Traditional mud houses in Kenya have largely been abandoned because most Kenyans now prefer modern materials and architectural designs. However, several local builders and project owners are showing Kenya and East Africa that a classy, luxury design based on mud architecture and mud building is possible.
The Revival of Mud Architecture
Mud architecture is about making bold statements in a world and continent that has embraced concrete, steel, and glass. Boss Yator, a construction expert, recently shared some images of an enhanced mud house that has sparked some excitement among Kenyans. He maintains that the house is ‘bulletproof’ due to the materials used in the construction process.
To enhance stability, the foundation wall is layered with stones. The house features a wooden ceiling and staircase. The open kitchen offers essential amenities. Yator is currently working on a two-story building using the same construction technique.
Examples of Mud Architecture in Kenya
The African Heritage House is a classic example of mud architecture combined with unique pre-colonial designs. It boasts sultry curves and lucid edges that integrate into the rest of the landscape and greenery. The African Heritage House has been recognized and awarded severally by global names such as Trip Advisor.
Take a look at the luxury mud villa in Tsavo below, designed and built by Kenyan landscape artist and wildlife painter, Chris Campbell Clause. In a Business Daily interview, his inspiration was to blend the hut design into the natural aesthetic of the surrounding Tsavo plains.
Read also: Women and Beauty in Ancient Egypt
Construction in Kenya with Mud : Affordable, Innovative, and Eco-Friendly...
Rammed Earth Construction
While the unique and alternative rammed earth design is adaptable to different builds and situations, few residential builders have adopted the technology. It is also noteworthy that rammed earth projects are in most cases influenced and dictated by the surroundings of the project, in many cases dry or rather arid areas.
Rammed earth structures follow more of the traditional model of building mud houses, but can be combined with other building methods or materials, for example, concrete and masonry. Typically, rammed earth walling construction requires a plywood form, soil, water, and a good compactor. Thus, the secret formula is mixing the correct amounts of water and soil (some cement and sand can also be added to improve the properties and color), and most importantly thorough compaction.
Key Components of Rammed Earth Construction:
- Plywood Form: Shapes the walls during construction.
- Soil: The primary building material.
- Water: Mixed with soil for compaction.
- Compactor: Ensures the earth is tightly packed.
Student Innovation in Mud House Design
Thirteen students from Associate Professor of Architecture Ronald Rael’s ARCH100D architectural design studio transformed a site in Vipingo, Kenya into a living laboratory for innovation as part of their semester-long research into the design of 3D printed houses for BetterPlace International, an organization founded by Yuri Millo, who sponsored the design studio. “The trip’s purpose was to visit a site in Kenya to gain an understanding of the site, climate, traditional building practices, available materials, culture, and to be inspired by the country,” explained Professor Rael.
Rael’s expertise in 3D printing and earthen architecture helped inform the course’s ambitious design proposal. Seniors in Professor Rael’s class spent the spring semester 3D printing, researching housing types, studying contemporary design projects in Africa, and learning techniques in design and 3D modeling tools to prepare for their trip to Kenya. Students were challenged to design for a western audience while incorporating traditional materials and local architectural styles in their designs.
For senior William Brown (BA Arch ‘17), visiting the proposed site for the project helped solidify, and in many ways re-shape, the design ideas he and the rest of his studio proposed before visiting Kenya. “Being on site, we were able to get a much better understanding for issues such as the temperature,” he said. “Kenya is right on the equator so the cardinal directions are different.
Read also: "Beautiful" in Igbo: A guide to Igbo vocabulary
Senior Arvin Tanu (BA Arch ‘17) also said that weather informed much of his design process as well, “from the humidity to the insects.” He explained that many of the standard amenities incorporated into architectural design in the west - such as running water, electricity and air conditioning - do not exist in Vipingo. His designs, too, shifted to reflect a different way of living based on his field work. “We designed a model for a mud house, which is a really thick building material, with no air conditioning.
For Professor Rael, introducing his students to the field design process speaks to the nature of the Architecture program, which encourages students to leave Wurster Hall to interact with the environment, conduct site analyses and fieldwork to inform their overall design process. “There was an amazing moment when Arvin, who had drawn several incredible sketches, began sharing them with the Maasai people during a visit to their village. Not long after we arrived, he was soon surrounded by several villagers with whom he shared his drawings,” he explained.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Mud Houses | Largely abandoned in favor of modern materials. |
| Enhanced Mud Houses | Feature stone foundations, wooden ceilings, and modern amenities. |
| Rammed Earth Construction | Uses soil, water, and compaction to create durable walls. |
| Student Designs | Incorporate traditional materials and local styles for a Western audience. |
Read also: Impact of Beauty Standards on Ugandan Women
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
