Mtelo BUILD-N-SHARE #49
From the Build-n-Share Files Client #49 Kesse Kogo
R
EFERRALS can come from any source or direction. Kenyan scientist, Kesse Kogo came to us via Edgars Jansons at the SimTech Laboratories. He had just hired the young man in their plant genetics division, and STLab had given him a generous bonus (§150,000!) to provide him with a house in Oasis Springs. My assistant, Rose, got the ball rolling during our consultation, by asking Mr. Kogo a little about his background. “I am from a little town outside Nairobi called Kalimoni,” he told us with his soft lilting accent. “Is that where you got your training?” I asked. His face suddenly broadened with a smile. “I studied at the University of Nairobi, but most recently obtained PhDs from Stanford and Oxford.”
“Ah!” I gasped, impressed. “And what kind of house would suit you?” “I spend a lot of time alone,” he said after a long pause. “I need a decent study, I guess. I like plants—obviously!” His infectious smile played across his handsome face. “Do you ever entertain?” Rose interjected. “Not really. Oh, but occasionally I will have a colleague visit from out of town, so I guess I need a spare bedroom.” “How about a pool? It seems a must in Oasis Springs,” I said trying to draw him out further. “That would be nice, I guess.” And then after another long pause, “Could there be an area near the pool for me to practice my yoga?” “Of course!” Rose blurted out. “Do you have any style preferences?” “Style preferences?” He looked bewildered. “Would you like a traditional Kenyan sort of dwelling?” I offered. “Oh, I see what you are asking. No, I am a man of the 21st century. But I am proud of my heritage. Is there a way to combine the two?” “Of course there is!” Rose assured him. And soon after, we concluded the consultation. My first thought after the meeting was “I wonder what modern Kenyan architectural design looks like?”
Mtelo
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR
▲ LET’S GO INSIDE!
▼ FOYER
▲ FOYER LOOKING INTO LIVING ROOM
▼ LIVING ROOM
DINING AREA
KITCHEN
▲ HALF BATHROOM
▼ STUDY
STUDY
STUDY
UPPER ▲ GARDEN LANDING JUST OUTSIDE OF STUDY
▼ UPPER LEVEL: GREAT ROOM
GREAT ROOM
UPPER LANDING GREAT ROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
UPPER LANDING MASTER BEDROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
UPPER LANDING MASTER BATHROOM
MASTER BATHROOM
UPPER LANDING GUEST BEDROOM
▲ GUEST BEDROOM
▼ GUEST BATHROOM
UPPER LANDING GUEST BATHROOM
POOL/PATIO
UPPER LANDING
ROOF DOWN
UPPER FLOOR
GROUND LEVEL
A week after Kesse Kogo had moved into his new house, he sent a polite note expressing his thanks. A day after that, Edgars Jansons from STLab called. “Kesse is a quiet guy, but you should hear him go on and on about his new house! You guys did a fantastic job. We’ll be referring more people to you in the future!” ❦