The Shaza is a high-end residential development currently under construction on the clean white sandy beaches of Shanzu in Mombasa. Developed by The Shanzu Beach Resort Limited, the project has 130m of direct sea frontage with all rooms in each apartment having a beachside view of the turquoise warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
It is located on five acres in Shanzu, an area associated with luxury tourism and business travellers and was a high-end residential area for the early settlers. Adjacent areas include Bamburi, which houses major hotels like Sarova Whitesands and high residential areas such as Nyali, which was once a coffee plantation.
The Shaza, which means coral in Swahili, has a unique coastal design. According to Arnold Deche, the architect who designed the project, The Shaza uses a Swahili architectural concept borrowed from the historical coastal influences that blend Bantu, Arabic, Asian, Hindi and Portuguese cultures, creating a resort that merges indigenous traditional Swahili craftsmanship with contemporary functionality.
To preserve the rich coastal cultural heritage, a peripheral wall is designed with coastal geometrical repeat pattern using coral clad mosaics. The exquisitely crafted door frames command respect and admiration as they are intricately handmade by skillful and talented artisans.
According to Executive Director, Mike Karanja, The Shaza is in the industry of leisure, luxury and lifestyle and is offering four types of apartments: two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as three- and four-bedroom duplex apartments.
All duplexes are on two levels and have a penthouse suite on the top level, which can be used independently if so desired. Plinth area ranges from 180 square metres for the two-bedroom apartment to 320 square metres for the four-bedroom duplex.
Long-term stay
The apartments are suitable for both long-term stays and short rentals that can offer additional income for owners. Prices range from Sh28 million for a two-bedroom apartment to Sh64 million for a four-bedroom duplex with a penthouse.
Other amenities will include a swimming pool that overlooks the ocean, club house with fine dining, pizzeria, spa, gym and a residence lounge. A mini auditorium will screen movies and theatre productions, while a 24-hour gallery adjacent to the lobby area will display the artwork of fine art from artisans from Mombasa and beyond.
Some of the challenges that the architect had was to ensure cross-ventilation due to the high coastal temperatures. An iconic nine-metre high glass dome helps ventilate the lobby as the hot air rises and penetrates through the glass and cool air enters through the open plan concept. All windows and doors are floor-to-ceiling in height to attract maximum light and ventilation.
High quality
The other challenge with coastal construction development is the high corrosion due to the high salinity and humidity levels, which means all interior finishes must be of high quality to prevent finishes from rusting, explains Belgian interior architect, Sarah Van Puyvelde. The units are tastefully fitted and lavishly furnished with materials and artefacts from Kenya, Europe and Morocco and installed using local talent.
The project is estimated to be worth more than Sh1 billion. About 50 per cent of phase one apartments have been sold off.
It is conveniently located close to city mall and retail outlets and is a 40-minute road drive from Moi International Airport. The access road between the property and Serena Beach Hotel is currently being refurbished by the Mombasa County.
Occupation will begin in October in readiness for the 2014 Christmas season.
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