We develop innovative building solutions that go beyond business as usual and maximise impact: buildings that are net zero carbon, more equitably designed, and enhance quality of life and wellbeing. Why?
WHY?
Rapid population growth, urbanisation and a severe skills gap in the construction industry in East Africa are placing huge strain on our built environment and pose a major threat to the health of both people and planet. Yet it doesn’t need to be like this.
If we design smart, centred on climate and human wellbeing, we can create towns and cities which are healthy today and for future generations
2.5bn
people will live in Africa by 2050, double today’s population.
58%
of Nairobi’s buildings are unfit for human habitation (NCA, 2016).
40%
of global carbon emissions are due to the construction industry.
>35%
of all expected new construction by 2050 will take place in Africa
>25%
of Kenyan youth aged 18-24 years are unemployed, with women most affected.
<6%
of the construction workforce in Kenya are women. Nowhere in the world are women >15%.
HOW?
We take a holistic approach to maximising impact. We aim to go beyond minimising negative results and work towards creating positive value for our clients, partners, building users and the environment. We seek opportunities to learn and innovate through research, strategic initiatives and working with others.
Climate Change Mitigation
We take a low carbon approach to design and construction. We set environmental performance targets for all our projects and support our clients who want to find innovative green building solutions.
Quality of Life & Wellbeing
Buildings shape our quality of life and wellbeing more than any other physical environment. Our design improves health and human experience in buildings. Healthy buildings can maximise wellbeing, rehabilitation, and productivity.
Inclusive Design & Construction
Our goal is for all BuildX buildings to be inclusively designed and built. We conduct market research and apply participatory design strategies to achieve our goals. We prioritise labour for women and youth within the communities where we work.
We are certified EDGE Experts. All our projects pursue environmental performance targets in line with EDGE.
We apply the Health and Wellbeing Framework and track key metrics such as day light, air quality and thermal comfort.
We employ at least 30% women on all our sites through local community engagement and collaboration with our sister company Buildher.
BUILDHER
Our sister-organisation, Buildher, equips disadvantaged young women (ages 18-35) in Kenya with accredited construction skills, leading to greater financial prosperity, changing male attitudes and promoting gender equality within the construction industry.
At BuildX Studio, we work hand-in-hand with Buildher to disrupt the male-dominated construction sector. We are creating opportunities for women through training and employment, and inspiring a new generation of female leaders.