.
Dr Opot said the government/KMA was willing to collaborate with the private sector in enhancing healthcare provision in the country. “I wish to encourage the private sector to partner with us in taking healthcare provision in Kenya to another level in line with the Vision 2030, and ensure every Kenyan can access affordable and quality healthcare,” said Dr Opot. Besides, Medicryl, Crown Paints has also introduced other innovative products in the local market such as Teflon Surface Protector which ensures walls and other surfaces remain easy to clean and resistant to stains. Crown Paints which is listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, has been expanding its operations into the regional market. It has invested over Ksh250 million to build a paint manufacturing plant in Tanzania. Crown operates as Regal Paints in Uganda where it is the second largest player in the market. It also exports products to South Sudan, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The firm saw its performance improve last year posting a 16.5% turnover increase. For more information please contact Kingori Choto, Redhouse PR, kingori@ redhouseke.com or 0726-298780 www.buildesign.co.ke
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OPINION
The Proposed Slum Policy, a Deterrent to S
New Formations
lums and informal settlements menace is a global phenomenon. The continent experienced its first slums soon after independence of the various countries. Settlements that may have begun as scattered establishments to provide
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temporary housing, over time instituted themselves as permanent accommodation for the incoming populations from the rural areas. Densities grew and sanitation situations continued to deteriorate resulting in some of the worst human living environments.
The slum problem has over time elicited various reactions ranging from slum elimination, slum upgrading and enabling policy frameworks. Slum upgrading efforts have been spearheaded by governments, international development agencies and community efforts.
OPINION The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Housing is spearheading a participatory stakeholders-led development of Slum Upgrading & Prevention Policy. The policy is coming at a time when devolved governments are being rolled out. This will guard the county governments against the pitfalls experienced and posed by slums in the existing urban areas.
One of the most important considerations of the policy will be the tenure question. Recognition of the presence of the slum dwellers and the right to be secure without fear of eviction is necessary for self initiated upgrading and for the confidence of service providers to extend basic amenities and services to the informal settlements. Intra-city and inter-city inequalities in planning have been identified as well
Intra-city and inter-city inequalities in planning have been identified as well to be a factor contributing to slums especially the formation of new ones. Planning capacity has been suggested to be enhanced through training and deployment of built environment staff to the smallest units of governments for implementation.
to be a factor contributing to slums especially the formation of new ones. 0-Planning capacity has been suggested to be enhanced through training and deployment of built environment staff to the smallest units of governments for implementation. A relook into the planning standards will enable the slums to be evaluated and implemented as special development areas. Imposition of universal city planning standards has been identified as a factor contributing to haphazard development. Today, some housing developments and tenements can widely be considered “vertical� slums due to their densities and the general forms. Unrealistic planning standards and bureaucratic approval processes has resulted to such development despite the willingness of developers to conform to authorities requirements. Prevention of further growth and development of new slums will be achieved through strict implementable planning. The county governments must endeavor to extend basic services and open up the undeveloped areas within their extended boundaries well before the expected population influx from the current urban centers. The sites and services and the reintroduction of employer-employee schemes will also ensure decent housing to the workforce in the new Counties, hence prevention of new slums and development of the existing desperate living conditions. Author: Steve Ted Gome - An architect and member of slum upgrading and prevention policy, development control and the environment. Left: An aerial view of Kibera slums www.buildesign.co.ke
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FEATURE
What If Nairobi I
– The Fuel Station
s truly innovative architecture only possible with big money and hightech ability? Or is it the opposite? Maybe it is the lack of these that creates an empty space in which new ideas can be born? If so, the revolution can start
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anywhere. These are the questions and realizations which led to the concept of ‘What If, Nairobi’.
and communicates contemporary and visionary ideas for the built environment that affect our daily lives.
