The construction sector is always changing and there are always new technologies that come and go within the Kenyan market. Gone are the days when Kenyans would only build using masonry stone, timber or mud. Various new technologies have entered the market that seek to address different pain points from cost, to availability of materials and even green building.
Today I will cover 3 common ones;
1.Container housing
Containers have quickly become a housing option for many. All you need to have is a stable ground to place it on and you are ready to go. Containers usually come in two lengths, 20ft (6m) containers and 40ft (12 m) containers. The width is usually constant at 8 ft wide (2.4m). For the height, the normal is 8.65 ft (2.59m) high, but high cube containers exist too at 9.65ft (2.89m) high.
A container is essentially a steel storage unit so it required fabrication and finishing to make it more livable. This involves cutting doors and window openings into the container and these are essentially welded on to make a complete structure.
A used but not converted container goes at around 200,000 Ksh.for a 20ft Container and 350,000 Ksh for a low cube. High cube 40ft containers are about 380,000 Ksh. Newer containers cost much more. After conversion, the cost can be from 700,00 Ksh onwards depending on the level of finishes required for 20 footers and starting at 1.2M for 40 footers. Cost per sqm can be estimated at 38,000 Ksh – 50K/SQM for finishes.
Containers are also perfect for prefabricated shops with many companies selling already made units at affordable prices. Note that one of the costs accompanied with using containers is the transportation cost because one needs a trailer and a crane to transport and lift them into place.
2. Precast concrete panels
Precast concrete panels have been in the market for some time now and have become more widely used. They are a quick and easy way to put up stable walls. Their cost effectiveness is particularly felt when you are building single storey structures because they are much lighter. They also do not require a concrete ring beam since these particular structures have that integrated with their steel framing. They also don’t require plaster to create a smooth surface for painting as filler can be directly applied to these surfaces.
In bigger structures that have steel reinforced concrete columns and beams,they are used as infill walling. Here, they provide the advantage of speed and where masonry units are not available, they can be considered a good substitute. There are different types of precast panels in the market at the moment with most ranging between 50mm -90mm thick and therefore also save on space compared to normal walls.
The cost of structures made using precast panels for single storeys range between 20,000 Ksh/SQM – 45Ksh/SQM based on the desired finish. Looking to use precast panels for your structure, check out these precast panels made by Kwangu Kwako Ltd.
3. Rammed earth
Does earth call to you? Are you looking for a more sustainable building material for your project. Rammed earth combines suitable soil, sand and lime (or cement) with some water and this mixture is compacted(rammed) in between formwork (think moulds) to form thick stabilised earth walls. It is done in layers until the desired height is achieved.
Earth walls are very thick and this makes these homes very energy efficient because there are able to stay cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. This material also uses locally available materials and therefore can be used in areas that are considered remote. It is normally integrated with wood for the doors and windows. This home also intergrates the use of recycled glass bottles creating a very interesting and fun aesthetic.
There are a few organisations that are training people how to build using this method in Kenya. It is yet to pick up pace in Kenya but it is slowly being taken up.
Which ones would you love to see covered in more detail. Feel free to reach out and make your suggestions.
Build Wisely!
