Meru

The Meru Oak is a rare tree species found only in significant parts of Kenya. A strong presence of this iconic species on site inspired a series of contextual research topics and, together with the client's desire to pay homage to her traditional upbringing, led us on a path of reinterpreting the fascinating Swahili tribal lifestyle. This break-away house, located on the midland outskirts of Mombasa, draws strong reference to the traditional built environment of the ‘kraal’. A typical kraal is identified by a series of layered spaces encircling the tribe's livelihood. At the epicentre, livestock and crops are the tribe's most prized possessions. Clay huts were traditionally placed around the kraal to ensure complete visibility of possible threats. The outer edge of the kraal is lined with a thornbush barrier to protect the hut and inner kraal. To sufficiently ensure building materials were readily available on site and minimise the construction process's carbon footprint, a basement level was introduced to harvest natural soil (clay), which was repurposed as sundried bricks and clay plaster. THE INNER KRAAL Our reinterpretation of this inner kraal is a protected outdoor courtyard. Similar in geometry to the kraal, this central space is critical in our passive cooling approach to the building. While protected from the harsh sun, it ensures a moderate temperate outdoor space. THE HUT The living spaces are carefully arranged around the central courtyard with outstretched views over the surrounding bushveld to help protect the central courtyard. THE HEDGE The use of a laminated timber screen system that further shields the internal spaces functions as the protective barrier to the internal spaces. The distinct colour of the building is derived from the pigmentation found in clay, not only for its considered aesthetic but also for appropriate thermal qualities.