Making a Warehouse Look Attractive
In designing a warehouse, few clients or architects put much thought into the structure’s external appearance. Rambaldo Associates set out to change that when they designed a warehouse for Paperbags Limited.
Paperbags Ltd is a Nairobi-based manufacturer of paper-based bags. The company was founded in 1967 by Mr Khetshi Hansraj Chandaria, initially starting in a highly competitive market but over time capturing a large part of the market share to become one of the leading paper bags manufacturers within Africa. Last year, the factory commissioned the construction of new premises in line with its continuous investment program in new technology, plant and equipment.
The warehouse, occupying no less than 5,500 square metres, is expected to be complete by December this year.
The project team was led by Rambaldo Associates, a reputable architectural firm in Nairobi. Headed by Arch. Iqbal Janowalla, the practice has been offering consultancy services for more than 50 years, amassing extensive experience in construction projects of diverse type and complexity. Recent projects handled by the firm include Runda Meadows and Sunflag Apartments in upmarket Nairobi as well as Kenya School of Law premises in Karen to the south of the city. Rambaldo was also behind Makson’s Plaza and Oshwal Parklands College in the Westlands area of Nairobi.
For this particular project, the client’s brief was a simple functional warehouse that was friendly to its occupants. The exteriors were required to be pleasant, with deliberate departure from the old warehouse designs. That was a challenge because typically, warehouses exhibit no physical appeal and in this brief the ground floor was required to be of a special height with a first floor of normal height.
External features were left in fair-faced concrete/natural stone punctuated with glass in casement to make it appear friendly/pleasant.
The main building utilizes natural stone and is supported by fairface reinforced concrete columns. Floors are granno-finished while glass gives that office building external appearance. Roofing will employ IT5 sheets. Access to the warehouse is cabro-paved for durability.
Project Team
Client: Paperbags Ltd
Architects: Rambaldo Associates
Main Contractor: D. Manji Construction Company
Quantity Surveyors: Nderitu Consultants
Electrical Consultants: Aruna Patel
Structural Engineer: M.H. Patel & Associates
Grano/Terrazo works: Ashanta Marble Contractors
Insurers: BTB Insurance Brokers Ltd / General Accident Ins.Co. Kenya Ltd
Roof works: Steel Structures Ltd
Cube test: Mass Labs Ltd
PROPOSED DELTA CORNER, WESTLANDS, NAIROBI
TMS Consulting Group was formed by a five well established consulting practices with most having over 10 years experience in their respective fields; The consulting firms that work under the umbrella of TMS Consulting Group are Ultimate Design Ltd – Architecture & Interior Design, Team Management Services Ltd – Construction & Project Management, Bills Partnership Ltd – Quantity Surveying services, Widrups Consulting Engineers Ltd – Civil and Structural Engineering Services and Metrocom Consultants Ltd – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering services.
The group brings much needed synergy in the provision of construction consultancy services which has translated to ease project coordination, communication, cost and time efficiency for both the client and consultants.
TMS Consulting Group is a Lead consultant for a number of landmark projects ranging from high-rise office blocks, up market residential apartments and hotels. However, the individual consulting firms have projects in other parts of the country as well.
Last year, TMS Consulting Group broke ground on one of its first projects as a Lead Consultant. Delta Corner is one of the landmark developments under construction which will soon dot the Westlands skyline. The site is strategically located at the Junction of Chiromo Road and Ring Road, Westlands. The property is adjacent to Delta House formerly UNHCR offices which has since been refurbished to offer better utilization of space and general circulation under the stewardship of TMS Consulting Group. The strategically serene surroundings of Delta Corner provides an excellent working environment, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Delta Corner is a 20 levels Twin-Tower, designed to function efficiently. It offers a total lettable area of approximately 20,000 m2, which will accommodate retail space at the ground floor, 17 levels of office space, 2 basement parking levels and ground level parking bays, surrounded by thoughtfully designed landscaped gardens.
An attractive addition to the facility is an exclusive Health Club for the office tenants. The health club will accommodate a restaurant on the ground floor and a health spa on the upper floor with the provision of a fitness centre and sauna. The Health Club completion date has been scheduled to coincide with the completion of the Towers and Delta Corner will boast of offering both leisure and business on one plate! Notably though, the Health Club is separated from the towers to ensure that tranquility is maintained.
