Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos’ Urban Transformation

  • Project: Kingsway Tower
  • Architect: SAOTA
  • Location: Nigeria, Ikoyi, Lagos
  • Year: 2020
  • Area: 19200 m2
  • Photography: Adam Letch

Kingsway Tower, located in the prestigious Ikoyi district of Lagos, Nigeria, is a bold architectural statement that blends international design standards with local contextual intelligence. Designed by SAOTA, this 15-storey mixed-use tower sets a new benchmark for commercial and urban architecture in West Africa’s rapidly expanding megacity.

A Gateway Structure on a Strategic Corner

Positioned prominently on Alfred Rewane Road, one of Lagos’ key arterial routes, Kingsway Tower occupies a corner plot that connects the airport-bound north with the economic powerhouse of Victoria Island. SAOTA’s design rises to the challenge of this strategic placement with a bold architectural form that aims to catalyze urban renewal in the surrounding area.

The tower comprises:

  • A basement level

  • Two-level retail podium

  • Parking deck

  • 12 floors of flexible office space

Form and Façade Inspired by Place

The sculptural language of the building, with its billowing silhouette, draws inspiration from the square sails of traditional Nigerian fishing boats and the breezes of Lagos Lagoon. This fluid form is accentuated by a wavy, cantilevered canopy that wraps the podium, featuring an intricate woven underside—a nod to local textiles and craft.

Rather than mimic, the building’s perforated aluminium screens abstract patterns found in tropical vegetation. These create a multi-layered façade that not only delivers strong aesthetic identity but also enhances solar performance and ventilation.

“We designed a façade that responds to local climatic conditions rather than replicate Western models,” says SAOTA Director Greg Truen.

Climate-Responsive & Efficient by Design

The building’s north–south orientation and deep slab overhangs optimize solar shading, reducing the building’s heat load. The screen system improves energy performance while allowing for natural ventilation and exterior maintenance access.

The façade strategy mirrors shopfront typologies rather than sealed curtain walls—offering a passive design response that’s rare in commercial buildings in Lagos.

Activating the Urban Edge

One of the tower’s most impactful elements is its transparent street-level podium, which encourages public engagement and activates the pedestrian experience. LED lighting and large storefronts enhance visibility and safety, especially at night—challenging the local norm of blank walls and gated compounds.

The curved entrance canopy and accessible street corner aim to redefine urban interaction in a city where such gestures are often overlooked.

Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired Interiors

The interior architecture continues the building’s expressive language. In the lobby, a faceted timber wall system reflects the diagonal motif of the canopy, made entirely with locally sourced materials. A cone-shaped reception canopy adds visual drama and invites views from outside.

This sculptural yet minimal interior promotes both visual intrigue and cultural relevance, bridging international design ideals with a Lagos-specific execution.

Fully Self-Sufficient Infrastructure

Lagos’ infrastructural challenges—intermittent power, limited municipal water, and sewage access—were directly addressed in the building’s services design. Kingsway Tower operates with:

  • On-site power generation

  • Water treatment systems

  • Sewage management facilities

This self-sufficiency not only ensures reliability but aligns with sustainable development goals in high-growth urban contexts.

Pioneering a New Architectural Language for Nigeria

With Lagos’ population soaring beyond 20 million residents, Kingsway Tower is a beacon of what future developments in the city might become—resilient, climate-conscious, context-driven, and globally competitive.

The tower’s first tenant, Microsoft, underscores the project’s ambition to attract world-class companies, establishing the tower as a landmark of innovation and enterprise in Nigeria.

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch
Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation
Photography © Adam Letch

Drawings

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Kingsway Tower by SAOTA: A Landmark in Lagos' Urban Transformation

Posted by SAOTA

SAOTA is an internationally acclaimed architectural firm known for its visionary design approach and global impact. Led by a dynamic team including Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye, Logen Gordon, Dani Reimers, and Dominik George, the firm seamlessly blends innovation, functionality, and aesthetics to redefine contemporary architecture. With a portfolio spanning six continents, SAOTA has established itself as a leader in delivering cutting-edge architectural solutions across diverse markets. The firm's success stems from its ability to harmonize form and function, creating bespoke designs that maximize value while responding to unique environmental and cultural contexts. A commitment to technological innovation places SAOTA at the forefront of the industry. The firm integrates advanced Revit modeling and virtual reality tools to enhance the design process, ensuring precision, clarity, and immersive client experiences. Rooted in a spirit of continuous exploration, SAOTA thrives on pushing creative boundaries, shaping iconic spaces that embody elegance, sophistication, and architectural excellence. Through its unwavering dedication to quality and client-focused solutions, the firm remains a global benchmark in contemporary architecture.