The plan holds 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large living room opening a wrap-around view oriented porch. The kitchen is located around distinctive key-shaped food prep. The features are a long island capped by pub-height table with chairs for fun relaxed vibe. The master suite offers the best view from its private deck. The design allows storage later expansion of extra rooms if needed. The simple shape makes this home design affordable. The glass windows and doors on both sides of the house flood the great room with light. The master suite and the 2 bedrooms are opposite the end of great room for maximum privacy. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and a trough sink. The kitchen island includes a sink and an eating bar. The kitchen also has an ample counter space that wraps around a central breakfast bar and a dining room rests of to the side. The front porch is spacious enough to function as an outdoor room. The interior is spacious, open and filled with light with well –placed windows. Lowered ceilings and soffits differentiate one activity place from another leaving open views throughout the house and creating a sense of shelter and intimacy. All spaces are compact but still enough and well laid out to work properly. The master bedroom is a flexible space thanks to the Murphy bed in one wall and a wide work counter running under dormer windows. The main entry to the great room is between dining and living area. The screen porch offers a shady place to relax on sunny days or take a drink and head out to the deck. The entry courtyard and roof top deck are the defining feature of this home and make sure it stands out on the block.
This 4-bedroom house includes a wide porch and an open plan. The cleverly simple layout ensures easy construction process. It also has spacious kitchen, 2 baths and a detached garage. Inside the kitchen and great room combine with the porch to give the impression of spaciousness. The kitchen island is spacious enough to prepare food while still interacting with other members in the living room. The kitchen is flanked by the living area on one side and dining on the other. The owner suite has a roomy bathroom and a walk-in closet. It is designed for indoor-outdoor living and entertainment all through. The back door opens to the kitchen at the back side of the house. The living room is vaulted with a see-through fireplace. The other bedrooms share a bath with dual sinks and separate bathing compartment. The front porch creates strong street presence while capturing views and breeze. The kitchen maximizes space and holds dishwasher, full size range with oven and built-in microwave. The house is not designed to be portable but to be poured with concrete perimeter foundation. The main floor plan mixes a dining area and living room with a modern great space that covers the kitchen and family room. The positioning of the living area and the kitchen enhance the ability to enjoy multiple entertaining opportunities. The floor plan creates plenty of exterior views and numerous covered areas to retreat and enjoy the outdoors. The master bathroom is bathed with natural light from windows and enjoys a large vanity with dual sinks. Utility areas includes walk- in pantry and utility room with sink and storage. The master suite also creates some flexibility depending on the owner’s preference view opportunities such as removing windows for bed wall placement. The spacious master runs from front to back and features a private sitting bay with its own deck access.
Garden Estate Marurui House. 4 bedroomed. Kes 15,000,000
PLAN DESCRIPTION
This design incorporates a stunning exterior. A great room and dining boast a cathedral ceiling and brick accent walls open to a specious screen porch with its own in-built grill and sink for backyard entertaining. 3 bedrooms are well sized and all include a walk-in closet. A large porch welcomes visitors inside, where the open layout encourages a relaxed lifestyle. The master suite’s walk-in closet opens directly to the laundry room. The master also has a tray ceiling, whirlpool tub and a corner glass shower. The laundry room has a shower and toilet for more convenience. A gourmet kitchen is located between a light breakfast nook and formal dinning room directly to the spacious great room. The kitchen features include built-in desk and a center cooking island. The dining room sits near the front not far from butler’s pantry. Triangular snack bar graces the kitchen and provides space for casual meals. Lockers keep the entrance from the garage tidy. The house offers a bonus flexible room over the spacious two car garage. The living area offers a large sliding door for access to a grand outdoor entertaining space. The great room a fireplace which warms up the great room, which flows into the open dining area and to a large screened porch. The patio is accessible from both the screened porch and master bedroom. Upstairs loft has 3 bedrooms, lots of storage and a loft. The bedrooms have a box bay windows which gives a lovely view of backyard. The rear deck offers more outdoor living space. Linen closet is positioned between the bedrooms just around the corner is a full hall bath for the 3 bedrooms. The octagonal den across from the foyer is a private spot for reading or studying. A wraparound veranda, and turrets–this beautiful facade conceals a modern floor plan.