When complete in two years, Delta Corner will be a significant development in the rapidly growing Westlands locality and especially so in filling the ever increasing demand for high quality office space for blue chip companies. The twin tower development provides the flexibility of having a single tenant in either tower which may be let to a large up market organization. Standing 60 metres high, TCG will have dotted the Westlands skyline with the first Twin Towers and indeed, the tallest building in Westlands.
TMS Consulting Group will continue to provide efficient design & building methodologies and ensure that clients achieve optimum return on investment that is guaranteed by the synergy of all construction consultancy services under one roof.
Project Team
Client Delta Corp East Africa
Lead Consultant TMS Consulting Group Ltd
Project & Construction Managers Team Management Services Ltd
Architects Ultimate Design Ltd
Quantity Surveyors Bills Partnership Ltd
Structural & Civil Engineers Widrups Consulting Engineers Ltd
Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Metrocom Consultants Ltd
Main Contractors Seyani Brothers Co. Ltd
Electrical Sub – Contractors
- Mehta Electricals Ltd Electrical Installations
- Schindler Ltd Lift Installations
Mechanical Sub – Contractors
- Mather + Platt Co. Ltd Fire Fighting
- Aqua Plumbing Co. Ltd Plumbing & Drainage
Agro Irrigation & Pump Services Ltd Borehole Drilling
From teachers’ college to university campus
Axis Architects were selected to lead in the challenging task of converting a teachers’ training college to a university campus. Construction Review looks at the scope of the ongoing works.
Background
The Kitui Teachers Training College project was initiated by the Government of Kenya in 1987. It is located in Kitui a town located about 200 kilometres East of Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. The project construction commenced on 11th January, 1990 and was scheduled to be completed on 30th April, 1993 at a contract sum of Ksh324,824,280 (US$4,060, 303). However, in mid 1991, the project stalled and some materials amounting to about KSh 50million (US$ 625,000) were left on site.
Client’s brief
The objective of the consultancy is to facilitate completion of the project in the shortest possible time and in the most cost-effective way so that the facilities, both previous and additional, can be upgraded into ultra modern facilities that befit a university. The new facility is to become a constituent campus of Kenyatta University, one of Kenya’s leading institutions of higher learning.
Kick-off
The project commenced on 1st April, 2008 and the first phase is scheduled to be handed over on 11th June, 2009. The works are on schedule.
Project Components
Administration block (736 m²)
This will house the following facilities: Offices for principal/deputy, bursar/assistant bursar, director of studies, dean of students and director of in-service training staff. It will also accommodate accounts, cashiers, tutorial rooms, staff work rooms, staff typing pools, stationery store, staff common room, reception/operator, toilets, cleaners store, copy service, secretary/typist, general store and strong room.
Classrooms block (1599 m²)
These will comprise classrooms for general subjects, biological and physical science, laboratories, stores, art and craft rooms, practical skill rooms, teaching aids rooms, cookery area, sewing rooms, toilets and cleaners’ stores.
Dormitories (6296 m²)
There will be students’ dormitories, ablution area, house keepers’ offices, laundries, students’ common room and cleaners’ store.
Multi-purposes/dining hall (1240 m²)
These will include multipurpose hall, kitchen, kitchen store, subordinate staffroom, subordinate staff changing room, day sanitation block and enclosed garbage area.
Dispensary (54 m²)
There will be a dispensary to cater for the student population.
Lecture theatre/music unit block (630 m²)
This will house lecture theatre, music room, music practice/changing rooms, instruments, furniture and stage stores.
Resource centre block (418 m²)
This block will accommodate book stack, reading areas, librarian’s office, references, book store/workroom, multipurpose workshop, preparation room and store.
Sports facilities (2160 m²)
These will include games pavilion comprising a running track, a football pitch and facilities for netball, tennis, basketball, volleyball and hockey. The Head of PE Department will also be housed within this area.
Senior staff houses (5680 m²)
These will include houses for the principal, senior staff, lecturers, administration staff, non-teaching staff and junior staff.
