The homes are designed to limit electricity use
Hello Properties, the developer behind the Mandharini residential holiday development in Mombasa, has introduced Kenya’s first International Energy Performance Rating for its homes.
According to the firm’s director Friso Abbing, the introduction of the rating system that indicates the amount of energy consumed or estimated for the use of a home is aimed at tapping into the increasing demand for energy efficient homes.
“Mandharini homes have been designed to limit electricity use as much as possible. Each house is fitted with solar powered pool pumps, insulated windows and roofs, solar water heaters and solar powered LED lighting,” said Abbing.
Abbing added that all the homes in the development are level A efficient and that buyers will incur lower electricity bills (50 per cent lower than similar coastal homes) and minimise their carbon footprint.
Sitting on a 150-acre piece of land on the south side of Kilifi Creek, some 60km from Mombasa, Mandharini development comprises 120 luxury villas, a boutique hotel and a ‘Mandharini Village’ consisting of shops, bars, restaurants, spa and gym as well as a golf course and a private beach.
The project, which is designed by WATG of London as a leading global holiday destination, was awarded the Best Development in Africa Award 2011 at the Bloomberg international property awards held in Burj Al Arab in Dubai late last year.
Although many countries have enacted laws making energy certification a must for all new and existing buildings, Kenyan builders are yet to embrace energy efficiency as part of their buildings right from the design process.
