Context-Coffee | Design-build’s cover photo
Context-Coffee | Design-build

Context-Coffee | Design-build

Architecture and Planning

Kampala, Kampala 237 followers

An Architectural Design-Build company that delights in creating sustainable, bespoke spaces.

About us

An Architectural Design Company that delights in creating sustainable bespoke spaces using materials, climate parameters and client experiences. With 8-years design experience in residential design, hospitality design, landscape design and are delving deeper into product design. We love to explore ideas through sketches, amateur animations, & model-making. We're located in Kampala, Uganda.

Industry
Architecture and Planning
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Kampala, Kampala
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2021
Specialties
Architectural Design, Design-Build, Landscape Design, Building Design, Sustainable Building Design, Urban design, and Construction

Locations

Updates

  • One of the projects we're currently working on is an Italian restaurant in #Kampala. Progress shot.... #designbuild

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and we're excited to take it up a notch with our latest project. Designing an Italian-cuisine restaurant at Context-Coffee | Design-build in Kampala, we're exploring the possibility of incorporating an aquaponics system—maybe even on the roof terrace. Imagine growing fresh produce right on-site for a truly farm-to-table experience! Still early days, but we’re pumped about the potential of creating a sustainable dining experience. For the love of good food! 😂 #progressnotperfection #designbuild

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Context-Coffee | Design-build is sharing one of the projects designed by Carina Musila in 2016 and construction overseen by us..,.We're excited to show you what we're going to do with this space... #architecture #designbuild #construction #ISSBs

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    "𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧" - raw images Designed in early 2016, Context-Coffee | Design-build delighted in overseeing the realization of the 1st phase of this 4800sqm early childhood school. Among our favorite features are the multiple courtyards. This is just one of them. Courtyards serve as dynamic microclimates, fostering natural ventilation, light, and communion with nature. They offer versatile breakout spaces, seamlessly blending with the surroundings while providing moments of respite and interaction. Whether integrated into a home or an educational institution like this one, courtyards enrich the environment with diverse activity clusters. We also employed Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs) for the walls. This sustainable choice proved advantageous because: 𝟭 > ISSBs use soil as the main construction material, and the great thing about soil is it's everywhere. Therefore, we utilized the soil we excavated from our client's site. 𝟮 > Our client's Hydrofoam ISSB machine facilitated on-site production, minimizing transportation costs. 𝟯 > After curing, ISSBs demonstrated impressive strength and durability. 𝟰 > The easy installation of ISSBs saved time and enabled capacity building through the training of labor, supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives. 𝟱 > The interlocking mechanism not only increased structural stability but also allowed for dry-stacking, resulting in overall reduced mortar expenses. 𝟲> The aesthetic appeal of ISSBs, influenced by the color of the soil, further justified our decision to leave them exposed. Has anyone here in UG used ISSBs before? I'd be really interested to know what your experience was! #architecture #designbuild #construction #design #ISSBs #courtyard #uganda

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
      +2
  • "𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧" Context-Coffee | Design-build-Coffee delighted in overseeing the realization of this 4800sqm nursery and early childhood school, designed by Carina Musila back in early 2016. Among our favorite features are the multiple courtyards. This is just one of them. Courtyards serve as dynamic microclimates, fostering natural ventilation, light, and communion with nature. They offer versatile breakout spaces, seamlessly blending with the surroundings while providing moments of respite and interaction. Whether integrated into a home or an educational institution like this one, courtyards enrich the environment with diverse activity clusters. We also employed Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs) for the walls. This sustainable choice proved advantageous because: 𝟭 – ISSBs use soil as the main construction material, and the great thing about soil is it's everywhere. Therefore, we utilized the soil we excavated from our client's site. 𝟮 - ISSBs use soil as the main construction material, and the great thing about soil is it's everywhere. Therefore, we utilized the soil we excavated from our client's site. 𝟯 - After curing, ISSBs demonstrated impressive strength and durability. 𝟰 - The easy installation of ISSBs saved time and enabled capacity building through the training of labor, supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives. 𝟱 - The interlocking mechanism not only increased structural stability but also allowed for dry-stacking, resulting in overall reduced mortar expenses. 𝟲- The aesthetic appeal of ISSBs, influenced by the color of the soil, further justified our decision to leave them exposed. Because, just look at them Have you used ISSBs before? Let us know below! #architecture #construction #design #ISSBs #courtyard

  • 𝐒𝐚𝐦'𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 We're exploring how spaces will fold into each other, expand and contract, based on use, with this house. Hence the name origami house. #architecture #progress #architecturaldesign #house #uganda #mukono

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    Sam's origami house. Sam's house uses a series of courtyards to balance the micro-climate and to expand or contract spaces based on the use. Located in Mukono, Uganda, this project will play with light, shadow, volume and landscape to enhance connection to the environment. With Context-Coffee | Design-build #architecture #progress #design #house #landscape #courtyard design #uganda

