Ua. House
TYPE
LOCATION
SIZE
YEAR
STATUS
Private Residence
Kilifi, Kenya
120 sq. meters
2023
Completed
Ua. House explores the genre of modern Coastal Living. Inspired by its immediate surroundings the home pushes to define and deliver a new typology for sustainable homes in Kilifi.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Erected using salvaged limestone blocks from pool excavations from nearby sites - the home remedies the scarification of Kilifi’s valuable coastline. Using abandoned quarry dust as the predominant binding agent, the single level home, with its Limestone structure allows the infrastructure to breathe and heal. Minimizing its immediate carbon footprint, the home further enhances its environmental credentials by integrating itself into an off-grid system.
Beyond its environmental attributes, the 120 sqm home, draws its inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of traditional Omani and Swahili design heritage. Every aspect of the home embodies a seamless blend of these two captivating influences, combining timeless elegance with a modern aesthetic. From its initial inception, the home is designed as an enchanting fusion of architectural elements, capturing the essence of both cultures.
At our studio, we've been tirelessly working to redefine sustainability by championing what we call "accessible sustainability." This innovative concept emphasizes sustainability in the context of the local environment, rather than adhering to global norms. Ua. House serves as a glowing testament to our commitment to this vision.
KEY FEATURES OF UA. HOUSE
ACCESSIBLE SUSTAINABILITY
The most remarkable feature of Ua. House lies in its unwavering commitment to community engagement. Remarkably, 85% of the building materials slated for disposal found a new purpose. Carefully sourced limestone blocks from private pools in the region, destined for rubble but instead, repurposed as the primary construction material. This initiative not only reduced waste but also fostered local economic-growth and a heightened sense of environmental responsibility.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials. The architecture leverages the natural environment, capitalizing on seasonal wind patterns for passive ventilation. Thoughtfully designed eaves and architectural forms act as effective sun-shading devices, minimizing heat-gain. Rainwater-harvesting, coupled with a 60,000L tank, provides for the home's water needs. Additionally, the home is energy-independent, relying solely on locally assembled Solar PV panels, showcasing studios holistic approach to accessible sustainability.
LOCATION
Situated in the heart of Kilifi, Ua. House seamlessly blends contemporary design with the semi-arid landscape that surrounds it. The result is a home that not only respects the environment but also becomes one with it.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
One of the most remarkable features of Ua. House is its use of locally sourced materials. The home is primarily constructed from limestone blocks extracted from "excavated" pools within a 45km radius from the site. These limestone blocks, along with the internal and external lime plaster (Neeru), are skillfully created using a careful mix of quarry waste byproducts. This not only reduces the environmental footprint but also strengthens the connection between the building and the natural landscape.
HARMONY WITH NATURE
Ua. House is a harmonious blend of modern living and nature's beauty. Large windows and open spaces seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors, offering breathtaking views of the semi tropical surroundings. Sustainability isn't just a concept here; it's a way of life.
