a lab with a microscope and other equipment

The Athi River lab

The Athi River lab

A materials-testing facility where the architecture is stripped to pure utility — structure, circulation, and light doing all the work.

A materials-testing facility where the architecture is stripped to pure utility — structure, circulation, and light doing all the work.

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Type:

Research / industrial

Location:

Athi River, Kenya

Key Constraints:

  • Harsh climate with high heat and fine dust

  • Strict technical program (controlled labs, storage, workflows)

  • Modest budget requiring material efficiency

  • Need for durable, low-maintenance surfaces

Why it’s interesting:


It’s architecture without theatrics. The building’s rational layout mirrors the research workflows, while the material palette reflects the region’s industrial context. It’s a study in pragmatism elevated through proportion, light, and system clarity.

low angle photography of famous building
a building with many windows and a street light in front of it
Person and dog relax at outdoor cafe seating
white and blue hallway with lights turned on in a building

Have a project in mind?

Let’s discuss how Framehaus can help shape it.

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