This 4-bedroom plan creates very warm and inviting place for house owners to call a home. Features in this plan includes large bedrooms, private master suites, lots of storage, a pantry, a living room, dining room and kitchen that is perfect for entertaining and raised ceilings both in the master bedroom and living room. A vaulted ceiling gives an airy feeling to the living room and has a wide window to let in natural light. A cozy fireplace makes the living area feel like a home. Large bedrooms give everyone a plenty elbow room in this modern house. Storage abounds throughout the house with big kitchen pantry, huge walk- in closet for the master suit and a mudroom. Conservative clean lines define the exterior of this plan. The kitchen out to the living area over a peninsula eating bar with a counter perfect for entertainment as well as a large pantry. The kitchen also has a plenty of cupboards and work space. Living area gas fireplace provides warmth and color while the built-in hutch add functionality to the dining room. Tabs on activities can be kept inside and out from anywhere in the kitchen. A huge bay window expands the palatial owner’s suite. A pathway utility is outfitted with deep sink and pull-down ironing board. A large and luxurious bedroom sits a half-flight up from the main floors, where they boast a private railed deck. Upstairs each bedroom has a walk-in closet and access to a full bath. Upstairs has plenty of attic storage. Also, upstairs bonus space provided can be perfect for family game room and also adds flexibility. Tapered columns and decorative trusses adorn the exterior. The master suite has a soaking tub and a glass shower enclosure with walk- in closet featuring a built-in dresser and a custom island.
4 Bedroomed House. Kes 20m. Rongai near Nazarene University4 Bedroomed House. Kes 20m. Rongai near Nazarene University4 Bedroomed House. Kes 20m. Rongai near Nazarene University
PLAN DESCRIPTION
This plan is a beautiful mix of design and functionality which provides the most efficient use of space possible. Indoor/outdoor living takes center stage with the casual areas and enclosed, lounge room that also features a fireplace. A large family valet is conveniently located upon approach from the garage. The kitchen displays a walk-in pantry, a separate center island and large snack bar. The kitchen snacks counter adds the casual seating within sight of open dining room. The master suite offers a double walk-in closets and vanities, storage linen, spacious bathroom with two sinks as well as walk-in shower. A mudroom off the garage has pantry and seat for taking off shoes. The great room has a cathedral ceiling and open to the spacious screen porch with its own built-in grill for backyard entertaining.3 additional bedrooms share full bath. The architectural plan also displays large rooms, raised ceilings, multiple storage while still being economical to build. The design of the living areas and oversized sliding doors make it possible to extend interior space to the porches. The front porch wraps around the sides and meets screened porch in back enhancing plenty of options for outdoor enjoyment. The island kitchen flows in to the spacious family room, where the fireplace is the focal point. The house a covered porch. Storage space in the garage will come in handy. The master suite enjoys a private location tucked in the back-right corner. A shuttered window brightens the entry foyer. Arch top windows overlook a rear covered porch accessed through French door. Upstairs bedrooms are just desirable with complete panoramic views and attended by a private deck. High windows create a spacious, sunny feeling in the living room and breakfast area both opening with French doors. Covered porches offer opportunities for outdoor living.
Exterior walls highlighted by simple window treatment and effective triangular-patterns introduce a fine and stylish home. Straight from double front doors is the formal living area. Past the built-in book shelves of the family room is the hallway to the sleeping zone. To the other side is the formal dining with its half walls and tray ceiling. High ceilings and superb architectural planning contribute to the spaciousness of the interior. The living area is warmed by a fireplace as a sliding glass door provide views in all direction. Two bedrooms share a full bath and a closet linen. The kitchen is centrally placed and holds storage closets, an island cooktop and direct access to the outdoor covered patio. The island kitchen also serves a convenient snack bar, while the nearby formal dining room offers privacy and light from a bay window. A storage area at the back is accessed from outside and allows room for sports equipment and other items. A deck wraps around the sides to allow access from the master bedroom and from the living area. The dramatic foyer has a high ceiling and abundance of natural light. A master wing soothes the homeowner with a sumptuous bath, walk-in closet and inner retreat. Skylights and a bay window create a bright and cheerful breakfast nook next to the island kitchen. The living and dining areas offer space for formal entertaining. The master bedroom comes complete with spacious dressing room and vanity master bathroom. The plan offers a multiple storage area, open floor plan and much more while still being economical to build. The laundry room is steps away from the kitchen and the hall bath for easy clean up. Roof line is simple and extended down to create porches for enjoying gentle breezes and spectacular views. This design is the perfect mix of classic styling and modern interior spaces and features.
The need for proper access control and barricading buildings cannot be overemphasised.
Terrorism is an ever-evolving global phenomenon that is unlikely to go away any time soon.
