Green roofing at Star Villas

Philip Mwakio

It has been described as a lofty idea, but it is fast blossoming in major cities of the world. Acres of potential green space lie overhead, referred as living roofs. Such roofs make the villas on Twiga Road off Links Road in the upmarket Nyali area in Mombasa stand out.

According to Abdi Ali owner representative of Star Villas, living roofs are a common occurrence in the West and in particular America.

"Architects, builders and city planners across the globe have begun turning to green roofs not only because of their beauty but for their ability to mitigate environmental extremities associated with global warming," Ali says.

The roof garden, he says, provides an ideal sight for the environment and acts to reduce storm water run-off.

Star Villas has easy access to Nyali Cinemax, Nakumatt Shopping Centre and the ever-attractive Nyali beach frontage.

Star Villas comes with two private spaces per house with high quality finishes — modern granite finishes on all floors and kitchens and additional visitor’s parking space.

There is also a common facility for children and adults including an Olympic size swimming pool, free and portable borehole water including underground and overhead water tanks (5,000 litre capacity) with automated pumps to each house.

"Finding ways to naturalise urban dwellings, even as nature itself becomes more urbanised, makes these dwellings even more habitable for all," Ali says.

In total, there are ten luxurious unique villas both situated in one compound, which is well secured with an electric fence. Ali explains that there are five spacious fully air-conditioned executive bedrooms all en-suite with inbuilt wardrobes, and spacious lounges, kitchen and dining areas.