River Side

River Side

Client

Dema Hope

Type

Commercial

Year

2023

Size

1,300 SQM

Floors

3B + G + 27 + Penthouse + Terrace

Apartments

11 Units per floor (1BR, 2BR, & 3BR)

Location

Kebena, Addis Ababa

Services

Gym, Spa, Restaurant, Laundry, Minimarket, and Communal Terrace

Status

In Progress

The core objective was to establish a "vertical sanctuary": a high-performance, iconic space that harmonizes the energy of urban living with sophisticated and sustainable architectural design.

Project Overview

Client Background
Blue Horizon Developments, a renowned real estate firm specializing in premium residential properties, approached us with a vision to redefine luxury urban living while incorporating sustainability and maximizing space efficiency.

Objective
To design a sleek, high-rise condominium that offers contemporary living, luxurious amenities, and stunning city views, catering to both young professionals and families.

Scope

  • Create a master plan for a 25-story condominium.

  • Design 200 premium apartment units ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom configurations.

  • Include shared amenities such as a rooftop infinity pool, gym, coworking spaces, and landscaped terraces.

  • Ensure sustainable practices and compliance with local urban planning codes.

Key Details

  • Size of the Property: 2 acres

  • Total Built-Up Area: 300,000 sq. ft.

  • Stories: 25

  • Number of Apartments: 200

  • Apartment Sizes: Ranging from 750 sq. ft. (1-bedroom) to 1,800 sq. ft. (3-bedroom)

Design Approach and Execution

Concept and Vision

Design Philosophy: To establish a luxury landmark that translates high-end sophistication into the rising skyline of Kebena, Addis Ababa.

Key Features: A striking vertical silhouette (3B+G+27+T) defined by rhythmic terrace greenery, intelligent spatial optimization, and a fluid transition between private residences and social hubs.

Inspiration: The "Vertical Sanctuary" concept-fusing sustainable architecture with the pulse of a vibrant downtown lifestyle.

Execution Strategy

Phase 1: Strategic Site Planning

  • Iconic Presence: Positioned the structure as a regional beacon of efficiency, designed to radiate prestige and modernity.

  • Environmental Orientation: Engineered the building’s "butterfly" crown and deep-set facade openings to capture natural light while shielding interiors from intense southwest sun exposure.

  • Urban Flow: Strategically planned the ground and basement levels to maximize land utility while maintaining structural integrity.

Phase 2: Architectural Innovation

  • Optimized Living: Developed high-efficiency floor plates that balance 11 premium apartments per level, accommodating a diverse mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units.

  • The Living Facade: Integrated rhythmic, generous balconies with built-in greenery, creating a "breathable" building skin that softens the urban silhouette.

  • Structural Efficiency: Utilized three basement levels to provide 78 parking spaces and essential utilities, avoiding the need for extensive shoring.

Phase 3: Lifestyle and Wellness Integration

  • Wellness Hub: Dedicated space for elite amenities, including a professional-grade gym and spa, to promote resident rejuvenation.

  • Service Excellence: Embedded essential conveniences, such as a gourmet restaurant and professional laundry, to ensure a seamless, luxury lifestyle.

  • Luminous Interiors: Employed architectural apertures to bathe the interior functionality in soft, natural light.

Phase 4: Social Infrastructure

  • Skyline Gathering: Crafted a signature communal terrace on the rooftop, providing a panoramic social space for residents.

  • Podium Vitality: Blended a mini-market and restaurant at the base to cultivate a lively and active community environment.

Celestial Towers redefines luxury living. The open-plan apartments, breathtaking views, and sustainable amenities make it the ultimate urban oasis. Our collaboration with Elevate Studios was seamless, they brought our vision to life with incredible attention to detail and innovative solutions. Residents love the balance of privacy and community offered by the design. The rooftop infinity pool, coworking spaces, and landscaped terraces have become a favorite among homeowners.

Results and Team

Project Outcomes

New Urban Standard: Established River Side as the benchmark for "vertical sanctuary" living in the Kebena area.

Integrated Ecosystem: Successfully delivered a high-performing environment mixing private luxury with 1,300 SQM of built-up area and essential services.

Climate Response: Achieved a climate-responsive design using sculptural massing to naturally regulate light and heat exposure.


Project Design Office
  • Zohan Trading PLC

Project shots

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