‘What If’ is a self-initiated architecture and design campaign that explores
The campaign showcases great design ideas seeking to inspire everyone
FEATURE from fundis, architects, designers, developers, investors down to the average mwananchi (public). The campaign aims to celebrate and stir up debate within the city of Nairobi in an attempt to offer viable solutions to many of the city’s current and pressing issues. The project concentrates primarily on the cityscape, investigating critical urban challenges (water, energy, transport etc.) and proposing a set of alternative solutions. Each project focuses on a particular aspect of Nairobi’s built environment ranging from cultural and retail centres to parks and bridges. On the first of a series of these campaigns, the team behind the campaign, led by architect Karuga Koinange, has focused on the following projects which will be serialized on every issue of the BUILDesign magazine:Highway Bypass Urban Farm The Fuel Station The Park The Airport
The Fuel Station An artists impression of a fuel station along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi.
The fuel station as we know it has evolved over the last 100 years from a pure petrol supplier to a service station with retail facilities. Before the fuel station, petrol was picked up at hardware stores. Then fuel was sold as additional revenue for pharmacies such as the pharmacy in Wiesloch/Germany regarded as the first gas station in the world (1888). The global rise of vehicle ownership saw the rise of pumped fuel stations around the world. With the stiff competitive nature of the oil and gas market, leading companies selling similar fuel products have found the need to promote their brand www.buildesign.co.ke
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FEATURE
through addressing needs of motorist’s living on the fast lane. Fuel stations have become a clearly structured system as a marketing tool for gas companies. Fuel outlets are accessible directly off a main road with a strong focus on branding, corporate colours and lighting. According to Paddy Briggs, former manager at Shell’s Retail Visual Identity Project, one of the most frequent repeat buying activities for consumers is the purchase of fuel
averaging at least once a week in most markets. It is understandable then why in Nairobi you will observe that all stations are fully serviced with attendants operating pumps, and most offering additional free services such as engine checks, tyre pressure checks and windshield cleaning. In addition, many fuel stations have adopted a chargeable retail competitive advantage with services
With the stiff competitive nature of the oil and gas market, leading companies selling similar fuel products have found the need to promote their brand through addressing needs of motorist’s living on the fast lane. Fuel stations have become a clearly structured system as a marketing tool for gas companies.
such as convenience stores, fast food restaurants, car washes, cash dispensing machines, pharmacies, toilets, with some stations operating all hours. From an architectural perspective, the fuel station in Nairobi has taken on an entirely new brief especially in light of the new mobility phenomenon. Through the invention of electric and solar powered cars, the question arises as to how this will change the identity of the fuel station. As the controversial subject of the future sustainability of oil continues to be debated, could there be a shift of future energy demands towards hydrogen? The future energy options for vehicles could change the function and language of fuel stations. This futuristic proposal of a creative heavy duty fuel station moves away from the simple lightweight conventional designs of fuel stations. Could the new structure have built in hydrogen generators? Will the roof act as a surface for harvesting rain water and solar energy? To what extent contributes such a corporate architecture to a communication over sustainability? Author: Karuga Koinane - A Director at Urban Savannah Design Studio. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Environmental Design in Architecture from University of Cambridge.
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ADVERTORIAL
Sound-proofing W
to shout about
ith the increasing trends in office and home partitioning, Jumbo Chem has hit the ground running with its revolutionary acoustic solutions that will keep rooms noise-free and ensure considerable cost-savings.
Driven by the need to provide quality, cost-effective and practical products, Jumbo Chem, a local manufacturer is upbeat in promoting its Acoustic Solutions used in wall partitioning, ceilings and floors. Jumbolene® Acoustic Foam provides excellent sound proofing as well as long-term thermal benefits for internal partition walls. The inherent qualities of Jumbolene® insulation make it ideal for partitioning of commercial office buildings, conference facilities, studios and generator rooms, ensuring privacy and better sound control, whilst giving an added benefit of low energy consumption. For interior walls, the boards are sandwiched between gypsum, OSB boards or plywood and held in place by use of studs and rails. This ensures efficient space utilization whilst meeting high acoustic requirements. Jumbolene® Acoustic Foam will hold its shape in the wall cavity and will not sag. Sound energy also travels between rooms through the walls and through the floor into the ceiling below by making them vibrate or through any hollow spaces that may exist. Jumbolene® Acoustic Foam is effective in blocking sound from transferring
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through ceilings or floors into other rooms by absorbing the reverberation of noise.
