This is Kingfisher’s Nest.

A high-rise block of serviced apartments with an unforgettable facade and an interior as efficient as Swiss clockwork. The atrium is functional, providing light and a healthy amount of ventilation. Over and above that, it creates communication between the two wings of the building just like the original atria of ancient Rome. Or perhaps it is similar to the courtyard in an African boma.

Where the atrium leaves off, the bridges take over, providing more connection points. More opportunities for the modern day tenant, bogged down by work constraints and harrassed by city pressures, to find an anchor in benign social interaction. Community.

Marco Carolei, one of the creative minds behind Avanti Architecture Limited, says, “As we designed the building, it was important to us to create a sense of community. The atrium achieved that for us.”

He remarks with pleasure, “The interesting thing about creating curved balconies is the sense of closeness they engender. Tenants could literally talk across balconies without feeling like they’re shouting across a ravine.”

This was a positive consequence that the three architects did not expect but welcome gladly. In the same vein, there is plenty that seems serendipitous about the design choices the architects and client made on this project.

Samuel Kamondai, lead design, narrates with lots of chuckles their decision on the colourways.“We had been toying with the idea of adding colour to the building. At the time Marco and I were both quite fixated on Nike’s Air Max release which was a multicolored ombre shoe. Simultaneously, our client was looking for a common thread between the building and his favourite bird the kingfisher.”

He settles back in his chair with an air of satisfaction, “ Eventually, after a few color studies we agreed on blue, green and orange. The colours of the kingfisher.”

Even their prostration before the gods of budget and finance led to choices that lend the building an old world charm. Demonstrative of this, are the hexagonal precast concrete blocks that form the ventilation of the building. Their original choice would have been ultramodern and expensive. However, what they created is a delicious throwback moment that lets much more of the outside in. Even the terrazzo finishes chosen for ease of application and maintenance maintain a friendly duel with the aluminium strips used for detailing. A marriage of old and new. Raw and polished.

Creating this iconic masterpiece was no mean feat, it required the technical expertise of Kennedy Wambugu, the third member of the Avanti Architecture trio.

“We had to put our foot down insist that the contractor create a fibreglass mould in order to build the balconies. It was the only way to achieve symmetry.”

A man of few words, Kennedy opines, “Form follows function. The building has got to make sense as you build it, right to the smallest detail. Otherwise you and your client will waste so much time and money rectifying.”

For a man so enamoured of the details, the dearth of skilled and passionate craftsmen in the local industry is a major frustration.

“That’s the disconnect in the industry. Most people just want to build as fast and as cheaply as they can.”

Kennedy fiddles with his pen, drawing out the words slowly, “You may dream big as an architect but if you can’t find a contractor and fundis who can chase your dream with you, it’s a waste.”

“People don’t see the exemplary drawings you started with, they see the final building. Good or bad.” He chuckles ruefully.

Perhaps he is thinking of bygone projects because Kingfisher’s Nest is the realisation of a dream. The dream of a client to leave a legacy in Nairobi’s ever changing urban landscape. The dream of three architects who caught a wave and rode the creative muse to a pinnacle of light, color, and form.

In parting, Samuel says, “Architecture is not just what you see, it’s also how you feel in the space and about the space. IT’S SPIRITUAL.”