ramzi towers by SPARK architects rise above lagos

construction is set to get underway in lagos, nigeria at the site of ‘ramzi towers’, a residential project designed by the london studio of SPARK architects. commissioned by athena capital investment, the landmark scheme is the international design office’s first significant undertaking in africa, setting a new standard for contemporary living for the region’s emerging economy.

a public pool positioned at ground floor level | all images courtesy of SPARK architects

positioned at the heart of the city’s exclusive victoria island, the 18-storey structure offers panoramic views across downtown lagos towards the atlantic ocean. each of the 22 3-bed, 4-bed and penthouse apartments are orientated to maximize daylight, with the building’s curved forms and deep window reveals providing shade from the hot sun.

the reception of the high-rise residential project

the design is comprised of sprayed concrete shells that are both water-proof and airtight, minimizing wind resistance and establishing a distinctive and identifiable silhouette against the city’s skyline. a shadow program is currently being set up that allows construction skills, knowledge and resources to be shared and transferred to young local consultants.

a terrace positioned at the tower’s midpoint

internally, each unit is articulated around a large central living room, while dining, library, bar and loggia areas are connected around a prefabricated kitchen hub. the top two floors of the tower contain duplex penthouses with roof terraces that overlook the entirety of the city below.

‘SPARK are excited to be part of a new generation of international consultants helping nigeria re-discover its appetite for ambitious, innovative and sustainable development that can reflect the huge potential of this major economy’, commented max titchmarsh who leads SPARK’s london design studio. ‘we think nigeria is beginning a new chapter of global prominence and we believe that there is a new breed of domestic development and contracting expertise that will see the current surge of development activity translate into a lasting legacy.’

eastern elevation highlighting the design’s curved forms

southern elevation of the 18-storey building

project info:

architecture: SPARK architects
project director: max titchmarsh
team: arnold von storp, frankie pringle, ashley gilbert
client: athena capital ltd
engineering: battle mccarthy
QS/PM: WT partnership
main contractor: deux projects
total gfa: 9,015 sqm