Archinect
KWESI SAM

KWESI SAM

Quincy, MA, US

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Icon townhomes in Ghana .

The Icon is a 10 unit project to be situated on lot about 10 meters east of the American Embassy in Cantonments. The site is distinctly urban and it’s convenient to schools such as the Ghana International School, retail and restaurants in Osu, and the airport which is just about a mile away. The building design seeks to engage with its surroundings, at the same time guaranteeing the privacy of each unit through a carful placement on the site .The massing is broken down through setbacks, recessed and abutting balconies and program areas, and alternated window sizing. The use of materials such as glass and   cedar wood adds a natural texture and lightness to the structure. With their north /south orientation the units are planned with both active and passive sustainable strategies.
The Icon units are well-conceived 3900 sf , three story single family residential structures with sub-basement parking, guest and staff bedrooms. The open plan ground floor achieves uninterrupted flow and sense of space and light from the living area through the great room to the partially enclosed kitchen. Private outdoor patios and balconies provide a connection to the outdoors and the community. Through coordinated use of level changes a double height living area and 1.5 height volume master bedroom is realized ,with a  cross breeze of  air ,light and openness that helps expand sense of scale. The three additional bedrooms on the first floor are linked by well-lit hallway which opens onto a balcony overlooking a backyard garden. On the second floor is a private family area, an optional bedroom, and split level roof terraces, a garden, and a pool for entertaining close family and friends. The views from this height are expected to spectacular as it overlooks Cantonments and portions of the Osu area.
 

 
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Status: Under Construction
Location: Ghana
My Role: Lead Architect
Additional Credits: Suncraft