Jumbolene® can be used in soundproofing timber suspended floors, concrete floors/ceilings, wooden floors/ceilings.
Scales down costs “In today’s volatile economic scenario where most activity in the construction industry has drastically increased, it is especially relevant to look at ways and means that scales down costs,” says Mr. Michael Bodo, General Manager, Jumbo Chem (K) Ltd. “Partitioning offers up to 10 per cent reduction in the cost of building and re-configuring a house. That is why, through its superior acoustic properties and effective cost management, Jumbolene® acoustic partitioning is set to revolutionise residential and commercial construction when it replaces the traditional concrete block masonry,” Mr. Bodo adds. The erection of conventional partitions is labour-intensive, time-consuming and needs considerable preparatory work. It is thus more expensive in the long run. Further, it does not allow flexibility for changes during the life of the building. In order for electricians and plumbers to do their job, they have to chisel the wall to perforate it so as to bury cables and pipes, which is a time consuming task.
Superior acoustic properties “Jumbolene®
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provide superior sound-proofing properties that ensure considerable noise reduction inside a room, between rooms and prevent noise from outside penetrating the office or home space, “Mr. Bodo reiterates. The product additionally ensures that aesthetic needs of clients are met. The use of gypsum or veneer wood finishes enables colour coordination to match the mood, texture and other aesthetic needs required for a particular space. Extended lifespan Jumbolene acoustic insulation also has an extended lifespan of up to 40 years and retains its compressive strength throughout the period. This, unlike the commonly used Rockwool or Styrofoam materials which collapse over time, directly translates to long term cost savings through optimum sound-blocking performance and durability. Jumbo Chem is further committed to complete customer satisfaction and offers a complete fit-out solution for our clients. “Through an experienced technical team, we are able to transform a shell into a re-configured living or working space by providing a total partitioning design and installation,” Mr. Bodo says. This has effectively ensured the prominent position of Jumbolene Acoustic Insulation as an efficient and trend-setting sound-blocking product that’s transforming and indeed revolutionizing the state of home and office sound proofing.
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PROFILE
Featured Architect
F. G. Mungai F
or some, work is a duty that they perform due to skillfulness. For others,its an obligation due to financial needs, but for a fellow architect , Francis Gitau Mungai, commonly referred to as F. G. Mungai, his work is his passion. A passion he developed at a minor age back in high school when his appreciation for physical things and excellence in Mathematics stood out of his other interests.
Architect F. G. Mungai displaying a model of one of his projects at his office in Westlands, Nairobi.
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PROFILE The Masters of Architecture graduate from the University of California, F. G. is the force behind AAKI Consultants Architects and Urban Designers, a firm which in its 18 years of practice, prides itself for moulding young architects to become professionals with integrity as well as creating quality and distinction in the architectural industry. Upon joining the University of Nairobi in 1978 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, F.G. had the privilege of learning under some of the best minds in architectural teaching and practice - his lecturers Jim Archer and Stanley Kibathi, who greatly fueled his passion for both teaching and practicing. He completed with a First Class Honors degree in architecture in 1984 and joined Triad Architects where he practiced design and project management for two years. At Triad, he had a privilege of participating in projects such as Unga House which was
among the first buildings in Nairobi with escalators and other features of modern architecture. Others included the Hill Crest Preparatory school and Murang’a Teachers Training College. At the same time, he was lectured at the University of Nairobi as a tutorial fellow. Many of city’s budding architects, including the editor of BUILDesign Magazine, have
gone through his lectures. The other firm he worked with was Mehraz Ehsani Architects where he participated in the design of the Village Market, a popular centre in Gigiri, Daewoo car showroom in Nairobi CBD and Bartuny Mall in Eldoret. In 1995, FG set up his own architectural firm, AAKI Consultants, the name ‘AAKI’ meaning ‘builders’ in Kikuyu language.
