Constructing for The Communications Sector
To achieve their vision and mission of effectively regulating the communications sector in order to facilitate growth of communications services for sustainable development, UCC embarked on constructing their own home, a multi billion project which is in its final stages of completion.
KK Partnership in association with Dimensions Architects were commissioned to design and over see the construction of this project and together with a number of contractors and suppliers in the industry have been able to deliver a magnificent storied structure to Kampala’s skyline.
The design and construction process
The Uganda Communications Commission project is a multi-storey building located on old Portbell road, near the National Forest Authority. The project is in a rectilinear formation with each floor in turn segregated into separate areas to serve the intended function; modern offices for the commission The structural design of skyscrapers used is an example of innovation in overcoming the barrier of high costs for tall buildings by making use of new design capabilities. Steel rigid frames were used to make the super structure which was later filled with concrete and cement. The whole facility is a complex system of interrelated spaces which are organized systematically according to functions to be performed in these spaces in order to serve a collection of needs. The arrangement of physical spaces is a design process to find suitable floor plan to facilitate the movement of people and goods associated with the operations intended
Interior design
The modern office in Kampala is not only attractive but also practical. The design of UCC building combines the two approaches; the floors are tiled the walls in the hallway are of marble while the floor in the same area is granite. Suspended false ceiling is the predominant design adopted by the building; other ceiling designs include expanded and concrete ceilings. The latter are used in points of construction where the concrete beams are of different depths. The building allows for natural cooling through strategic ventilation.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is the regulator of the communications industry in Uganda. UCC regulates and promotes the developments in the communications industry. UCC vision is a Uganda in which development is facilitated through universal access to communications services largely delivered through the private sector
The construction of the UCC building had several challenges that had to be overcome to achieve the envisaged design. Among the most challenging aspects of the construction was the site coupled with the shape of the building design. These gave a surveying challenge in setting out the structure of the building. Excessive rainfall during the initial stages of the construction was a safety hazard due to possibility of floods.
The front elevation of the building has curtain wall to enhance the aesthetics appeal. The size of the glass panes was custom cut to avoid any visible joints in the curtain wall. The most distinguishing feature of the building is the frameless glass, which gives uninterrupted aesthetic view necessary for modern buildings in Kampala.
Materials used
A combination of glass with aluminium and steel frame to supplement the traditional concrete structure coupled with the aesthetic choice of finishes has given a beautiful and rich look to the ever changing Kampala skyline. No doubt China Nanjing International has once again proved to be a master in the art of achieving complex design structures with ease that has become their trademark.
PROJECT TEAM
- Architect: K.K Partnership, Dimension Architects.
- Structural/Engineer-Seka Associates
- Quantity Surveyor- IntergratedYMR
- Electrical Engineer-Megha Micro System
- Mechanical engineer-M&E Associates
- Main contractor- China Nanjing International
- Lifts- MM building services
- Plumbing and Electrical sub-contractor - Stema associates
SUPPLIERS
- Air conditioning - Appliance world ltd
- Roofings - Depo (U) Ltd
- Paints- Sadolin Paints
- Bricks and Pavers- Builder’s Concrete Providers
- Steel bars- Steel & Tube industries.
- Cements- Tororo Cement
- Electrical suppliers- Power Technics Ltd.
- Signage- Neo Evolution Ltd
- Power suppliers/Generator - Mantra
