Red Pepper House: Local Construction Systems, Workmanship, and Sense of Space

africanCities, Low Density, Project, Territory and mobility, Urko Sánchez Architects

Africa, africanCities, Housing, Local manufacture, Local resources, Local solutions, Natural dialogue, Natural metaphor, On Discourse and Practices, Private housing, Project, Return to nature, Singular Housing, Territorial Approach, Ventilation

Located on the island of Lamu towards the north end of the town, the plot is immersed in vegetation and bordered by the beach on its southeast slopes. The forest, consisting mainly of mangroves, provides very few open spaces in between and hosts an abundance of chirping birds. These natural features enable the development of a building, whose design creates a harmonious dialogue with its surroundings. Without being completely isolated from the local population, its location provides a space where privacy is safeguarded by the nature that surrounds it.

CA'ASI Association, France, Young Architects in Africa Competition 2014, winner

AAK-Awards of Excellence in Architecture, Kenya; Best Hospitality Industry Project 2013

Archdaily building of the year 2013, finalist

International Property Awards Africa; Best Architecture Single Residence Kenya, 2012-13

Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, 2011

Condé Nast Traveller Spain Gold List, 2011