At DusitD2, it emerged that certain features of the building may have taken the terrorists by surprise, in the process saving many lives.
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Last Saturday was greeted with joy and pride as Eliud Kipchoge, in typical fashion, once again put the country on the world map by doing what was thought impossible: running a marathon in under two hours.
As that ground-breaking event took place though, families of at least 10 General Service Unit (GSU) officers were in mourning. The lives of these police officers were brutally cut short after the vehicle they were travelling in ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Degoh Road in Garissa County, a device suspected to have been planted by Al Shabaab militants.
Such a brutal act reminds Kenyans about the ever present threat of terror that hangs perilously within the country’s borders.
WESTGATE ATTACK
From the Westgate attack to the Garissa University attack and recently the DusitD2 complex attack, Kenyans know what the face of terror looks like and the misery that it leaves in its wake.
While Kenya’s security forces’ response to such attacks seems to have improved over time, experts in the construction industry concur that much needs to be done in the built environment to complement their efforts. Terrorism is an ever-evolving global phenomenon that is unlikely to go away any time soon.
This being the case, pertinent questions emerge: are there certain architectural designs that make buildings vulnerable to terror attacks? Also, is there something that can be done to make sure that efforts by first responders save as many lives as possible in case of a terrorist attack carried out in a building? The answer is a big ‘Yes’.
In the wake of DusitD2 attack, like in many other similar attacks before this one, a common chronology of events is emerging.
It all begins with a few explosions near the entrance/exits, followed by heavy gunfire meant to spark confusion and send everyone scampering for safety without giving thought to whether they are running where the terrorists want them to run. And then the dreaded part, a face-to-face encounter with the terrorists.
TERRORISM
In an opinion piece in the Nation after the attack on DusitD2, security and terrorism analyst and consultant Mr Gitaa Nyasani urged the government to consider working “with construction industry stakeholders to come up with building design standards for mass public access facilities and venues such as shopping centres, incorporating practical and rapidly deployable isolation features during an attack.”
For instance, at DusitD2, it emerged that certain features of the building may have taken the terrorists by surprise, in the process saving many lives.
Large open plan office interior without people. PHOTO | AGENCIES
For instance, according to media reports, reinforced steel and glass doors barricaded the hostages and made it impossible for the terrorists to reach them. Additionally, automated security doors opened only by swiping tags denied the terrorists entry.
Speaking to DN2 from Australia, where he is based, Mr Nyasani said that his sentiments were intended to add to the richness of that debate and to make a contribution towards development of a comprehensive national counter terrorism response strategy.
Giving his professional view, Mr Francis Gichuhi, an architect and founder of architectural firm A4 Architects, says that a look at all the malls that have been hit by terrorist across the world reveals a similarity in design.
DESIGN
“There are certain building designs that can make the environment conducive for terrorist attacks,” he says. “When a building is designed like a fort and has a central core, that provides a perfect opportunity for terrorists to take as many lives as they can.”
To put it simply, in architecture, a core is a vertical space used for circulation and services. It is also referred to as a circulation core or service core.
It may include staircases, elevators, and risers, which allow people to move between the floors of a building, and distributes services efficiently to the floors. Often, this is where electrical cables and water pipes pass through.
Mr Gichuhi expresses concern that a majority of hotels, shopping malls and key buildings are built around a central core, making then very vulnerable to terror attacks.
According to him, terrorists are less likely to attack a building where there is more visibility from the outside. He gives the example of Galleria shopping mall, located at the Junction of Magadi and Lang’ata Road, where the circulation spaces as well as the balconies are visible from the outside.
Mr Kevin Oduor, principal architect and CEO of Do Design Consultants (DDC Architects) agrees with Mr Gichuhi in regard to visibility.
HIDEOUS PLANS
He says, “When someone is seated in an open space where one can see what’s happening around them, they tend to feel safe as opposed to when they are in a fully enclosed space where they can’t see what’s happening outside. An attacker will favour a place with less natural surveillance to execute their hideous plans.”
Yet another building that comes up in the discussion is The Hub Karen. The availability of spaces between the blocks, Mr Gichuhi says, provides circulation points, denying a criminal the opportunity to seal off the whole building like they did at DusitD2 hotel and West Gate Mall.
In the aftermath of the US Embassy attack in Nairobi in 1998, a US law required new embassies to be built at least 30 meters (100 feet) away from the nearest road. And it is easy to see why.
Mr Nyasani points out a notorious modus operandi for the Al Shabaab.
