In the last decade, Nairobi’s skyline has received a new lease of life in the form of stylish skyscrapers. Gone are the days when Nairobi’s tallest buildings were the KICC and the Times Tower. Looking at most of Kenya’s youngest skyscrapers, it’s easy to see that their developers were not shy to experiment with bold, creative designs.
It’s not a surprise then that one of Kenya’s tallest buildings, The Britam Tower, was recently awarded as the best in the continent.
In February, judges from Emporis Skyscraper Award named the Britam Tower among the best skyscrapers in the world, rated on the strength of their design and functionality. It was the only building from the African continent to make the list, perhaps explaining its outstanding features. The Emporis Skyscraper Award rated over 250 towers that were completed in 2017. All towers had to be 100 meters tall to be eligible for the contest.
The 200-metre Britam Tower sits on 1.5 acres on Hospital Road, Upperhill and comprises two separate buildings: a 31-storey office tower and a 15-storey parking silo with an interlinking bridge at the top floor which offers alternative means of evacuation at emergency situations.
With a lettable space of 350,000 square feet and 1,000 parking bays, it has one of the highest parking ratios in Nairobi.
When it comes to energy efficiency, Britam Tower ticks all the boxes. It’s this aspect that impressed the Emporis judges. Its prismic design is also eye catching.
The skyscraper was designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers and Triad Architects.
Triad Architects, a leader in architecture, design and development in Africa took pride in leading the design and construction of the award winning tower.
“Our approach is to design creative and unique spaces that meet current international standards and are infused with an elegant local flair. We are proud to be associated with this prestigious list of outstanding skyscrapers,” the firm said in a statement.
The annual Emporis Skyscrapers Award is one of the world’s most coveted prize for high-rise architecture.
