Sitting area of Georgia Luxury Apartments in Mombasa. PHOTO | COURTESY

Norman Foster, the award winning British architect, once famously said that architects design for the present, “with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.”

This building block of wisdom comes to mind when one tours the newly unveiled Georgia Luxury Apartments in Mombasa, Kenya, which offer residents not only a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean, but also comes with an infinity pool on the rooftop.

Anyone who has spent a night at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore will understand what it means to have a room with a 24-hour view of the ocean and the pleasure that comes with watching as the waves hit the shore in the evenings, or taking in the calm of the early morning, with the sun drawing its golden sword across the water.

This is the same range of emotional and natural experiences that the new apartments, which are transforming the GoKart neighbourhood in Mombasa offer prospective takers.

The new block, which has 28 units on eight floors, is not just a work of art. Each of the units is a practical home with superior amenities and is suitable for both long stays or as holiday homes.

The more enterprising Kenyans can also convert their unit into an AirBnB. With three bedrooms and ensuite SQ, the homes are big enough to accommodate an average family and their domestic manager or guest.

The finishing is tasteful and the works have been done to ensure that the property is waterproof – given its proximity to the ocean – and the materials have been particularly selected with Mombasa’s weather conditions in mind.

So takers will not be surprised to wake up one morning and find the coat of paint peeling on account of the humidity that is characteristic of Mombasa for most of the year.

Indeed, the finishing, such as the silicon paints used for the exterior walls, ensures that the property will have low maintenance cost.

A keen eye will observe the Australian influences in the design – such as the large alfresco balconies that are ideal for entertaining families and friends or simply for chilling out in the evenings.

The Australian touch is not an accident of design. Rather, it arises from the proprietors’ own experience, courtesy of the years they have lived down under. And, knowing the climate and fun-loving ways of Kenyans, they have brought together elements from both cultures to create a unique property that is airy – given the hot and humid conditions at the Coast – and that allows a healthy dose of natural lighting – thus saving in energy costs.

One more word on selection of colours for the interior décor and finishing; the earth tones are meant to give a homely feel, blending with the milk white installations, such as the corner bathtubs.

And for residents’ security, the windows have been double-glazed and each has a security screen, which means only air can come in and out; there is no room for unauthorised entry or exit.

“We have also paid particular attention to the construction side. Just because you are in an apartment block, you should not see any pillars or beams in your home.

So, in short, all walls and ceilings are smooth, with not a column or beam to be seen,” says Veronicah Mumira, the proprietor of the property, who grew up in Mombasa but now lives and works in Australia.

Ms Mumira, a health consultancy expert, is committed to bringing more Australian influences into the Kenyan architectural space because she believes there is a great deal that Kenya can learn from the Aussies’ unique home designs.