“They use vehicles laden with high explosives to ram and breach security barriers, a tactic that is in the DNA of their modus operandi. This tactic has been used with devastating efficiency while targeting prominent buildings such as hotels and markets in and around Mogadishu as well as when targeting AU Mission forces in Somalia.”
4 bedroomed Maisonette at Kinoo, Waiyaki way. Kes 9m
This home seamlessly combines elements from the urban home style to create a wonderfully quaint design.
This home has a combination of living room and well sized bedrooms with large linen on the second floor which share a jack and Jill bath.
It also has a useful and connected car garage at the ground floor level.
The master suite invites you to relax in luxurious bathroom with two sinks, large shower and separate tub.
The master suite also has barn doors which open to two walk-in closets.
The laundry room sits just steps away on first floor. The plan makes use of space and provides an island with an eat at the bar kitchen.
The kitchen features a prep sink on the island plus a walk-in pantry. The layout draws you into a great room where a brick accent wall and two sets of French doors add elegance.
A welcoming porch wraps around the front with another back porch in back for outdoor grilling fun. The porches are large and have an open design which facilitates comfortable living as well as terrific entertaining space.
Every bedroom has a high level wall closet.
The great room and entry feature a vaulted ceiling that is 14 feet high.
The house has many features such as window seats, stair tower, lots of storage, bathroom skylights, double vanities and other built-ins. The fireplace provides a cozy ambience in the great room. In the main gathering spaces, the plan ensures there is interaction with family and friends while cooking, eating or hanging out.
The great area is flooded with light from the wall of the floor to the ceiling windows. The main master bedroom receives abundance of natural light through French doors that lead directly to the rear balcony.
The ground floor can be completed to meet any additional space.
Step inside and find where every inch has been incorporated into functional spaces.
This home plan was designed to bring out a house character that is expressed in the continuing connection of interior and exterior spaces.
Spacious kitchen and great room were designed as one space in an open floor design.
The positioning of windows allows continuing sunlight in the house.
The main living room has a higher ceiling thus increasing the volume of the space.
The master bedroom is located separately from the living area to allow privacy.
The master suite also has a bright bay window, two walk-in closets and a comfortable bath.
The second bedroom offers a vaulted ceiling. The house layout has flexibility of options and extra rooms could be extended if necessary.
A small fireplace is tucked in the corner of the great room.
The laundry room features include a large sink for cleaning.
The kitchen has plenty of space with both an island and a counter that serves the great room.
The windows and glass doors are secured with sliding shutters.
Multiple French doors lead to large veranda. The simple forms, shed roof and vaulted ceiling contribute to modern style with lots of light and air.
A vaulted ceiling adds volume to the great area and columns and a bay window add distinction to the dining room.
The sunny communal space provides casual and durable settings for large gatherings.
A sky lit back porch adds charm and expands living space. This architectural design was created as a mix between modern luxury and affordability.
The roof design allows collection of rainwater which can be used for garden landscaping. The pitched roof features brings water to a single downspout. With ample pantry space and built ins, the architectural design can meet the needs of most demanding entertainers.
The openness of living room creates a great flow between different lifestyle activities.
Modern architectural design can feel light and bright as this design proves.
The house is full of wonderful nooks and crannies.
The main living level connects to the street with a front porch and a dining room opens up to views of the backyard with a double height open kitchen and living room connected to an elevated back deck.
All the spaces are compact but still big and well enough laid out to work properly.
The kitchen maximizes space and includes a dishwasher, full size oven and inbuilt microwave.
The upstairs bedrooms have a sloped ceiling on the sides and closets positioned in the lower ceiling space.
This design offers abundant open-air living by the way of an outdoor kitchen, veranda and cabana with fireplace off the great room at the rear of the house.
This home is designed to be low maintenance and energy efficient.
The walk-in pantry is adjacent to the kitchen, the laundry is in the downstairs bedroom wing. As you enter the living room an expansive wall of glass is displayed as the main feature in the room. The main master suite, laundry facilities and guest rest room allow for home-owners to comfortably entertain and age in place.
The master suite is designed to pamper with two closets, twin vanities, a separate shower and a garden tub.
At the first level of house folding doors opens up from the living room to the back deck. The extended overhangs at the high point of the roof provide shading and weather protection for the windows on both first and second floor. The first-floor design was built to maximize the openness of this plan and still allowing for functional built-ins and unique features.
The most captivating interior feature of this plan will be seen upon entering the living room. The living room has a cavernous space that is flooded with natural light to the large amount of glazing on the back wall.
