BRITAM Tower

Nairobi, Kenya

The Britam Tower has redefined the Nairobi skyline and raised sustainable standards after becoming the first Edge certified building in Kenya.

The vision was to create a landmark building in Nairobi’s emerging new business district for the client, British American Insurance, while creating office space to attract other Class A companies - and at 32 storeys, the tower is the tallest building in Nairobi and the third tallest in Africa.

Designed to international standards, the buildings prismatic 3D geometry is unique for Nairobi. The façade comprises a full-height glass curtain wall, which provides great views of the area and the “veil” of ceramic rods function as a ‘brise-soleil shading solution.

The shading allows office floors to be entirely naturally ventilated and while other environmental solutions allow it to become more self- sufficient and less reliant on local utilities.

Sustainability principles have been key with passive solutions that include renewable energy from wind turbines; intelligent lighting controls; good solar control; natural ventilation for office floors (and common areas); good daylighting; bore hole, water conservation measures; rainwater harvesting and water recycling and use of local materials.

We carried out extensive thermal and daylight analysis to achieve the environmental objectives without compromising the aesthetic. Through this, we were able to source new glazing materials which diffused radiation, providing a shading solution.

Again taking advantage of the site location and Nairobi’s climate, a bore hole is provided for continuous uninterrupted water supply – a luxury in Africa.

These design solutions were achieved through detailed analysis of the local climate and existing site conditions using technologies and standards not readily available locally.