The traditional Kenyan house design is a reflection of the culture, tradition, and heritage of the local people. It includes a lot of earthy materials and natural features. The traditional Kenyan house is a collection of huts made of mud walls and thatched roofs. Windows and doors were also made of wood, and the huts were connected by passageways. This type of house design would have been a common occurrence in the villages and urban towns of the past. The materials are cheap and easy to source, making them the most preferred choice for people living on a budget. Some of the common features include, deep verandas, high thatched roofs and free-standing masonry walls.Traditional Kenyan House Design
Modern Kenyan house designs put an emphasis on comfort, convenience, functionality, and affordability. This style is also considered as being environmentally friendly as it utilizes the natural elements of the landscape to its fullest. The modern Kenyan house includes a combination of stone, concrete, and wood. The interior may include built-in furniture, modern appliances, and decorative finishes such as ceramic tiles. In terms of exterior design, this style includes a minimalist look with clean lines, neutral colors, and minimal embellishments.Modern Kenyan House Design
Single-story houses are the most preferred when it comes to Kenyan house designs. These designs are used in both urban and rural areas, but the availability of land is the main factor which dictates the kind of house that can be built. Single-story houses are the most demanded in urban areas due to the limited space. These designs typically include integrated tiled roofs, and part of the roof often extends to form a balcony. The floors are usually made of terra cotta tiles or cement.Single Story Kenyan House Design
In rural areas, mud house designs are still a popular option. This type of house is created by mixing mud and cow dung to create a slurry which is then used to make walls and roof. The mud is layered on bamboo poles and allowed to dry. Clay tiles are used to form the roofing and the walls and the floor can be made of clay, mud, and cow dung mixed with sand. A mud and cow dung house may not seem ideal for living, but these designs have stood the test of time since they are affordable and easy to construct.Mud House Design in Kenya
A low-cost house design in Kenya is often referred to as a ‘bungalow’. These are some of the most economical and space efficient house designs available. Bungalows usually have an open plan design with the kitchen, dining, and living spaces integrated into one area. Bedrooms are typically located around the living area and are usually connected to the main living space. The materials used are usually inexpensive such as corrugated metal for the roof, local timber for doors and windows, and cement for the walls.Kenyan Low-Cost House Design
Gable roof houses are some of the common designs in Kenya. They are distinguished by the triangular shape of the roof, which slopes down from both ends. This design creates a spacious interior, making them ideal for larger homes. Gable roof houses are usually built with brick walls or stone masonry. Timber or metal trusses support the roof, while the floor is usually made of terra cotta tiles or concrete.Gable Roof House Design in Kenya
Flat roof designs are popular among modern and minimalist house designs. These designs have a wide variety of materials that can be used for the roof including metal sheets, wood, asphalt shingles, and rubber. The walls are usually made of precast concrete or masonry, while the floor may be made of terra cotta tiles or concrete. The interior design is characterized by a seamless, open plan layout with minimal furniture.Flat Roof House Design in Kenya
Townhouse designs are characterized by multiple floors, typically ranging from two to three stories. These house designs are commonly found in urban areas. They are usually attached to one another and each unit has a private entrance. The materials used are usually durable and long-lasting such as cement or brick for the walls and tile or concrete for the floors. Townhouse designs offer a great opportunity for creating large and spacious living spaces.Kenyan Townhouse Design
Terrace houses designs in Kenya are designed to fit into the hilly terrain. These house designs are a collection of several floors connected via a series of staircases or ramps. They are usually built from stone and masonry for the walls, and terracotta tiles or wooden floors for the floors. These designs offer great views and they are quite cost-effective due to the use of local materials.Terrace House Design in Kenya
Small houses are often the preferred option in urban centers due to the lack of land space. Small house designs are made use of limited areas and they require minimal resources for construction. Some of the popular materials used in small house designs include wooden frames, cement blocks, corrugated metal for the roof, and terra cotta tiles for the floors. Interiors are usually designed to be practical and comfortable with plenty of storage and a bright, airy atmosphere.Small Kenyan House Design