Studio Mehta Architecture has redefined coastal living with UA House, a stunning limestone-block residence cloaked in soft pink plaster on the edge of Takaungu Creek, Kilifi, Kenya. More than just an architectural marvel, UA House—meaning “Courtyard House” in Swahili—serves as a groundbreaking template for affordable luxury, emphasizing sustainability and modern design for coastal environments.
The design draws from both ancient and contemporary architectural principles, blending minimalism with intricate cultural detailing to create a home that is both visually striking and environmentally conscious. With its austere form and carefully articulated spaces, UA House magnifies its spatial impact while maintaining a rich connection to the coastal and historical context of Kenya.
A Sustainable Case Study Home
UA House is not merely a private retreat but a case study in sustainable architecture. From the ground up, the home embraces eco-friendly materials and off-grid technologies. The walls are constructed from salvaged limestone blocks, sourced from the surrounding area and covered with a lime plaster mixed with quarry dust to produce its distinctive pink hue. This method reduces waste by repurposing unusable parts of the local limestone, while the design resonates with the natural environment.
“These mixes used aggregates found on the site, combined with a base lime mortar, allowing us to create a color that is both distinctive and in harmony with the local landscape,” explained Amar Mehta, principal architect at Studio Mehta Architecture.
In line with its sustainable ethos, UA House operates completely off-grid, demonstrating that luxury does not have to come at the cost of environmental responsibility. Through solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems, the home is self-sufficient, setting a new precedent for eco-friendly, high-end coastal living in Kenya.
Design: Minimalism Meets Traditional Craft
The home is organized around a series of landscaped courtyards, echoing the Omani-influenced coastal architecture that has long been a part of Kenyan history. These courtyards create a rhythmic flow of spaces while ensuring natural ventilation, essential for Kilifi’s warm and tropical climate.
UA House’s exterior features a network of intersecting walls, which divide the facade into equally sized bays. These walls, in their minimalistic form, are enriched with detailed craftsmanship, achieving a balance between stark simplicity and intricate design. Hidden doors lead to rooms that are flanked by identical windows, framed in dark wood, offering a refined contrast to the soft pink exterior. The combination of form and function creates a seamless integration of luxury and practicality.
One of the central courtyards is distinguished by double-height walls, providing shade from the intense tropical sun. This shaded space is left open to the sky, bordered by a blocky staircase that leads to a roof terrace, offering panoramic views of the creek and surrounding landscape. “Central to the villa’s design is a significant extrusion that serves as a sun-shading device, creating shaded areas that remain cool throughout the day,” said Mehta. This careful articulation of key architectural elements magnifies the spatial experience, demonstrating how minimalism can coexist with deep historical references.
Affordable Luxury: Setting a Precedent for Coastal Homes
Although UA House exemplifies high-end design, it is also a precedent for affordable luxury. By using locally sourced materials and labor, Studio Mehta Architecture was able to craft a home that balances cost-efficiency with elegance. The reclaimed limestone blocks, mixed with traditional plastering techniques like Neeru—a burnt lime-based mortar sealed with beeswax—highlight the studio’s commitment to merging sustainable practices with luxury living.
This ancient technique, used for both the interior and exterior walls, adds a layer of texture and depth to the home while paying homage to the craftsmanship of the region. “The use of Neeru not only enhances the visual appeal but also respects the traditional building practices that have been passed down through generations,” Mehta explained.
A Home Rooted in Modern Coastal Living
UA House’s layout is designed to enhance the coastal living experience. Each room opens onto a sheltered porch, offering views of the pool and garden, while floor-to-ceiling curtains create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior features a pared-back color palette with off-white plastered walls, dark wooden accents, and statement furnishings, including locally crafted artwork, emphasizing a minimalist yet culturally rich aesthetic.
The home’s open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas are designed to promote social interaction, while two bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the central courtyard, offering privacy and serenity. The main bedroom, situated next to the living area, includes an en-suite bathroom and its own courtyard, allowing for a more intimate retreat.
At the heart of UA House is a small, outdoor pool that extends from the central bay, surrounded by courtyards filled with local plant species, further blending the home into its natural surroundings. This design, inspired by ancient Omani influences, not only emphasizes openness and connectivity but also facilitates natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling systems.
The Future of Coastal Architecture
UA House is more than a residential project; it is a pioneering example of how affordable luxury can be achieved without sacrificing sustainability or design excellence. Its off-grid capabilities, use of reclaimed materials, and integration of traditional techniques create a blueprint for modern coastal homes that are both environmentally responsible and architecturally forward-thinking.
As a model for future developments, UA House challenges conventional ideas of what luxury means in the context of coastal living. By balancing cost-efficiency with high-end design and sustainability, Studio Mehta Architecture has set a new standard for homes in Kenya and beyond.
This soon-to-be-completed project exemplifies how architecture can harmonize with both the environment and local culture, offering a vision of what affordable luxury could look like in coastal regions around the world.
The photography is by Iain Olivier.