Support facilities (370 m²)
These will consist of vehicle shelter, workshops for carpenter, electrician and plumber as well as the ground man’s store and central store.
Financial costs
The first phase of the project will cost Ksh.478, 538,479.00 (about 6 million USD).
Design
The consultants have incorporated the latest technologies in ICT for the proposed university. The site plan facilitates easy management. Staff members have a clear view of the entire academic area from their houses. Buildings are arranged around professionally designed courtyards to encourage outdoor study and interaction in the open spaces.
Materials used
The following are the main materials that have been used in the project
- Cut Stone Walling
- Concrete Roofing
- Ceramic and Granito Tile floor finishes
- Medium Density Board (MDF) fittings
- Mahogany Doors and Pelmet
- Concrete paving -‘Cabro’ drives and access roads
- Epoxy resin Lab worktops
Challenges
Coordination among numerous sub-contractors
The project has nine sub-contractors, each with a specific assignment and all working under the main contractor. Coordination between all of them presented numerous logistical challenges. The contractors were required to have weekly coordination meetings to iron out any discrepancies in their work programs.
Modifications from college to university
The project had been initially designed as a Teachers Training College. Some structural components which had not envisaged modern facilities and the university status were already in place. Modifying such spaces and incorporation modern infrastructure components presented a challenge to the consultants.
Project Team
Client Ministry of Public Works
User Client Kenyatta University
Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Design Axis Architects
Quantity Surveyors Bills Partnership
Civil/Structural Engineers Gath Engineering
Services Engineers Associated Services Consultants
Main Contractor Landmark Holdings
Electrical Sub-contractor Ultimate Engineering Ltd
Plumbing and Drainage Sub- Contractor Volcanic Plumbing Works
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Snowpeak Refrigeration
Generator Car & General
Kitchen Equipment Stainless Steel Masters
Solar Heating Steel Stone
PABX and Telephone Amiran Communication
Structured Cabling COM 21
About the Architects
Axis Architects is an indigenous firm registered in Kenya in March 1995. The firm was initiated with the aim of providing the full range of architectural and interior design consultancy services to developers of various projects in the built environment for both the private and public sectors.
Axis recognizes the competitive nature of the consulting industry and realizes that the firm’s professional status and growth depends on the quality of its work. The firm has a high sense of excellence and has the confidence that the qualifications and experience of its consultancy personnel guided by the firm’s motto, “Commitment to Excellence” ensures that it executes effectively and efficiently as the key philosophy to the working spirit in all types of projects handled by the firm.
The practice is headed by the Principal Partner, Fred Ngunjiri, with a technical support staff of over 8 professionals based in their Nairobi Offices.
Fred Ngunjiri is the Principal Partner of Axis Architects & Interior Designers. He was formerly a Senior Architect with EMMS Architects, a local Architectural firm between 1990 - 1995. After acquiring registration as an Architect coupled by demand from clients who had seen his outstanding designs and contract management capabilities, Fred founded Axis Architects in March 1995. He holds a B. Arch. (First Class Hons) degree from the University of Nairobi and was awarded the best student of the year award from the Faculty of Architecture, Design & Development. He also holds a Masters Degree in Development Studies (majoring in Urban Development) from University of Oslo - Norway
Fred holds a vast wealth of experience (19 years) in the Construction industry as an Architect where he has acted as a Lead Consultant in both Pre-contract and Post-contract stages of various projects for Private and Corporate Clientele. At Axis Architects, Fred is involved in the day to day running of the projects, Design Co-ordination and Clients Interaction and liaison. Fred has also taught Architectural Design, Environmental science and landscape Design at the School of Architecture & Building Sciences (SABS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for over 17 years.
Services Offered
The firm has a rich background in all aspects of Architectural consultancy. Axis Architects emphasizes on high professional standards and ability to respond quickly to clients’ needs within set periods.
The services offered by the consultancy include the following: architectural design, project management, building contract administration, interior design, landscape design, urban planning, urban design, building environmental design, visual (lighting), thermal (heating) and acoustics (sound & noise).