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • We used diffused light in this gallery space that stretches a total run of 19m in an L-shape. The intention is for the light to wrap around the paintings that our client loves to create rather than send direct sunlight towards them. More on our process soon! For Sheila’s 3-bedroom bamboo-covered house in Soroti, Uganda🇺🇬 #architecture #designbuild #house #interiorarchitecture #progressnotperfection #sustainableliving

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐁𝐧𝐁 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 in 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐛𝐛𝐞, 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚🇺🇬 Progress shots... Our client was uncertain about how best to utilize their stunning site in Entebbe, which offers prime views of the golf course while needing to adhere to a strict construction budget. After a detailed site analysis, we noted a high demand for affordable, short-stay rental spaces catering to visitors arriving at Entebbe Airport, Uganda and leaving the next day for example. This led to the unanimous idea of creating Airbnb units—an ideal solution for this location. To elevate the experience, we integrated a public restaurant strategically positioned to frame amazing views of the golf course. We also extended greenery vertically, introduced elevated gardens, and designed thoughtfully framed views to balance scenic beauty with privacy. By stacking and subtly offsetting the units, we achieved a cozy, homely ambiance while optimizing space and incorporating intimate green terraces. The pitched roof not only blends well with the local architectural context but also facilitates sustainable rainwater harvesting—something we were key on including in this proposal. For the interiors, we suggested cork (image is a bit bright, but progress), a versatile and sustainable material we love for its multi-purpose functions eg being able to hung your items easily; soundproofing, heat resistance, fire resistance, lightweight durability, rot resistance and labour-friendly. Affordable and easy to install, we thought cork would bring both practicality and aesthetic appeal. We’re also exploring an option with a stone finish for its timeless charm and durability. What aesthetic resonates with you most? #architecture #design #sustainability #greenarchitecture #interiorarchitecture #cork #interiors #airbnb

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • The smaller projects are always so fun...one of our recent projects that we're excited to execute. We'll keep you posted.

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    With Context-Coffee | Design-build, we've loved working on this intimate project to turn one of the rooms in our Client's storeyed house into a cozy writer's studio. She has a deep appreciation for earthy materials and a love for the outdoors, so she envisioned a space that feels both secure and connected to nature, surrounded by the lush greenery of her property. Because she's so security-cautious, we opted to keep her 2 smaller windows in the room but add an operable skylight to have her gaze at these amazing trees and starry nights too. Part of the wall finish is proposed to use clay pots to texturize the brick finish wall (kajjansi tiles possibly), We opted not to fully cover the wall with the pots to give the wall an ungrid-like character, plus, since she has a cat, we can create simple shelves (mild steel maybe?) so her cat can stretch his legs up these walls too. The outlet for water through these pots will be directed through tubing drilled in the wall as the walls are unstructural. Will share some more details of the space soon. Context-Coffee | Design-build #architecture #designbuildfirm #interiorarchitecture #progressnotperfection

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Breaking ground! Although we hoped to incorporate the existing structure into our design, findings from our structural study led us to the decision to rebuild. Stay tuned as we transform this site into this proposal that incorporates open-plan living, private and public courtyards, rainwater harvesting, cross-ventilation, #architecture #designbuild #construction

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    We've opted for an industrial aesthetic for these apartments.👇🏾 Located in Kyebando, we incorporated intimate spaces like courtyards and green pockets for these residential apartments that are catered to small & medium-sized families. We used the site's slope, orientation & views as an avenue to frame views and elevate 'green,' to give the residents a space to socialize, spaces of respite and children to play. Intention is to use charcoal terracotta tiles to sort of 'ground' the building and fade it out into the same shade of onduline tiles as we go higher because they're lightweight. We thought since we want a lot of trees surrounding this, it could blend in quite well. What do you think? With Context-Coffee | Design-build #architecture #design #progressnotperfection

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • We’re experimenting with a different approach: using tempered glass slates over rubber tubing to heat water, an alternative to traditional solar panels. The concept is similar, and we're excited to see how this experimental method plays out. Anyone with experience in this? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how far we can take it! #ProgressNotPerfection #SustainableArchitecture

    View profile for Carina Musila

    Founder at Context-Coffee | Architectural Designer | Designing-building bespoke Sustainable Spaces

    𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬.... 8 years ago (wow, time flies!), long before Context-Coffee | Design-build, I designed "A contained Urban Forest." Now, thanks to one of our newest clients, this project is finally being revived!👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dzVQyjab We’re experimenting with a different approach: using tempered glass slates over rubber tubing to heat water, an alternative to traditional solar panels. The concept is similar, and we're excited to see how this experimental method plays out. Anyone with experience in this? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how far we can take it! Follow along as we explore new ways to merge sustainability with design. #ProgressNotPerfection #SustainableArchitecture

    • No alternative text description for this image

Similar pages