Shela Village · Lamu Island · Kenya
Where Design Meets Tradition
A boutique luxury development blending contemporary architecture with Swahili heritage — expected completion December 2027
A New Chapter for Lamu
“Our goal is well designed and well-made development as we are all experts in the field and filling the void that there are no apartments available in Lamu, only houses.”
A Hidden Gem
Nestled on the southeastern coast of Lamu Island, Shela Village offers a retreat away from tourist crowds. While Lamu Old Town garners attention as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Shela's laid-back, artistic atmosphere often remains hidden from the mainstream.
First of Its Kind
Shela Estate is the first boutique apartment development to fill the gap in Lamu's accommodation market. Until now, only private houses existed — this development brings curated, luxurious apartment living to one of East Africa's most coveted coastal destinations.
Project at a Glance
Key facts about the Shela Estate development — a carefully designed boutique project on Lamu Island.
Location
South-West Shela Village, along the protected dunes
Distance
12–15 min walk from waterfront & village centre
Units
3 apartments + 2 duplex units
Communal Amenity
Shared garden with swimming pool
Project Start
2024
Expected Completion
December 2027
Plot Net Area
429 m²
Gross Floor Area
611 m²
Floor Area / Apartment
130 m²
Architect
MOQAE, Mogadishu–Brussels
As the project is in final design stage, all numbers, plans and renderings are indicational, approximate and non-contractual.
Contemporary Meets Tradition
Designed with a blend of luxury and understated elegance, the Estate seamlessly integrates contemporary architecture with Swahili tradition.
Swahili Heritage Materials
Coral stone walls, geometric patterns, floral motifs, hardwood Swahili doors and beams — a synthesis of African and Arab influences.
Mashrabiya & Makuti
Intricate mashrabiya screens and traditional makuti thatched roofs provide protection from the elements while honouring local craft traditions.
Thoughtful Layout
Each apartment includes a living room, kitchen, storage, outdoor laundry, outdoor corridor, night zone with bathroom and two bedrooms, plus an intimate west-facing balcony.
Solar Orientation
East-west layouts optimise orientation to minimise heat gain, complemented by solar shading on all facades.
Natural Ventilation
The rectangular layout, patio between day and night zones, and outdoor corridors allow ample natural airflow — no air conditioning needed.
Pool & Dune Views
Living rooms and bedrooms face the swimming pool with splendid views toward the south and the protected dunes for upper apartments.
Explore the Design
From the architectural floor plan to fully rendered 3D models — including the makuti-roofed building and its communal swimming pool — explore how Shela Estate comes together.
View full sizeTypical Floor Plan
The authentic architectural plan: two bedrooms, living/lounge, kitchen, bathroom, terraces, and the shared pool.
View full sizeFloor Plan — 3D Model
A furnished 3D visualisation of the same plan — coral-stone walls, hardwood Swahili furniture and mashrabiya screens.
As the project is in its final design stage, all plans, renderings and 3D models are indicational, approximate and non-contractual.
A targeted return of 25% or higher
Shela Estate is positioned to deliver a projected return on investment of 25% or more — driven by an untapped market, premium short-let rental demand in one of East Africa's most sought-after coastal destinations, and capital growth from a landmark, architecturally significant development.
Projected returns are indicative and non-contractual. Detailed financial projections and investment documentation are available on request.
Targeted Return on Investment
First-to-Market
The only boutique apartments in Lamu — capturing demand that currently has no comparable supply.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Strong short-let holiday rental yields alongside long-term capital appreciation.
Early-Stage Entry
Invest at the ground floor — ahead of completion in December 2027 — for the most favourable pricing.
The Investment Thesis
Shela Estate presents a rare opportunity to invest in luxury coastal real estate at the ground floor of a new market.
Only Boutique Apartments in Lamu
The first development to bring curated apartment living to a UNESCO-adjacent destination — a unique market positioning.
Untapped Niche
No apartments currently exist in Lamu — only private houses. Shela Estate fills a clear market gap with high demand potential.
Expert Team
Designed by MOQAE architects with deep expertise in both contemporary and traditional Swahili construction.
Sustainable & Significant
An architecturally significant project in a protected natural setting, using passive cooling and local materials.
Growing Destination
East Africa's authentic, off-the-beaten-path coastal destinations are attracting growing international interest.
Early Opportunity
With completion expected in December 2027, now is the ideal time for early investors to participate at a favourable stage.
A Sense of Place
Impressions of Lamu Island, Swahili architecture, and the coastal lifestyle that defines Shela Estate.
Lamu Old Town — UNESCO Heritage Streets
Coastal Veranda Living
Pool & Garden Living
Dhow Sailing — Lamu Archipelago
Mashrabiya Screens & Swahili Craft
Rooftop Living at Golden Hour
Investor Enquiries
Interested in learning more about Shela Estate? Reach out for project documentation, financial projections, and partnership opportunities.
Location
Shela Village, Lamu Island, Kenya
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