Kampala’s newest Warehousing and Logistics Facility
Kampala is fast developing as a hub for commercial activity. This growth has generated the need for modern warehousing space close enough to the Central Business District but enjoying easy access from the main transport routes into the city. As a result, Interfreight (U) Ltd., a leading forwarding, clearing and shipping company contracted Dimension Architects and Interior designers to put up a ware house and office block to enable them handle their increasing volumes of cargo.
This new facility, is not only suitably located in terms of easy accessibility to the city center, but will provide the best of amenities for warehousing and logistical requirements as well. It offers a first class storage environment, on account of its location on the outskirts of the central business district, off Jinja Road and close to existing railway lines.
This new facility, is not only suitably located in terms of easy accessibility to the city center, but will provide the best of amenities for warehousing and logistical requirements as well
Project scope and Size
The project comprises warehouses approximately 320m2 and offices approximately 100 m2 The 4,380 m2 site is trapezoidal in shape. This allowed for the erection of a 3,230m2 secure warehousing and 106.08 m2 of offices. This complex is designed to suit single or multi-user options. Provision is made for a forecourt for loading and offloading outside the warehouses. Provision for office accommodation has been made as a separate office block.
The Site:
The Site is located within Kampala City on Plot-No. M535 and M520, Kinawataka close to the Nakawa law courts. It enjoys easy access off Jinja Road from the Spear Motors junction. Alternative access is from Mbuya and onto Port Bell road. The site is accessed from Kinawataka Road. The design took advantage of the sloping terrain to create secure retaining walls on the upper part of the site and external parking that is below the level of the elevated forecourt.
Design & Planning Consideration:
The design has been done in such a way as to make it adaptable for customizing to suit the tenants’ design and planning needs. Features incorporated for the tenants benefit include a building design that is articulated to give a unique corporate identity, Various security features exist such as a security watch tower Street and security lights, CCTV provision, electrical fencing with razor wires on boundary and roof top and anti burglary security alarm systems.
Translucent sheet offer enough natural lighting to save power while provision has been made for a standby back-up generator. To prevent damage of property due to fire, smoke detectors and a fire alarm system have been installed including fire fighting installations such as fire hose reels and portable fire extinguishers
A rain water harvesting sytem has been installed and lightning arrestors for safety. Staff have ample changing rooms and there is a TOL area which can be utilized by client for parking or storage.
The office block
The office component has provision for a spacious reception and open plan ground floor and first floor offices There is a 3-compartment trunking system for the communication and computer network requirements. Good natural light and cross flow ventilation has been provided.
Finishes:
The floors of the Warehouses are finished with power floated concrete with hardener. The building exterior finish is a combination of render and paint and maintenance free fair-faced block-work. Doors are secure steel sliding doors.The roof consists of 24 gauge pre-painted roofing sheets with Alucusion insulation for heat reduction. Ventilation is provided through roof cyclones to ensure excellent ventilation and air movement. Provision has been made for people with disabilities to access the building by providing ramps at the entrance of every building Materials used On the Project
The materials used on site are:
The warehouses consist of steel portal frames, repainted 24 gauge IT 4 roofing sheets and concrete power floated floor with hardener.
Office finishes include porcelain, suspended ceiling tiles and aluminium windows and doors
Working together
The architect has been the project manager on behalf of the client ensuring good post contract management and ensuring that the contractor adheres to the terms of the contract.
The relationship between the client, contractor and the consultants has been cordial throughout the entire project.
Challenges faced
The sloping terrain of the site led to a lot cutting and constructing of retaining walls which in the end caused delays and increased the cost of construction but these were surmounted.
The Project Team
Client
M/s Interfreight (U) Ltd
Consultants:
Architects –
Dimensions Architects & Interior Designers
Structural Engineers – Proman Consult Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical engineers – M & E Associates Ltd
Quantity Surveyor – Orion Associates Ltd
Contractor – M/s Wadia Construction Ltd
Sub Contractors:
Electrical – Stema Associates Ltd
Steel Fabricators – Steel Works Ltd
Electric Fencing – A & S Electronics
