Aashiana
EDGE Advanced
Aashiana, which means “sanctuary” in Hindi, is a home that exudes brightness, energy and natural beauty, serving as an oasis of tranquility for its inhabitants in Nairobi, Kenya.
The intention of the design was to flood the residence with natural light and allow excellent ventilation without compromising on thermal comfort. The home is full of modern conveniences but is not completely dependent on erratic grid power. Water is conserved and reused without negatively impacting the potable and non-potable uses of occupants. Materials and finishes were procured from responsible supply chains which are party to eco-labelling and/or certification standards, with the intention that the building be constructed with the least amount of embodied energy in materials as possible.
Madhur (Muddy) Ramrakha, the developer of the home, believes in taking a triple-bottom-line approach by focusing on people, the planet and profits. Aashiana has received final EDGE certification from GBCI.
Predicted Savings of EDGE Certification
Energy Savings*
Water Savings
Less Embodied Energy in Materials
*Part of the energy efficiency percentage may be associated with virtual energy for comfort depending on the presence of heating and cooling systems. Note that virtual energy does not contribute savings to utility bills.
Technical Solutions
Energy
Reduced window to wall ratio, reflective paint/tiles for external walls and roof, natural ventilation with operable windows and no air conditioning, heat pump for hot water generation, energy-efficient refrigerator and clothes washing machine, energy-saving lighting for internal and external spaces, lighting controls for outside, solar photovoltaics, and smart meters.
Water
Low-flow showerheads, low-flow faucets for kitchen sinks and washbasins, dual flush water closets, a rainwater harvesting system, and recycled grey water for flushing.
Materials
In-situ reinforced concrete slab for floor, asphalt shingles on timber rafters for roof, machine-cut, unpolished stone blocks for internal and external walls, parquet/woodblock finishes and ceramic tile for flooring, and re-use of existing steel frames for windows.
Location
Tchui Road, Muthaiga Nairobi, Kenya 00620
Stage
Final EDGE Certification
Date
September 1, 2019
Floor Space (m2)
1,072
Total CO2 Savings (annually)
14.8