UBUNIFU - 2025 101ENEA leverages high-rise incremental construction to maximize land value affordably. This allows low-income students to occupy entry-level units and expand into more modules as their income increases.The basic structural unit is a 3.3x6.6x3.3 m prefabricated glue-laminated timber space frame that is placed onto a 3.3x3.3m spatial grid. Users then enclose their spaces using modular prefabricated stud-framed wall panels that are lightweight and easy to mount and demount. Sanitary fittings and other service installations are then installed using specialized labour on demand. This hybrid utilization of sweat equity reduces and fragments construction costs while maintaining consistency through prefabrication.03. Building Technology
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UBUNIFU - 2025 72ObuyaAchiengAs a student architect, I believe it is essential to design spaces that cater to the needs of everyone in the community, especially marginalized groups like violence victims. Inclusive architecture fosters a sense of belonging and safety while empowering individuals by providing environments that support healing and recovery. Prioritizing accessibility and functionality, I created a space that accommodates diverse needs, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to essential services and support systems. This commitment to social equity in design reflects the broader role of architecture in shaping resilient communities and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Ultimately, I see my work as an opportunity to influence societal change through thoughtful design that uplifts and protects vulnerable populations.UBUNIFU - 2025 105Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)[email protected]
Article106 UBUNIFU - 2025SalamaUrban
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108 UBUNIFU - 2025Article01. Urban Scope: RevitilizationUrban revitalization is a transformative process that must prioritize social equity and inclusivity in architectural design. Modern urban planning requires a holistic approach that centers marginalized communities as active participants rather than passive recipients of development. Community-centered design demands collaborative processes where residents are equal stakeholders in shaping their urban environments. Innovative funding models, including blended finance strategies, can support comprehensive development that addresses economic, social, and infrastructural
Effective urban renewal goes beyond physical infrastructure, focusing on creating opportunities for social mobility and cultural preservation. I intentionally decided to dismantle discriminatory design practices that have traditionally marginalized certain populations. By recognizing and valuing community diversity.What if we create spaces that are not just physically functional, but socially transformative. Ultimately, respresenting a critical strategy for building more equitable, connected, and vibrant communities.This project is an attempt at transforming the urban environment to reflect everyone in the urban context by:1. Addressing socio-economic challenges through spatial interventions2. Dismantle discriminatory design practices3. Create accessible spaces that welcome diverse communities4. Affordable housing policies5. Cultural preservation6. Economic opportunity creation7. Social inclusion programs8. Corporate social responsibility investments9. Social impact investmentsUBUNIFU - 2025 109
Article110 UBUNIFU - 202501. Urban Scope: Revitilization
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Article112 UBUNIFU - 2025Nairobi's high-rise urban form reflects an architectural landscape that relatively integrates environmental consciousness and technological innovation. The building materials used are predominantly utilize steel and reinforced concrete as primary structural materials.But what if we could intergrate materials that essentially mimic nature?Materials that merge sustainability with style?Nature-inspired building materials represent a profound return to architectural wisdom that traditional African designs inherently understood. By mimicking natural systems, we can create buildings that are not just structures, but living, breathing ecosystems.By embracing biomimetic design, architects can create spaces that are not just visually stunning but also environmentally responsive, drawing inspiration from the rich architectural heritage of traditional African building practices.The future of architecture lies in understanding that buildings are not separate from nature, but an integral part of ecological systems. Contemporary design can integrate traditional materials like bamboo, rammed earth, and local stones with sleek, minimalist aesthetics, creating spaces that are both visually stunning and environmentally responsive. In this project the attempt was to bridge contemporaty design principles and biomimetic priciples by reserching on self suffiecient materials.02. Urban Scope: Context with Materials
UBUNIFU - 2025 113Mycelium is a root organism that occurs in fungus composites or fungal biocomposites which possess several material properties that qualify them as a potential building material. These properties contribute to structural intergrity,sustainability and versatility.03. Materiality: Research DesignCONCEPTTo design a material that mirrors natures ingenuity effortlessly blending sustainability with style1.Mycelium biocomposites2.Rice Husk Ash3.Reeds or Vetiver grassRice Husk Ash is obtained by burning rice husks at controlled temperature and this can be used as a supplementary cementious material. RHA acts as a pozzolan when it reacts with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form additional cementious compounds. This enhances strenth and durability of concrete while reducing amount of cement needed,which can lower the carbon footprint of concrete production.Vetiver grass is a versatile and resilient plant plant that offers several properties suitable for construction applications.
Article114 UBUNIFU - 2025Mycelium Panels or Bricks1. Interior cladding panels.2. Acoustic insulation layer.3. Thermal insulation layer under roofing membrane.4. Eco-friendly cabinetry cores or wall panelling.5. Acoustic ceiling panels in suspended ceiling detail Rice Husk Ash (Pozzolanic Additive or Finish Material)1. Foundation detail as an additivein slab or concrete footing.2. Floor slab re-inforcement details (concrete with RHA improves strength)3. Exterior plaster (RHA in lime or cement-based plaster for durability.4. Interior wall finish (Lightweight breathable plaster).5. Floor finish (Modified RHA) - floor tiles or roofing. 1452345213
UBUNIFU - 2025 115Vetiver Grass1. Infill material in timber or bamboo-framed walls in eco buildings.2. Feature wall panel (woven vetiver in interior detail. Interior partitions and facility).3. Reed-mat ligning in ceiling detail.12 3
Article116 UBUNIFU - 202504. Spatial ConfigurationCONCEPT:To design spatial parameters required to foster healing maily in the form of affordable housing,low cost housing for the domestic violence survivors.A domestic violence recovery center requires carefully designed spaces that prioritize survivor safety, privacy, and holistic healing, including secure counseling rooms, administrative zones, and controlled access points. The center should incorporate multipurpose areas for community building, personal development, and psychological support, such as group activity rooms, libraries, and wellness spaces. Individual restoration zones like private rooms, child-friendly areas, and personalized spaces that are crucial for rebuilding self-confidence and providing a sense of dignity and independence.
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Article118 UBUNIFU - 202505. Form BuildingThe design prioritizes a protective yet empowering environment for survivors, emphasizing privacy, security, and psychological safety. The layout uses natural elements, strategic building placement, and sound-reducing materials to foster tranquility and control. Flexible, simple spatial configurations support personal expression while ensuring comfort and healing, with a strong focus on the psychological impact of light, acoustics, materials, and color.
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Article120 UBUNIFU - 2025Room Typologies
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UBUNIFU - 2025 03This magazine is not a showcase , it is a current. Step in.UBUNIFU - 2025UBUNIFU - 2025 12303
Published by Boogertman + PartnersOn behalf of the Ubunifu Student Programmewww.boogertmanandpartners.comNairobiDesign & Layout by Boboth Studioswww.bobothstudios.comThis is not the end of a project. It's the beginning of a different kind of question