Empowering Refugee Communities: MVRDV’s Klabu Clubhouse in Kenya
MVRDV designed Klabu Clubhouse in Kenya’s Kalobeyei Settlement, merging innovation, inclusivity, and sports to foster resilient communities. By Nikitha Sunil Vallikad
In the heart of Kenya’s Kalobeyei Settlement, a vivid structure stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and community. Designed by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, the Klabu Clubhouse redefines the role of architecture in humanitarian contexts. Beyond being a sports facility, it embodies the spirit of empowerment, fostering connections between refugees and host communities through the universal language of sports.
This innovative project, commissioned by Klabu Foundation in collaboration with UNHCR and the Turkana County Government, addresses a critical question: how can architecture inspire unity and sustainability in challenging contexts?
A Vibrant Hub in the Desert
The Klabu Clubhouse isn’t just a building—it’s a social catalyst. Its colourful, geometric façade composed of stacked shipping containers sets it apart in the arid surroundings, instantly attracting attention. The modular design was a practical choice, enabling rapid assembly and future adaptability, essential for evolving settlement needs.
At its core, the clubhouse serves as a sports library where community members can borrow and share equipment for activities like football, volleyball, and athletics. The open layout, shaded courtyards, and gathering spaces encourage organic interactions, fostering a sense of belonging among its users.
MVRDV co-founder Jacob van Rijs encapsulates this vision: “The Klabu Clubhouse shows how design can go beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and addressing real human needs in difficult environments.”
Designing for Context and Community
The Kalobeyei Settlement is home to both refugees and Turkana locals, making it a unique socio-cultural environment. MVRDV’s approach centred on designing a space that respects this duality. The structure’s vibrant colours reference local Turkana culture while simultaneously breaking the monotony of the desert landscape.
Functionality drove every design decision. The shipping containers not only offer durability and ease of transportation but also house
various programmes, from equipment storage to shaded seating areas. The inclusion of solar panels and rainwater collection systems reflects the project’s sustainable ethos, ensuring minimal environmental impact in this resource-scarce setting.
Local participation was integral to the project. MVRDV worked closely with community members to ensure the design resonated with their needs and aspirations. The use of local labour during construction also contributed to skill-building and economic upliftment within the settlement.
Sports as a Tool for Empowerment
Sport has a transformative power that goes beyond recreation. In the Klabu Clubhouse, it acts as a tool for healing, resilience, and integration. The clubhouse’s programme aims to bridge gaps between refugees and the host community, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The Klabu Foundation’s director, Olivier Witteveen, reflects on this vision: “Sport provides a universal language that connects people. The clubhouse is not just a facility—it’s a platform for change, a space where individuals can rebuild their confidence and find joy despite their circumstances.”
The design goes beyond facilitating games; it creates a safe environment where individuals can engage, collaborate, and build lasting connections. In a settlement often marked by transience, the clubhouse offers a sense of permanence and stability.
While the Klabu Clubhouse exemplifies how thoughtful design can address humanitarian challenges, it raises questions about the broader role of architecture in refugee settlements. Can a single structure transform deeply rooted socio-economic issues? Or is it merely a starting point in a longer journey of systemic change?
The clubhouse’s success lies in its ability to foster community-led initiatives and offer immediate relief. However, its long-term impact depends on sustained engagement from stakeholders, including local governments and humanitarian organisations.
The Klabu Clubhouse by MVRDV is more than an architectural project—it’s a testament to the power of design to inspire change. By prioritising sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and social cohesion, the clubhouse offers a model for future humanitarian architecture.
As the world grapples with the growing challenges of displacement and climate change, projects like this highlight the potential of architecture to build bridges where there are divides, providing a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
