Runda Villa exterior — two linear pavilions on a sloped site in Runda, Nairobi, with a pool terrace stepping down to the garden

Runda Villa

Runda, Nairobi

YEAR 2022
TYPOLOGY Residential

THE BRIEF

The client, a young family returning to Nairobi after a decade abroad, sought a sanctuary that felt modern and minimalist yet deeply connected to the tropical climate of Runda. They needed an expansive 5-bedroom home that prioritised outdoor living and privacy.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

Site Area
0.75 Acre
Built Area
620 sqm
Year
2022
Scope
Architecture & Interior Design

The Constraint

"The site's primary challenge was its long, narrow geometry and a significant 3-metre slope toward the rear. Standard layouts would have resulted in dark interior spaces and a disconnected garden. I had to rethink the traditional box to ensure light reached every corner."

Runda Villa site context — the sloped red volcanic soil plot in Runda, Nairobi, looking out over the surrounding landscape and mature trees

THE CONCEPT

Linear Pavilions

The 'Linear Pavilions' concept breaks the programme into two distinct volumes connected by a glass bridge. This creates a series of internal courtyards that act as light wells and lungs for the house, while the stepped levels follow the natural topography of the site.

Hand-drawn concept sketch of the Runda Villa — luxury villa in Runda, Nairobi, showing two concrete and timber pavilions stepping down a sloped site

Concept Sketch — Linear Pavilions

Runda Villa exterior — the completed residence showing the two linear pavilions with exposed concrete and timber screens on the sloping Nairobi landscape, with a pool terrace at garden level

KEY DECISIONS

01

Stepped Terracing

Instead of levelling the site, I stepped the ground floor across three levels. This created a natural flow from the formal living area down to the poolside terrace, reducing the need for massive retaining walls and preserving the existing mature trees.

02

Deep Eaves & Thermal Mass

I used 2.5-metre concrete overhangs to protect the glass facades from the harsh equatorial sun. Combined with high-thermal-mass exposed concrete walls, the house remains naturally cool throughout the day without air conditioning.

Runda Villa exterior — the completed two-pavilion residence in Runda, Nairobi, with pool terrace and tropical landscaping at dusk

Exterior — Pool Terrace at Dusk

Runda Villa dining and kitchen area — marble island, warm timber cabinetry, and floor-to-ceiling glass looking out to the private courtyard garden Runda Villa site context — the sloped red volcanic soil of the Runda plot before construction, showing the topography that shaped the stepped pavilion design

"A minimalist retreat that uses the Runda slope to create a sequence of intimate, light-filled spaces — without levelling a single tree."

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