Valéry Weyn Architects (VWA) is a Mombasa-based boutique architecture and design firm that offers a range of architectural services, including conceptual designs, preparing working drawings for obtaining County and National Environment Management Authority approvals, detailed construction drawings including service layouts, supervision during construction, and handing over the final project. VWA has been recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Architecture (Single Residential Project) in Kenya in 2023, for their work on Lamu One House.

The firm was founded in 2019 by Valéry Weyn, who was born in Belgium and raised in Kenya. After obtaining her Master of Architecture from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia, she became a registered architect in 2016 and opened her own practice in 2019.

VWA is known for its passion for creating high-quality spaces that respond to the local context, orientation, and climate, contributing to the soul and culture of a place. The firm specializes in architecture for the tropics, and each project is a unique custom approach that focuses on the client’s requirements, creating projects that reflect their vision. The firm offers a full range of architectural services for commercial buildings, office spaces, warehousing, luxury residential and waterfront homes, apartments, master planning, boutique hotels, private lodges, and other residential and industrial developments.

Lamu One House, which won a Luxury Lifestyle Awards, showcases VWA’s expertise in creating soulful spaces. The coast’s Swahili roots have been intertwined with contemporary design for this project, and the interiors and styling are inspired by the enchanting flavors of the Swahili Coast. The charming haven is designed to celebrate outdoor living, natural materials & craftsmanship, and a love of nature.

Designed to take advantage of the Kuzi winds, large openings, and louvered shutters capture the cool breeze. The house consists of 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, with the Master suite on the top floor enjoying a spacious roof terrace, sunset gazebo, and views of the mango treetops. The main living spaces are arranged around a beautiful open verandah complete with an infinity pool in the middle of this tropical oasis. The project was initiated in 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in 2023.

Apart from architectural services, Valéry Weyn also heads her firm, Geotextiles East Africa, which offers geosynthetic solutions for various soil reinforcement applications in the field of civil engineering and construction. Valéry Weyn realized early on in her career the importance of taking a holistic approach to building, starting from the ground up. After further training and research on geosynthetic engineering in South Africa and Germany, she applies her knowledge to achieve more economical and sustainable ways of constructing on weak soils, including a specialty focus on protecting coastal and beach erosion.

In addition to her work in architecture and geosynthetics, Valéry Weyn also designs the drainage layer in green roof construction. Her firm offers a wafer-thin yet sturdy drainage core that replaces conventional bulky and heavy stone filter layers, reducing structural loading on the roof. If desired by clients, she will design the green roof drainage components that provide several benefits to construction, not only aesthetically but also in terms of heat and sound insulation, improving air quality, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Through their experience of practicing architecture in Kenya, VWA has formed strong partnerships with leading local professionals in the field of civil and structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services, as well as trusted quantity surveyors. The firm strives to work with an ensemble of driven and skilled professionals that meet the high standards they expect for each project.

To learn more about Valéry Weyn and her remarkable work, visit http://vw-architects.com/