FG has served at various boards in different capacities. He has been Chairman of Architectural Association of Kenya, regional Vice President of Commonwealth Association of Architects - East African Region, member of the Board of Registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), member of Housing Development Committee at Ministry of Roads and Public Works, chairman of KEPSA Physical Infrastructure Board and an examiner in professional examinations for Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
Training and Business Complex for Eastern and South African Management Institute located in Kampala, Uganda. www.buildesign.co.ke
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PROFILE AAKI’s first and one of its most prestigious projects is Nginyo Towers along Koinange Street in Nairobi. A post modern building, it was one of the first buildings to use double glazing technology - a design that helps in heat and sound insulation. The critical issues as outlined in its brief included working on a tight site and meeting eco demands of the city under the sun. FG also had to ensure that the project caused no interference to the construction of Nakumatt Lifestyle adjacent to their site. The main challenge here was stabilizing the building, a six floor high rise on the surface. This led to the omission of basement floor for the building. However, sustainability of the Nginyo Towers is non-negotiable to date. Another one of AAKI’s notable projects is The City Cabanas in Embakasi. Having worked on The Village Market, City Cabanas was quite an adventure for FG. The projects shared a similar concept, an African village theme. The principal design consideration on the project was to create a feeling of rest and homeliness with an African theme which the architect managed to encompass perfectly. The first phase was the restaurant and the second phase was a transit hotel which was never built. Other projects by AAKI include Nairobi Hospital’s Doctors Plaza, Prudential Housing scheme in South B. Other recent commissions include Esami Institute in Kampala, Mayfair Centre, CIC Plaza Upperhill, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Tea Board of Kenya offices in Dagoretti and Britam Apartments in Hurlingham. FG has served at various boards in different capacities. He has been Chairman of Architectural Association of Kenya, regional Vice President of Commonwealth Association of
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Top: Office Block for Jadala Investments Ltd along Ngong Road in Nairobi. Below: Mayfair Centre located along Ralph Bunche Road in Upper Hill. Architects - East African Region, member of the Board of Registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), member of Housing Development Committee at Ministry of Roads and Public Works, chairman of KEPSA Physical Infrastructure Board and an examiner in professional examinations for Architects and Quantity Surveyors. Under FG’s leadership, AAKI has grown
to be a major player in the local and regional architectural scene. Together with his partner, Kariuki Muraya, they have been able to build a firm with a strong staff of 24 technical and administrative personnel and a notable portfolio of completed and ongoing projects. Author: Wendy Kinya - Editorial Assistant at Architecture Kenya Media Limited.
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FEATURE
Glass Architecture
– A Case For Nairobi
E
ven though only the visible part of the solar radiaÂŹtion spectrum provides daylight useful for visual tasks, the whole spectrum, visible and invisible, contributes to heat gains when absorbed into the room. Numerous ways of improving daylight performance have been developed over the years. These are based on the use of special glass, orientation of openings in relation to the sun, as well as on the use of solar control/light diffusing elements.
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Glass reflects, admits and absorbs solar radiation in different proportions depending on the type. For normal clear glazing, the reflected component is about 15% of the incident value but this value increases strongly when the angle of incidence increases beyond about 600. The transmitted component is about 80% of the incident radiation, absorbing about 5%. Several types of special glass that improve daylight and thermal
conditions are available for use today. Tinted/absorptive glass contains pigments which increase its absorption. This reduces transmittance typically from 40% to as low as 10%. The absorbed energy heats up the glass, partly ending up in the room and partly being lost to the outside. Reflective glass has a thin metallic coating which increases the reflected component. Energy is therefore lost to the outside without getting absorbed into the room. However, the
FEATURE glare that results can be a nuisance to neighboring users. Low-emissivity glass (low-e) absorbs all long wave radiation, reducing emitted radiation. It is however important to note that the original purpose of this type of glass was to reduce heat loss by radiation during the heating season in cold climates. In tropical regions where heat loss is highly desirable, low-e glazing can result in very uncomfortable environments.
above are aimed at reducing heat gains associated with useful daylight. In the predominantly warm conditions of the tropical regions, this is a priority.
improve the distribution of light due to their ability to reflect light from specific directions and/or obscure light from specific directions.
