NEO Design Architects

10/04/2023

Sustainable architecture and design are rapidly becoming the norm in Kenya, as more and more architects and designers are realizing the benefits of sustainable practices. These practices not only benefit the environment but also lead to cost savings in the long term. Here are some of the latest trends in sustainable architecture and design in Kenya:

1. Passive design techniques: Passive design techniques involve using the natural environment to regulate indoor temperatures, which reduces the need for heating and cooling systems. Architects are incorporating passive design techniques such as natural ventilation and daylighting in their designs, which not only save energy but also create healthier living spaces.

2. Green roofs: Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in Kenya as a way to reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and provide additional green spaces. Green roofs are being incorporated in both commercial and residential buildings, and they can also help to reduce stormwater runoff.

3. Use of recycled and locally-sourced materials: The use of recycled and locally-sourced materials is a sustainable practice that not only reduces waste but also supports the local economy. In Kenya, architects and designers are incorporating materials such as recycled metal and reclaimed wood in their designs, and they are also sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions.

4. Net-zero buildings: Net-zero buildings are those that generate as much energy as they consume. In Kenya, architects and designers are incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines in their designs to achieve net-zero status.

Sustainable architecture and design are no longer just a trend in Kenya; they are becoming a necessity as the country strives to reduce its carbon footprint and preserve its natural resources. By incorporating sustainable practices in their designs, architects and designers can create beautiful, functional, and environmentally-friendly buildings that benefit everyone.

27/08/2022

I see so many people peddling cost saving measures that don't make sense. Just hype.

For starters you won't make much cost savings when the cost cutting measure targets walling. Sijui interlocking blocks, sijui bricks n other koso koso.
Per unit quantity; walling is the cheapest part of a building. You can't therefore make savings by targeting the cheapest component.
Go back to first principles. Target the cost culprits:

1.Reinforcement.
2. Roofing.
3. Finishes.
4. Foundation.

*1. Reinforcement:*

This is the chuma in Slabs, beams, columns & footings. Amount of steel reinforcement is directly proportional to the weight being carried. Reduce the weight n you'll reduce the steel. Reduce the weight of the slabs, walls & roof.
Solid slabs are heavier than hollow pot and waffle slabs. They'll therefore require more reinforcements to carry just their own self- weight. Self weight is about 50-70% of the designed load. Reduce this self weight and you'll reduce the amount of chuma needed.

*Caution* : Don't ever cut corners on the steel reinforcement without consulting your engineer. It will end in tears.

*2. Roofing:*
"...The beauty of the house is the roof..."
Av heard this from several quarters. This beauty lies in the roof design and roof covering material.
Holding design constant. The more expensive the cover the more beautiful the house. Roof finishes such as tiles (clay, concrete & stone coated metal) require a lot of timber thereby increasing costs.
However, if you hide the roof finish behind a parapet wall you'll get away with very cheap roof finish. E.g Box profile mabati that require very little timber. On the streets these types of roofs are known by many names. Some call it "roofless" house while others go ahead and call it 'flat roof'. Quite deceptive nomenclature huh?
With such a roof the beauty of the house is purely based on the design

*3. Foundation:*
Just like reinforcement, don't go experimenting with this element on your own.
Consult your structural engineer.
Foundation costs are made up of excavations, importing backfilling material and Concrete footings. It goes without saying that the deeper the excavations, the costlier the foundation will be. E.g Foundation in black cotton soil will be more expensive than in red soil. However, if the black cotton soil is very deep, your engineer may recommend a foundation composed of columns with ground beams to carry a suspended ground floor slab.

4. Finishes:
Here it's very straight forward. The depth of your pocket will determine the cost of finishes.

Signed: Arch Austin Ayara

06/04/2021

CONSTRUCTION COSTS AND ESTIMATES REVISITED

The most frequently asked question on this forum is “How much does a 2/3/4 bedroom house cost to construct?” Probably it’s the most answered question and perhaps caused more controversies, convergence and divergence of views and opinions. Here again, I seek to revisit the question of cost estimation.

The Table below was issued by the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, about a survey that they did on various houses in various towns, in order to estimate the cost of construction. It used to appear on the journal section of their website. The values are given as estimates and not actual costs that one will incur in the building process. Which means that there would be deviance of almost plus or minus 30% or something of that nature depending on things like land prices and local economies etc. Therefore, these values are best used as guidelines in helping future prospecting homeowners figure out (guesstimate) how much they should put aside as a budget for construction purposes.

My summary is as follows for residential construction:
• Low-end values (2000/= to 2500/= per sft)
• Medium end homes (3000/= to 3500/= per sft)
• High-end Homes (4000/= to 5000/=)
Home sizes:
• Minimum room size is 10ft x 10ft = 100 sft
• Maximum room size (14ft x 14ft = 196 sft or Approximately =200 sft)
• Average room size = 150 sft or 12 ft x 12ft

Room organization and Arrangement in a house:
• Kitchen: 150 sft
• Living Area: 150 sft
• Dining Area: 150 sft
• Hall way and Common Bath/ Store and Closets: 150 sft
• Bedroom 1: 150 sft
• Bedroom 2: 150 sft
• Bedroom 3 and additional Bedroom: Add 200 sft, (150 sft for bedroom and 50 sft for bath)

House Sizes by bedrooms:
• 2 Bedroom: = 900 sft
• 3 Bedroom: = 1200 sft
• 4 Bedroom: = 1,400 sft
• 5 Bedroom: = 1,600 sft and so on.

Cost Assumption and Estimates: Assume that we are going for a low-end with basic and standard finished at 2000/= psft. For example, using ISSB or Interlocking Stabilized Blocks.

Cost Estimates will be as follows:
• 2 Bedroom: = 900 sft = 1.8 million
• 3 Bedroom: = 1200 sft = 2.4 million
• 4 Bedroom: = 1,400 sft = 2.8 million
• 5 Bedroom: = 1,600 sft = 3.2 million etc

Exceptions
Now, there are those who say that my house is in “Oshango” (Rural and Peri-urban Setting) and not in an urban area, where land is cheap, labor is plenty and cheap, or some are just exceptional bargainers or business geniuses or sometimes you build your house with your family members and friends, neighbors, self-help group, DIY or Do It Yourself on your spare time or weekends, you have a brother or sister who is an architect, engineer, contractor, quantity surveyor etc. and the argument is that by so doing we can cut the cost by ½ (half). Then these will be the revised estimates: @ 1000/= per sft.
• 2 Bedroom: = 900 sft = 0.9 million
• 3 Bedroom: = 1200 sft = 1.2 million
• 4 Bedroom: = 1,400 sft = 1.4 million
• 5 Bedroom: = 1,600 sft = 1.6 million etc.

These are the realistic minimum values that can be possibly achieved. Anything beyond these values is very doubtful and really deserves to be re-looked at twice, especially in this environment that we live in, that of inflation, profiteering, deals, theft and fraud, deceit, lies and miss-information, miss-management and mistrust and misunderstanding among ourselves, missed opportunities and many other miss…...

This is my take on Construction Cost Estimates, Revisited.

16/03/2021

16/03/2021