Startup Lions
 
ICT Education Centre
Location: Kataboi, Turkana County, Kenya
Client: Startup Lions
Size: 1405㎡
Budget: $449K (Ksh 51M)
Year: 2020-2021
Scope: Contractor & Civil Engineer
Status: Completed
Partners: Kéré Architecture

Building on the termite-hill inspired design by Kere Architecture, BuildX Studio was contracted by Startup Lions as the structural engineer and main contractor to build a new ICT Education Centre in Turkana.


The centre supports local entrepreneurship and youth through ICT skills training. The facility includes an administration block, co-working spaces, open cafeteria, open roof terrace facilities and a small kitchen.


Located in a very remote area of Turkana, 2 hours from the nearest hardware store, the use of local materials and transfer of knowledge to the locals was critical during the construction process.


The terracotta exterior façade blends into the Turkana landscape, with the use of passive design techniques such as wind towers, louvred windows and shaded terrace spaces.