The Courtyard

Built in 2011, The Courtyard is a neo-African styled, low-rise, three-storey commercial space on General Mathenge Drive in Westlands. Developed by PDM, the business park was designed by Tom Bowman and Associates.

In 2014, The Courtyard won the coveted Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) award for Best Commercial Building Project. The jury described it as “a project that shows it is possible to create uplifting places in the sometimes nondescript development zones along previously suburban streets in the increasingly dense cities across Kenya and the African continent.”

On entering The Courtyard, the soft sound of lapping water, often described as a symbol of The Courtyard building, flows from a water fountain that sits on an eight point star – an ancient symbol for love, beauty, living together and harmony – which divides the building into its east and west wings. The golden palm trees lining the driveway create a sense of tranquility and, together with the trees and flower gardens along it’s perimeters, make the park an outstanding site.

The building itself is clad in locally sourced Mazeras, which blend with the granite tiling of the floors, in a space filled with natural light that streams in through large synergy glass panels. The curtain glazing drops from the top, down the building , allowing free flowing air, and sunlight, and conserving energy and power. The Courtyard houses prestigious tenants, including multinationals such as General Electric and Actis.

The development is a reflection of PDM’s philosophy of providing human-centred buildings that not only serve an economic purpose, but also uplift the quality of life.