Experience
Axis Architects has successfully undertaken numerous projects of varying sizes and requirements for the 15 years it has been in practice. The firm recognizes that the client’s requirements and budget, local culture, environment and subtle issues of development are essential in ensuring project’s success. The firm has the ability and capacity to perform sensitively and yet efficiently in all fields of architecture and has successfully handled projects in the following key sectors: Industrial, Agricultural, Commercial, Community, Educational, Residential, Housing, Health and Recreation.
Some of these projects include:
- Tea Warehousing Project and Value added Industry in Mombasa
- Tea Factory in Kisii
- Tea Factory in Kipchabo
- Horticultural farm structures at Nyahururu comprising offices, cold rooms, grading rooms, green houses & demonstration farm.
- Shopping Complex at Thika
- Kilifi Beach hotel in Mombasa
- Catholic Complex Centre – Karen, Nairobi
- Embu Branch of Co-operative Bank
- Ukulima Branch Co-operative Bank, Nairobi
Several Ambassadorial Villas in Karen, Nairobi
Getso Consultants’ eminent position in the construction industry has been well earned
Modern construction is complex. Design of a building is subject to functional, dimensional, technological and financial constraints. It requires a team, which brings together people of varied training and experience - architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders.
The professional quantity surveyor by virtue of training and experience is a key member of the construction team - the essential link between the client who commissions the building, architects and engineers who design it, and the builders who build it. He is the expert on construction costs, control of expenditure and contractual issues, and communications. His services are used from the inception of a project to its completion.
Expert cost advice is essential. It is no use designing a building which meets the functional, dimensional and technological requirements of the brief, and is aesthetically satisfying, but which the client cannot afford. These are some of the crucial roles undertaken by Getso Consultants in the building and construction industry in Kenya.
Humble beginnings
Getso Consultants is a firm of Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers that was established in March 1987. From a very humble start, the firm has grown significantly over the years.
Staffing
The company enjoys the services of very qualified staff who all work as a team. This has gone a long way in fulfilling the firm’s motto of “Giving clients good value for money invested”.
The principal partners are Mr. Samson Getui Obae and Mr. Brian Kipkorir Toroitich. Mr Obae has been in the industry for over 25 years. He is a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Building Economics from the University of Nairobi and a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Mr. Toroitich has been in the industry for over 10 years. He is a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Building Economics from the University of Nairobi and a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
Getso Consultants has extensive experience in all matters of Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Design and Arbitration. The firm has been invloved in different types of building and civil works. It has participated in many different projects ranging from residential buildings, commercial and office buildings, office refurbishment and remodelling, evaluation and monitoring of projects, recreational and church buildings, health facilities and educational institutions. Getso has managed over 240 projects in Kenya alone.
Getso projects
Some of the notable projects that Getso has been involved in include Tamarind Gardens in Nairobi Westlands, New Branch Premises at Esso Complex Muthaiga for Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited, Republic of Sudan Embassy on Kabarnet Gardens, Rehabilitation of Bruce House for the National Social Security Fund, Eden Beach Apartments in Shanzu Mombasa, Westlands Hotel for Westlands Hotels Limited (Funded jointly by CBA and Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited), Extensions to Voi Safari Lodge in Tsavo National Park for Kenya Lodges Hotels, rehabilitation of health facilities in Nyanza and Western Provinces for the Ministry of Health funded by the African Development Bank and the Kisumu Pentecostal Church Administration block for the Christ is the Answer Ministries.
Specific activities
As a firm of reputable quantity surveyors and building economists, Getso Consultants has been advising on all costs and contractual matters and acting as accountants to the projects undertaken. While playing this and other roles, the firm provides a link between the client, the designer (Architect and/or Engineer) on the one side and the producers (the Main and Sub-contractor) on the other. Getso also specializes in the harmony of the whole of the industry ranging from technical, financial, contractual, legal matters, among others, in undertaking their linkage role mentioned above.
In collaboration with the parties involved in a building project, especially the Architect and Engineer, the firm provides the following specific services:
Inception stage
At the project inception stage, Getso usually advises on what size and standard of structure should be erected for any given expenditure budget set by the client. At this stage the firm can also contribute in advising the client on possible investments if the client is not definite on the brief.
Feasibility stage
At the feasibility stage, Getso carries out preliminary cost studies, comparing alternative materials and designs in terms of capital, operating, maintenance and depreciation costs. This usually involves studies on the economic and physical circumstances surronding the project and assessing and advising on likely effects and constraints on the implementation of the project.