However, these types of glass lead to lower daylight levels and are not 100 percent effective in controlling heat gains. Their extensive use in tropical regions only results in unnecessary cooling loads.
Other ways of improving daylight performance include the use of reflective finishes to allow for the propagation of light deeper into spaces. These can be applied on the interior wall surfaces, and/or on the surfaces of the daylight and solar control devices above.
Other types of glazing include those of varied properties. Photo-chromic glass reduces its transmittance with increase in light levels, while thermochromic glass responds to an increase in temperature. However, both of these types are reactive, and cannot anticipate conditions. Their spectral transmittance is poor as well.
Solar control and diffusing elements assist in controlling solar gains and useful daylight. These include overhangs, fins, blinds, louvers etc, and can either be fixed or movable. Fixed devices can be sized to cut solar radiation when solar gains are not desirable and admit when desirable. Movable devices on the other hand, can be adjusted to modulate their transmittance.
The special glazing materials described
In addition, all these devices can
Photo-chromic glass reduces its transmittance with increase in light levels, while thermo-chromic glass responds to an increase in temperature. However, both of these types are reactive, and cannot anticipate conditions. Their spectral transmittance is poor as well. The special glazing materials described above are aimed at reducing heat gains associated with useful daylight. In the predominantly warm conditions of the tropical regions, this is a priority.
To achieve high performance in day-lighting requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration the thermal and daylight requirements for the function in question, the properties of materials and devices to be employed, as well as the climatic conditions. The task and problems of day-lighting in tropical climates can be summarized as follows: • To provide adequate useful daylight with minimum solar gains. • To reduce interior ‘gloominess’ and glare which is very likely due to the extremely bright exteriors Solutions to these challenges should however be sought within the context of all day-lighting strategies for maximum benefit. Author: Eric Loki - An architect and Environmental Design Specialist working with Planning Systems Services Limited.
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FEATURE
Triad Foundation
Golf Tournament
– Celebrating 50 Years
Triad Director, Architect James Gitoho, making a presentation during a cocktail following the Triad Foundation Golf Tournament at Muthaiga Gold Club.
T
riad Architects has this year lined up a series of activities to mark 50 years of excellence since its inception in 1963. Among the activities was a Charity Golf Tournament at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
over 60 sponsors mostly companies in the IT and construction industry. It marked one of the firm’s major Corporate Social Responsibility projects in its 50 years of existence.
The event which attracted over 100 golfers was aimed at raising 5 million Kenya shillings to support Gertrude’s children hospital and Muthaiga primary school within their community.
Triad Architects not only prides itself for high quality assurance of design and architectural services. Their portfolio in the past 50 years has offered comprehensive solutions to clients and adapts to their individual systems and requirements.
The Golf Tournament brought together
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Promoting proper healthcare and education for all Triad has been involved in several projects as part of its corporate social responsibility to its community and at the beginning of this year through its just ended CSR golf tournament its main focus was on health and education. Gertrude’s Chidren’s Hospital is a nonprofit organization, chartered with responsibilities benefiting humankind
FEATURE such as providing health services, fostering good health, carrying out research and teaching healthcare professionals. The hospital board and management share the belief that hospitals can apply business acumen and enterprise in performing their responsibilities. Triad Architects chose Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as their target for the foundation due to the fact that it’s within its vicinity. The proceeds will be used to support children from needy
backgrounds who can’t afford medical attention at the facility.
Vitisia triumphs at the Triad Foundation golf tourney
Triad is also at the forefront when it comes to ensuring that pupils within their community benefit from its foundation.
Home based Evans Vitisia beat a large field of seasoned golfers to be crowned this years Triad Foundation golf champion at the par 72 Muthaiga Golf Club.
Its target this year was the Muthaiga Primary School and like many other public schools in Kenya, the school is facing several challenges ranging from poor infrastructure and inadequate funds. The proceeds will be used to develop and renovate the school.
Triad Architects not only prides itself for high quality assurance of design and architectural services. Their portfolio in the past 50 years has offered comprehensive solutions to clients and adapts to their individual systems and requirements.
