The Greenhouse is an upcoming commercial complex located along Ngong Road next to Adams Arcade. Revelers who used to frequent Three Wheels Restaurant know exactly where the complex is as the restaurant had to give way for it. Sitting on one and a half acres, it seems to be the next big thing in the Nairobi business arena. Adams Arcade and Yaya Centre will be a stone throw away while various other amenities will be within easy reach.
It consists of offices and shops spaces for sale, distributed within the five floors of the building. The ground floor is designated for shops and high-end boutique shops while the upper four floors are reserved for offices. Penthouse units for managerial and top-level staff are at the top.
The team behind The Greenhouse complex is the London and Nairobi based Jericho Development Company. The objective behind the commercial centre is to mix international expertise with local knowledge. A group of local architects together with UK-based interior designers have managed to create a very unique complex. The U-shaped master building will comprise three small structures in the middle of a lively green yard.
The complex anticipates more than 1,500 employees to work in the upper floors thus providing shops and restaurants with good business. The Greenhouse complex is designed as an open space and is tailored according to the needs of clients, so that the internal walls are the last to be built.
Spaces are flexibly designed to allow tenants buys space ranging from 35 square meters to 2,500 square meters in each and every floor.
To give it the greenhouse effect, green plants will surround the complex. The middle yard plaza will have huge trees with fountains and water features. Tables will be set outside to serve the restaurant diners.
Three small structures in the middle of the yard serve as roof gardens for the offices. There will be coffee vending machines and benches around the complex to allow the business community conduct meetings or group briefings comfortably. One will also be able to work on their laptop while seated outside courtesy of the wireless broadband service available throughout the complex.
Three scenic glass lifts elevate you to the fourth floor. Parking will not be an issue since the complex has made provision for more than 400 parking lots at two levels within the vicinity — at the underground and ground level.
Surprisingly, introductory prices for the Greenhouse offices are very competitive as prime areas sale for about Kshs 400,000 per square metre and the cheapest space retails for about Kshs 300,000 per square metre.
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Great just great. Out of this world!
Posted by Jeddie Wesh | September 7, 2010, 11:11 amas much as i like reading the articles on architecture Kenya , sometimes it leaves me disappointed and wanting for more. i am yet to see an article crediting the author, architect or the design team, yes those who are responsible for bringing ideas and visions to fruition. if you read any major architectural magazine such as architectural record, information regarding any project is available and if one desired to further explore the subject/project. i salute the architecture Kenya team and i commend them for providing a voice for the Architectural, Engineering and Construction industries (A.E.C)in Kenya, but i do challenge them to push the envelope further and be advocates for the A.E.C shine the light on the individuals that make it happen. for instance in the article “Green House Coming to Nairobi” who are the local architects? perhaps an interview with the local architects would be a nice follow up, or maybe profile the firm. forgive me for my rant but all i’m trying to say is, lets give credit where its due especially when it comes to the local professionals. Architecture Kenya you have a great responsibility, and as long as feed and inspire our passion for architecture and design you will always have a supporter in me. Thank you for the wonderful articles and i look forward to the next.
Posted by Alex | September 7, 2010, 6:15 pmThank you very much Alex for that observation. As a team, we would at any moment endeavor to give all credits where they are due. We are however working under very peculiar circumstances where architects and project managers either have no websites to give information or give little or none at all for those who do. For instance, this article posted above has been worked out from the website of the developer, http://www.thegreenhouse.co.ke, surprisingly though, the website does not mention who the architect is. But after all is said, we have given out our contacts and whoever thinks they can make this article better by adding the missing details is encouraged to do so.
The main purpose of this website is to fill that information gap that i have noted above. We are doing our best but we know that more needs to be done. Alex, be sure that we are working towards that goal.
Posted by Martin | September 8, 2010, 6:03 amthank you for your response and i do believe Architecture Kenya is heading in the right direction. and as one of your readers i hope to spark conversation and dialogs in an effort to offer my little assistance to be part of the solution and support
Posted by Alex Kathilu | September 8, 2010, 5:52 pmHorrible! Way too large for its space. Who shall we thank for extra traffic jams on Ngong road – as if we need any??!! Not to mention the pressure it will place on water and stima infrastructure… What are we trying to do w/Nairobi???????????? What will all these crazy large office parks do when the economic crash finally arrives here? Time will tell…
Posted by Lorna Abungu | September 8, 2010, 6:08 amseriously… do we need another one?????? Havent we got enough!!!