Design stage
After obtaining all the significant details of the client’s requirements relevant to costs, the firm prepares a preliminary cost of proposed project or assesses the type and size of structure that can be erected for any given expenditure. This will help to monitor and evaluate all the designs as they evolve so as to re-examine, supplement and confirm cost information assembled earlier to ensure that a building can be erected within an approved expenditure.
Other important roles
Getso is also involved in preparation of tender documents, the tendering process itself, valuation of tenders from bidders, post contract administration, preparation of final accounts, arbitration and general project management. The latter two roles have become increasingly important in recent years, due to the changing conditions in the construction industry and the contract documentation that can lead to disputes and claims. One of the methods of solving some of these disputes and claims is through arbitration. Getso Consultants is ready and equipped with the expertise to handle arbitration matters.
Again, the market has involved lately and it has become important to have project management undertaken separately from quantity surveying.
Evolving industry trends have brought into focus the need for project management as a separate discipline and Getso risen to meet this demands by setting up its project mamangement arm.
Getso Consultants has strived to attain its present position in the industry and is poised to achieve even greter heights of achievement in both the scope and range of clients it can serve.
Ngong View Apartments
Taking luxury and comfort to a new level
The demand for modern residential houses in the Kenyan Capital Nairobi has continued to rise sharply. For the discerning city dweller, a good residential house should not only be comfortable, it must also be accessible and well supplied with extra facilities that have been lacking in the traditional city house. Added facilities such as satellite TV, swimming pools, ample parking, water reservoirs to provide water in times of scarcity, standby generators, among other facilities, are now key considerations for the modern city tenant.
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Ngong View Apartments located along Ngong Road, between Kirichwa and Menelik Roads have been designed with the modern city dweller in mind. They offer comfort, accessibility to the city centre and are close to essential facilities such as shopping malls, petrol stations and hospitals. The project commenced in February 2008 and is due for completion in mid June 2009.
Materials
The ultra-modern apartments are in three blocks, each consisting of 8 units. The blocks have been laid in a unique way to allow for better circulation. The windows are steel casement of different shapes to suit the room. The floors and ceilings have plastered slab while the pent-houses have chipboard ceiling finish. For the roof, Portuguese clay tiles have been used. The floor finish for all rooms is wood parquet except for wet areas, staircases and balconies where carefully selected ceramic tiles have been used.
Special facilities
The apartment blocks have fire equipment positioned strategically within them. They are supplied with underground water reservoirs, satellite TV, a swimming pool and ample car parking.
Challenges
When the project started, it suffered an initial setback over procurement of steel and good quality timber. Procurement of finances was also a challenge. However, Oikocredit, one of the world’s largest sources of private funding to the microfinance sector came on-board and this problem was addressed. Water supply and electricity connection have also posed a significant challenge. The project too was not spared by the post election violence which face the country soon at the beginning of last year delayed commencement of the work.
Selecting the project team
The project consultants were selected by the Client in consultation with a Technical Advisor after intensive interviews on their experience in handling projects of a similar nature. The main contractor and their sub-contractors were selected through a competitive tendering process.
Other projects
Kanja & Partners, the Principal Architects for the Ngong View Apartments have had a long and illustrious career in the building and construction industry in Kenya. Some of the projects they have been involved in include a Convent, Hostels and Conference Hall for the Mary Immaculate Sisters of Nyeri in Hurlingham; Office Block for Misha Investments, Parklands; Extension to the Guest House for Kenya Aids Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) and office partitioning for the Norwegian Church Aid Eastern Africa Region in Westlands, Nairobi, among other projects.
Project Team
Client: All Africa Conference of Churches
Architect: Kanja & Partners-Architects
Project Managers: Pinnacle Projects Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Fredmar Quantity Surveyors
Structural Engineers: Xenocon Consulting Engineers
Electrical &Mechanical Eng: Metro Eng Consultants
Main Contractor: Kilimanjaro Construction Ltd
Subcontractors: Volcanic Plumbing Works Ltd.
Reliable Electrical Engineers
Selling agents: Tysons Kenya Ltd.