Playing off handicap 2 Vitisia started off with a par on the downhill par 4 stroke index three followed by three other consecutive pars on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th holes. He shot a 2 club on 5th hole and nothing less than a par on 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th holes respectively for a total of 20 front nine. Evans embarked on second nine with two birdies on 10th par 5 and 17th par 3 across a pool of water for a comfortable 20 on outward nine as well. The only dropped shot of the day for Evans fell on the par 3 eleventh hole with nothing else less than a par on second nine. “I had the home advantage, I have played continuously from last weekend so I had improved on my slight pitching mistakes I had since the beginning of this year, and therefore it was easy for me”, said Vitisia after receiving his prize from the Triad architects director Julius Kabwage. Maxwell walumbe playing off 4 shot the second best for the day beating Joe Kigwe on count back with 38 stable ford points. Playing off handicap 17, Benny Orwako came in fourth beating Jason Jang on count back with 36 stable ford points. Ladies prize went to handicap 20 Eunice Mpenda with 33 stable ford points and the most effort prize went to Edward Muli with 9 points.
Evans Vitisya putts on the first green for a par and follows his tee shot on the 11th tee.
Over 3 Million shillings was raised following the event and the next tournament to be held in September moves to Karen Country Club. www.buildesign.co.ke
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ADVERTORIAL
Neo-Classical Elegance:
the New Grandera from GROHE
Building a Grand Home? Or a Grand Hotel? Look no further...
A
t the premier industry fair for sanitary fittings, the ISH in Frankfurt, held in March, the world leading bathroom fixtures manufacturer GROHE did something unusual – it went back to the future. As Paul Flowers, Senior Vice President Design of Grohe AG, put it: “Designing Grandera was a unique experience due to the almost paradoxical approach we took It was all about exploring
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seemingly contradictory elements which, each in its own way, define the bathroom as a modern living space. Man and woman, classicism and modernism, square and circle - all this flows together harmoniously in Grandera. The result is a line of water fittings whose international inspirations translate into strong global appeal which transcends all borders.”
The point is that, as the world begins to appreciate heritage, people are recognising that even in our modern day-to-day lives it is traditional values that make life worth living and that turn conventional products into exceptional objects of desire. Values such as quality, craftsmanship and style are just some of the strong attributes of Grandera, the new designer collection from GROHE. Born
ADVERTORIAL from an uncompromising commitment to perfection, this collection is uniquely positioned in the world of bathroom design. Grandera fulfils the need for luxury, high quality and pure beauty. Here is a premium line of water fittings that delivers on all counts. A confident blend of elegance, timelessness, permanence and warmth, Grandera is a sophisticated product line that reconciles different expectations and perceptions. Its design consists
of timeless aesthetics with nostalgic references, while still capturing the zeitgeist. Flowing feminine forms are combined with clearly defined edges, resulting in a genuine squaring of the circle. Grandera is sure to appeal to people intrigued by lasting values and timeless elegance. According to Flowers, Inspiration for Grandera was drawn from design
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ADVERTORIAL classics and architectural masterpieces found in metropolitan centres around the world. Design lovers will detect references to Paris, Lausanne, Moscow and New York, all fused into a distinct design. For example, the basic structure of the individual products is reminiscent of the architecture of the Eiffel Tower, infusing Grandera with a romantic Parisian note. The shape of the products is a reference to the kind of traditional artisan skills required in the making of fine watches. Queen and king chess pieces inspired the collection’s formal vocabulary which is both female and male - a nod to the city of Moscow, which has hosted many legendary chess competitions. Grandera’s elegance and sophistication are expressed through refined detailing and classy colour variants in chrome and chrome/gold, inspired by pieces of jewellery offered by such fine establishments as Tiffany’s in New York. And finally, the functionality of the products is supported by leading GROHE technologies, which represent everything that ‘Made in Germany’ is all about. “In Grandera, we wanted to develop a product line for a cosmopolitan customer group with a penchant for classical design,” says Grohe AG CEO David J. Haines. “Grandera is a perfect choice for all upscale projects. Its distinctive look and state-ofthe-art technology make it an ideal specification for international luxury hotels. Apart from that, Grandera is also a stylish addition to any residential bathroom around the globe.” Whether in Hong Kong, London or Dubai, Grandera provides the finishing touch for the finest hotels. Virtually all leading hotels nowadays
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pride themselves on their timeless and classically elegant interiors that promise discerning guests a home away from home. Grandera helps deliver on this promise by giving each guest the feeling that
the bathroom has been designed as a personalised feel-good space just for them. But Grandera is equally at home in residential bathrooms worldwide. Exuding an air of timeless elegance, this designer collection blends in with all décors.