Posted by Athena A Brooke | September 8, 2010, 6:09 aminteresting comment Lorna Abungu. in response i would add that there is a misconception as to what green architecture is. yes you are very correct on how this project will put a stain on the water and power infrastructure. but what are the developers doing to address this problem ? geographically Nairobi is perfect for harnessing solar power which could benefit a project of this magnitude by producing its own energy, and in the long term cut the operating cost of the project. if the government, the Architectural Association of Kenya and all professional bodies that govern the built environment advocated for true green architecture(sustainable design) we would not only benefit from the positive impact on the environment but economically as well. for instance if the government mandated that all commercial and public building must generate at-least 35% of the power they consume and the higher the percentage the larger the tax break the developer would recieve. this could also translate to job creation because the demand for the technologies that would facilitate these numbers would provide employment which include but not limited to installation/maintenance techs, training specialists to teach the techs,manufacturing labor sales folk e.t.c the west has laid the foundation all we have to do is adopt policies that work to our benefit, and be careful not to adopt their mistakes.
Posted by Alex Kathilu | September 8, 2010, 4:50 pmI completely disagree with all the ‘green’ geniuses here.
If you go through their website http://www.thegreenhouse.co.ke you will see that the term ‘greenhouse’ in this case was used as a metaphore. In other words: if you want your business to grow, then buy an office or shop at The Greenhouse. The only reference to ‘green’ is the sorrounding green planters which cover the building from 4 directiions and to the middle yard plaza which will have real grown trees in it as well as the proper planing for light and fresh air.
Any visitor coming to see the structure today will see a big atrium on top. Most probably this is the biggest span in Nairobi that I know. If this is not a greenhouse, then what is? Of course you don’t grow flowers there.
With regards to the credits, I have visited their sales office and saw a powerpoint presentation which explains all the features of the building and credits all the professionals involved. I do concour with some of the responses here that this should have been on the website, but I would have also expected the writer of this article to actually leave his office and visit the construction site itself instead of only relying on the website. To me, this is a landmark in Nairobi’s grey and cluttered office spaces and it comes as fresh breeze after so many boring commercial spaces in the vicinity, let alone CBD.
Naturally, big cities tend to expand and have more commercial activities not only in the centre of town.
Yes, it is a burden on the infrastructure, but would you expect us to stay in huts instead?? The fact that Nairobi City Council is not doing enough in terms of providing more sewer, water and electricity to its existing dwellers is not a reason for us to criticize such an outstanding developments by private entities, who are ready to spend (and gain) money and on the way make our city a much better place.
Posted by John | February 21, 2011, 10:06 pm@ Martin/Architecture Kenya: I second Alex’s comments- I have been interested in the Kenyan architectural scene for a long time, and it’s nice to finally have a way to find out (from outside my homeland) what’s going on.
I visited the link you provided, and it seems like the Greenhouse would be a nice place to work- or shop. The renderings are fabulous. I like the organic feel- the wood,the greenery, and the juxtaposition of the natural and the synthetic.
However, I wonder what percentage of the building’s features are actually sustainable. If I’m reading Alex’s comments correctly, then what would this building look like if it functioned as some kind of ecosystem? If it somehow generated its own electricity,supplied and reused its own water, broke down its own waste, and made no stamp on its environment save for its architectural features? Then it would truly be a green house, and we wouldn’t have to worry about the increasing pressures on our already weak infrastructure.
Posted by Livy | September 8, 2010, 10:05 pmGreat idea! GREEN buildings is the way to go more so with the ever increasing concern and pressure on the limited natural resources of space, energy and water. For such an establishment it would be prudent to have a sustainable energy and waste water reticulation system probably for irrigating the green zone as a long term investment. My point is the green features are admirable but then again they ought to be sustainable by mitigating use of the already strained resources for it to be truly GREEN.
Posted by Conrad | April 5, 2011, 8:08 amCorrect me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the entire ‘green’ concept supposed to envelope energy intake and output: minimizing use utilities as well as the environmental impact it has on the environment and its surroundings? The whole ‘open U’ system for one is good, much like the Burj al Arab, helps with heat generation by the massive structure. I’ve been seeing the development of the building, and for one, I have been concerned with its size in relation to its surroundings. To me it looks like something that much belonged within the CBD, not on Ngong Road where traffic is a nightmare and city services are stretched by Kilimani, Kibera and the ‘strip’ that is Ngong Road itself. If these queries can be answered then my arms will be wider opened for the Greenhouse
Posted by Nathaniel Kevin | September 9, 2010, 6:04 amEvrytime i see such colour, i remember my University lecturer saying more colour is equal to less design. its a reality that solar energy efficiency in terms of lighting is very poor between 10-18% conversion. Solar energy is only efficient in heating water and for this project but i would question the rationale of saving costs by heating water and this is not a hotel where heating water is a major cost.
Green building in the tropics is about orientation,materials, water recycling and ventilation not about solar energy.not to mention the orientation of the building is already wrong. Something else, the nice plant renders are very different from what should be expected…because shadows and space wont allow for them to grow….
Posted by Gatongi | October 11, 2010, 2:06 pmSolar energy is inefficient if you are limited to solar collectors (which help at most with heat – unnecessary in Kenyan climate- and hot water). However, photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. PV cells can be used almost anywhere ( Kenya included), but they are usually supplemented with other active energy systems in case there’s not enough sunshine.
