Residential architecture

MN Residence

Location: Kiserian, Kajiado County, Kenya
Year: 2025

Overview

A residence on the outskirts of Kiserian, oriented toward distant views of the Ngong Hills.

The design uses clean geometry, efficient spatial planning, natural light, and a restrained material palette to organize social and private spaces around a sunken living area and indoor courtyard.

Principal exterior view at dusk.

Site and context

The site lies on the expanding outskirts of Kiserian. The house is oriented toward distant views of the Ngong Hills and responds to a gentle northward slope.

Aerial site study marking the MN Residence plot within its semi-rural surroundings. — Site context study.

Hand-drawn site sketch recording access, slope, neighbouring houses, and views toward the Ngong Hills. — Site relationship sketch.

Hand-drawn site sketch testing the building footprint, setbacks, gate, parking, and basketball court. — Footprint and access study.

Site plan diagram indicating the plot, sun path, prevailing winds, driveway, and existing trees. — Site plan and environmental response.

Long and short site-section diagrams showing the plot gradient and tree line. — Long and short site sections.

Development

Early studies tested the building mass, approach, interior relationships, and upper sitting deck before the final material and spatial language was established.

Early line-and-wash study of the approach to the residence through a lightly planted landscape. — Early approach study.

Early three-dimensional massing model of the low residence on its sloping site. — Early exterior massing.

Early interior model testing the kitchen island, timber screen, and adjoining living space. — Interior planning study.

Early model view testing the upper sitting deck and external stair. — Upper sitting deck study.

Drawings

Rendered floor plan of MN Residence within its immediate landscape. — Final floor plan.

Longitudinal building section showing the sloping site, interior levels, and roof form. — Longitudinal building section.

Principal elevation.

Rendered secondary elevation of MN Residence on the gently sloping site. — Secondary elevation.

Final design

The final proposal organizes social and private rooms around a continuous living sequence. A sunken lounge, indoor courtyard, upper sitting deck, and sheltered outdoor areas extend daily life through the house and landscape.

Daylight approach to MN Residence along a planted gravel drive. — Approach from the main access route.

MN Residence seen from the street at dusk behind a low planted boundary. — Street elevation at dusk.

Arrival facade with tall windows, textured masonry, planting, and a sheltered carport. — Arrival facade and carport.

Sheltered court looking toward the entrance facade and basketball hoop. — Sheltered court beside the main entrance.

Covered outdoor courtyard arranged with a dining table, hearth, and planted opening. — Outdoor courtyard and dining area.

Kitchen with pale surfaces, timber cabinetry, a central island, and strong daylight. — Kitchen and central preparation island.

Sunken living room with a dark hearth, exposed timber ceiling structure, and tall windows. — Sunken living room.

Bedroom with a low bed, warm timber floor, and daylight filtered through curtains. — Bedroom interior.

Bathroom with a freestanding bath, timber-lined niches, and a tall side window. — Master bathroom.

Bathroom detail with a round mirror, textured masonry wall, stone counter, and warm light. — Common bathroom detail.

Bright vanity area with a stone counter, round mirror, and planting beside the doorway. — Vanity and wash area.