FEATURE
Choosing an Architect
For Your ‘Small’ Project
M
any people tend to imagine that their projects are too ‘small’ to warrant any professional input. Always remember that if you are tearing down or moving any walls, or planning any new construction, it pays to hire an architect. Simply put, the minute you have second thought about your project or you start questioning your solutions, hire an architect. Architects transcend their perceived role of creating spaces that enrich the quality of life; they take cognizance of ‘the whole’ in an effort to create a design that truly works with the strengths and weaknesses of its locality. They are also trained problem solvers who provide solutions at the ‘front end’ of the project on all aspects of design and cost effective use of building materials. Architects are also familiar with all building regulations and understand the importance of intangible elements like natural lighting and ventilation of spaces. When choosing an architect, of utmost importance is that you must get along well. Chemistry is key, reason being, you will spend a substantial amount of time together over and above sharing a lot of personal details (or corporate secrets) with them. The following simple steps may guide you on how to go about consulting an architect for your ‘small’ project. First, there websites for various organizations that have give information on architects and architecture in Kenya. It will be helpful to review some of the information these websites provide. They include
It is always important to ask your friends or colleagues for contacts of architects they may have worked with. It is even better if yours is a project similar to what they have accomplished. the Architectural Association of Kenya website and Board of Registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors websites. It is always important to ask your friends or colleagues for contacts of architects they may have worked with. It is even better if yours is a project similar to what they have accomplished. This way, you will get an opportunity to visit the job site or
finished project and you will be in a position to grasp any issues you are likely to face beforehand. If possible, interview several candidates. Review their professional credentials and ability to carry out your project. Check out what they have done before and decide whether you like it. Most architects do have a style of design that they carry along and the final result will have elements of this style. Assess whether the architect would listen to your thoughts and be able to produce a plausible, creative and economic solutions to your requests. Ensure whether the two of you ‘click’. The right time to bring an architect into the picture is when you are clear about what you want. This way, they will guide you through a course of action. Confront the architect while you are armed with sketches or photos of buildings that you like from magazines
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FEATURE or the internet. This way, it will be easier for the architect to accommodate your lifestyle, specific requirements and likes in the design. With all that, you can now discuss other details of your project including fees and other consultants that you may require other than the architect. The scales of fees are set by the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act, Cap 525 but the eventual figure is as a result of negotiations between you and the architect. The basis of the fees are either a percentage of the total cost of the project or an hourly rate charged for the number of hours that one takes in handling the project. Other consultants that you may require include a Quantity Surveyor, Civil & Structural Engineer and a Mechanical
& Electrical Engineer. These consultants are more often than not left out of small projects as people prefer to use the local plumbers, electricians and other ‘fundis’ to work out and build these elements of their projects. Lastly, ensure that most of the job’s details are captured in a form of contract which clearly spells out the description of the job, total budget,
architects consultancy fees and, if need be, scheduled completion date. Remember that you may pay more for overtime or for making unnecessary changes on the plans. You may also be asked to pay a commitment fee before the work begins. Author: Martin Tairo - A practicing architect and the editor of BUILDesign magazine.
Confront the architect while you are armed with sketches or photos of buildings that you like from magazines or the internet. This way, it will be easier for the architect to accommodate your lifestyle, specific requirements and likes in the design. With all that, you can now discuss other details of your project including fees and other consultants that you may require other than the architect.
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