More than 10 years since City Hall began relaxing stringent zoning regulations for various hitherto low-density, low-rise Nairobi suburbs, Kilimani has seen a number of property owners convert their single dwelling residences to modern high-rise apartments.
Despite fears that this development would cause homeowners and tenants to shun the area, the suburb remains one of the most coveted, with droves of young, educated and upwardly mobile middle-class preferring to settle here. There are several reasons informing the attraction to Kilimani. The area is well-served by a maintained road network and one can easily connect to most other parts of the city. There are numerous quality private schools, hospitals and other health facilities, shopping malls, entertainment centres and practically all other amenities considered by the middle class when choosing where to settle.
One of the new exciting residential developments coming up in Kilimani is The Alba Garden.
Designed by Arch. Joel Ng’ang’a of Archtron Systems, the twin-tower, 18-storey apartment complex that sits on 1.2 acres on Kasuku Lane promises to add a worthwhile option to those looking for classy apartments either to settle or use for investment. The development consists of 288 units spread across studio, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed configuration. Each floor has two wings, with each wing featuring the four room typologies.
With the showhouse ready, it is clear the architect wanted the residents to have a great place to call home no matter the size of the apartment purchased or rented. He has created spacious rooms with well-thought-out arrangement of typical areas. He has avoided maze-like designs, instead going for open plan where every area is easily accessible. The spaces are generous with the studio arguably being one of the largest anywhere. The staircases are wide and easily navigable, backed by state-of-the-art elevators.
“The client wanted a GTC kind of development, a luxury development the kind of which we don’t have in this area,” says Arch. Ng’ang’a. “We wanted to create a livable, enjoyable space devoid of claustrophobic aura with all the necessary social amenities.”
The developer of Alba Gardens, Nanchang Investment Company Limited, has been operating in Nairobi since 2011 and focuses on real estate, hotel investment, and other construction-related businesses in partnership with the parent company Nanchang Foreign Engineering Company (K) Limited.
Interestingly, the developer initially intended to have one of the two blocks as office space. “That was the original design”, says Arch. Ng’ang’a”. “But when Covid came and we saw what happened to office space, we changed and decided the entire development would be residential.”
A typical unit features high end finishes and exquisite fittings in all areas including the kitchen and bathroom.
There is adequate natural lighting and solar energy has been harnessed. An infinity swimming pool, fully equipped gym, a children’s play area and a club house are among the features that make the Alba Garden a desirable residential address.
Construction works started in July 2021 and the project is expected to be complete in mid-2024. However, the showhouses are ready and already attracting immense interest according to Alba Garden Assistant Sales Manager Brenda Kiogora. “The studios are almost entirely sold out”, she says.