The “greenhouse effect” referred to in this article is far from literal. I’m not sure this building has any “green” features. Then again, Kenya doesn’t have drastic climate changes that would require extensive heat conservation/loss planning. Will the courtyard be successful? It remains to be seen.
I really like the idea of flexibility though. The building can be adjusted as tenants come and go. Who is it who coined the term “long life, loose fit”?
Visited the architect’s website…not really sure I get the thing about the plants. Are the plants THE facade? Ivy (the plant) might work. It’s such a tenacious climber, and if it grows in overcast, cold-summer England, perhaps it could work in the shadows you refer to.
p.s: have you noticed how renders are always done in perfect weather? Not a good idea to show a client a rainy-day rendering, lol.
Posted by Livy | April 30, 2011, 6:10 amNot bad, I think it is too expensive for an investment, lets say I want 100 sqr meters that will come to about 30 million see what I mean!! I also think it could have gone a little bit higher to allow more capacity…another challenge will be the parking space, I think its too small.. but all in all it is a very nice idea when will it be opened for the public?.
Posted by maina | January 12, 2011, 7:25 amMaina,I think You are right,I appreciate what the Jericho development Group has been able to develop.However,for example to rent a space in the building would cost say 80 Kshs per sq ft,hence 1000sqft above,will be say Kshs 80000 per month,an year it translates to Kshs 960,000.For a lease of say 12 years,I will have paid at the end of the lease,say Kshs 11,520,000,Adding inflation at 30% Kshs 3,456,000.Total for the 12 years will approx 15million.So does it make economic sense for me to purchase the 100sqm at 40 million,bearing in mind that even for 25 years i will not have spent an equivalent in terms of rent?.Even if i buy to lease out?how long will it take to get a return on my investment?If its more than 12 years then i Consider that a bad investment.
The same argument may apply even for purchase of say 1000 sq m
Marvin
freemann archplans.
Posted by Marvin | January 17, 2012, 9:17 amMarvin, with all due respect, I think you have been misinformed:
The ground floor is for shops and there is none left, but from first floor it is all offices and they are going for 13,000 per sqft.
Also, the rental rate of 80 shilling per sqft is not correct. Actually rental of similar brand new office space goes for 100 shilling if you are lucky.
Now go back to your calculations: a typical office of 1000 sqft will cost 13m to buy and 1.2m to rent every year and this is without any escalations. All rental contracts nowadays have an escalation clause of 7-10% each year, some every two years.
Therefore, investment can be covered in less than 8 years!
Take for example similar investment in a Kilimani 3br apartment (13m, if you find any), which will derive 60k a month, 720k a year: you will need 18 years to cover your investment.
Now add the capital appreciation when buying, which will make the value of the office substantially higher within 8 years time. Just remind yourself the price of property 8 years ago in comparison to today.
Another mistake: 30% inflation over 12 years is wishful thinking; last year alone inflation rose by 19.72%!
Apparently, most people have calculated it the right way and the proof is that all floors were sold out except a few pent offices.
I have recently been there and it was open to the public and some offices are already occupied.
Does anyone know when are they going to do the grand opening ceremony?
Posted by John | January 17, 2012, 7:37 pmBelow is the link to the architectural firm responsible for this project.and thought it would be a nice addition….for those who may be interested…
http://www.tamiraddadi.com/office-building-nairobi.htm
Posted by Alex Kathilu | April 28, 2011, 11:06 pmis the green house a green building? if yes, by what standards or rating system> the bldg doesn’t have a water recycling or reticulation system, no solar panels or motion sensors to regulate energy use,nothing extra ordinary about the bldg materials,no water harvesting mechanism………..what’s green about this bldg apart from the large windows, and the plants. as a valuer, i think the bldg has been over valued. correct me if am wrong!
Posted by valuer Anto | October 13, 2011, 7:09 ami jst lv hw the green house is constructed nd cnt wait 4 t 2 oficialy open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by yvonne kuria | November 29, 2011, 1:46 pmLovly building with great space.
Posted by George Murithi | January 26, 2012, 7:41 amlovely design but i so much want to help explain the term Green Architecture well it is not the use of flora only but in actual terms refers to the use of less energy by buildings fuel and power meaning a building should be able to sustain it’self with out the need of the two a typical example is the East gate building in Zimbabwe (http://inhabitat.com/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-centre-in-zimbabwe) a close study of the building proves that even with the difficulty power rationing in the country the building is the most comfortable place to be in the Architect is PS Macomish the firm is now furthering their study in Australia try to read and understand the building concept and not just planting trees on a building and thinking it’s a green building greetings from Tanzania.
Posted by Richard | February 16, 2012, 12:40 pmCan someone tell me who the architects are, involved in this project? I would like to contact them. Thanks!
Posted by Aernout Zevenbergen (@thestorycatcher) | April 10, 2012, 6:06 am