Case Study: KAYA TOWN – Alexandria, Egypt
Client: Modon Developments
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Area: 200 000 m²
Scope: Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Planning

Project Overview 

Kaya Town is conceived as a vibrant, coastal-inspired community spanning 200 000 m² on Alexandria’s shore. Schaduf was commissioned to develop a holistic masterplan and landscape design that weaves built form seamlessly into Egypt’s Mediterranean context. The vision prioritizes walkable neighbourhoods, interconnected by green corridors and anchored by dynamic public realms that foster both social engagement and ecological resilience.

Challenges 

• Coastal Climate Adaptation: Designing plantings and public spaces that thrive under Alexandria’s heat, sea breezes, and occasional salinity.
• Walkability & Connectivity: Structuring a 200 000 m² site into distinct yet interlinked neighbourhoods to encourage pedestrian and bicycle movement.
• Water Management: Integrating stormwater control without detracting from aesthetic and recreational value.
• Ecological Integrity: Enhancing local biodiversity while minimising irrigation demands and maintenance inputs.

Solutions 

• Green Corridor Network
  • Linear Parks: A continuous ribbon of shaded promenades and bioswales connects residential clusters, commercial hubs, and leisure zones—serving as both thoroughfares and gathering places.
  • Pedestrian Prioritisation: Pathways and cycle tracks are framed by native Acacia farnesiana and Olea europaea, creating comfortable microclimates and visual cohesion.
• Climate-Responsive Planting
  • Native & Drought-Tolerant Species: Selected for their resilience, low water needs, and support of local fauna.
  • Pocket Gardens & Community Plazas: Each offers a unique character—some exuberant and social, others tranquil retreats for reflection.
• Integrated Water Features
  • Bioswales & Rain Gardens: Strategically placed to capture runoff, recharge groundwater, and animate the landscape with gentle water movement.
  • Reflective Pools: Serve as focal points and informal gathering spaces, their placid surfaces echoing Alexandria’s maritime heritage.
• Diverse Public Realms
  • Village Plazas: Open-air venues for markets, performances, and festivals.
  • Children’s Play Zones: Natural-materials playgrounds that encourage imaginative and physical play.
  • Wellness Enclaves: Quiet garden rooms and shaded seating cater to relaxation and social connection.

Outcomes 

• Enhanced Livability: Residents enjoy a pedestrian-first environment that encourages healthy mobility and spontaneous social interaction.
• Ecological Performance: Native planting and sustainable water management reduce irrigation by an estimated 40% and bolster local biodiversity.
• Strong Sense of Place: Distinctive neighbourhood identities emerge through thoughtful landscape sequencing and curated public spaces.
• Community Resilience: Green infrastructure moderates microclimates, mitigates runoff, and provides shade—improving comfort and environmental quality.

Conclusion 

Schaduf’s integrated planning and landscape architecture for Kaya Town deliver more than attractive aesthetics—they establish a resilient, human-centered framework for coastal living. By uniting sustainable water management, native planting, and rich public realms, we have crafted a masterplan that honours Alexandria’s heritage while laying the foundation for a vibrant, future-ready community.