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Project

Kaloki Nyamai Studio

- Nairobi, Kenya

Kaloki Nyamai Studio in Nairobi is a sculptural, earth-bound structure designed for artistic production and reflection, harmonizing with its wooded landscape.

Modern building on stilts with large windows surrounded by trees and greenery.

A modern building elevated on stilts surrounded by lush greenery, featuring large windows and a sloped pathway leading to the entrance.

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Story

Kaloki Nyamai Studio

A sculptural sanctuary for art in Nairobi's wooded landscape Set within the serene, wooded landscape of Karen, Nairobi, the Kaloki Nyamai Studio is a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature. Designed by Adjaye Associates, this project occupies a narrow 1.33-acre site that gently slopes toward a valley, offering a secluded yet connected environment for artistic production and reflection. The design draws inspiration from traditional African architecture, particularly communal structures and granaries, which inform the project's massing and organization. The building's structural permanence is achieved through an earth-bound material palette, with structural columns and walls coated in earth plaster and constructed from low-carbon concrete and compressed earth brick infill. Elevated on concrete piles, the studio lightly touches the sloping terrain, preserving natural drainage and promoting airflow beneath the structure. The approach to the studio is a gradual transition through the landscape, along a tree-lined path that leads from the public road to an elevated entry ramp. This sequence frames expansive views across the valley, creating a moment of pause before entering the building. At the heart of the studio is a double-height space that provides a generous, light-filled environment for large-scale works. The polished low carbon concrete and earthen floor create a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior. Controlled daylight and flexible circulation allow the studio to function as a place of production, display, and archive. Integrated storage systems, including flat drawer storage for works on paper and sliding racks for large hanging pieces, support the studio's working processes.

Design Highlights

Earth-bound material palette with low-carbon concrete and compressed earth brick Elevated structure on concrete piles preserving natural drainage Double-height studio space with controlled daylight Integrated storage systems for diverse artistic needs

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
Architect Adjaye Associates
Year of Completion 2026
Site Area 1.33 acres
Materials Earth plaster, low-carbon concrete
Structural System Concrete piles, compressed earth brick

Technical summary

Updated 4/3/2026

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Earth plaster coating
  • Floor Finish: Polished low carbon concrete and earthen floor

Materials

  • Low-carbon concrete — Structural system and flooring
  • Compressed earth brick — Infill material
  • Glass — Windows

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Elevated on concrete piles with columns

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: earth tones
  • Lighting: Controlled daylight with natural light filtering through large windows

Images

Modern building on stilts with large windows surrounded by trees and greenery.
Aerial view of a modern building with a flat roof and large windows, surrounded by trees.
Modern building with triangular roof and large windows, surrounded by greenery.
Aerial view of a modern building surrounded by trees and near a water body.
Earth-toned building raised on columns with surrounding greenery and trees.
Modern building with triangular roof and large windows, elevated on columns amidst greenery.
Open space with cylindrical columns and flat roof surrounded by greenery.
Earth-toned building surrounded by trees with an elevated ramp leading to an open doorway.
Earth-toned building partially visible through dense greenery and trees, with an elevated structure and pathway.
Pathway with trees and greenery leading away from black gates.
Pathway to an open door with earthy walls and dappled sunlight, revealing an interior with artwork.
Earth-toned building elevated on piles with trees around.
Earth-toned plaster building elevated on stilts in a wooded area with trees and grass.
Earth-toned structure with textured walls in a wooded area, elevated with trees growing around it.
Pathway with reddish-brown walls and floor, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Building with earth-toned plaster exterior surrounded by trees and vegetation.
Narrow balcony with earth-toned walls and large glass windows overlooking greenery.
Modern building with large grid windows in a natural setting with trees.
Pathway with earthy walls leading to a building entrance, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Interior of a building with textured walls, a polished floor, and a partially open door leading to a room with artwork and natural light.
Art studio interior with large abstract paintings, earthy plastered walls, and polished concrete floor.
Interior of an art studio with large paintings on the walls and a polished floor.
Interior of a room with large artworks on the walls and a grid of windows allowing natural light.
Art studio interior with two large paintings on white walls and a polished concrete floor.
Interior hallway with polished floor and large pivot door, sunlight casting shadows.
Interior view of an art studio with a large grid window, an artist working on the floor with paintings in the background.
Person in a spacious room with large artworks and a high window showing trees.
Interior of a modern space with polished floors, large windows, and a yellow artwork on the wall.
Interior with earth-toned wall and large window casting shadows.
Interior view of a minimalist space with light and shadows on curved walls and a polished floor.
Narrow metal staircase with perforations and sunlight from above.
Digital elevation drawing of a building on stilts with a grid of square openings.
Architectural illustration showing the south elevation of a building with a large window and columns.
Architectural elevation drawing of a rectangular building with windows and columns on a slope.
North elevation drawing of a building with a rectangular form, large window, and central entrance with a ramp.
Architectural floor plan showing the layout of the lower ground floor with ensuite bedrooms and an open area.
Ground floor plan of a building with labeled areas including kitchenette, bathroom, studio/gallery, and office.
Floor plan of a mezzanine level with structural beams and marked areas for sleeping quarters and MEP/plant area.
Section drawing of a building with labeled spaces including WC lobby, studio, terrace, and ensuite bedroom.
Architectural sketch with geometric shapes and structures, including stilts and annotations.

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