The African Heritage House has been recognized and awarded severally by global names such as Trip Advisor. Overlooking the serenity of the Nairobi National Park, this building designed by American Alan Donovan is a masterpiece of the times – its earthy façade speaks of the past glories and soul of the continent while looking futuristic and almost surreal simultaneously.
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. Mud architecture is all about making bold statements in a world and continent that has embraced concrete, steel, and glass. The structure, according to the designer was inspired by yet another monument and ode to African greatness – The Djenne Mosque in Mali which is more than 600 years old and is the largest earth-built structure in the world.
Luxury Residential Mud and Rammed-Earth Houses
This headline might sound like a paradox or an oxymoron (a luxury mud house?) However, several local builders and project owners are showing Kenya and East Africa that indeed this can be actualized. A classy, luxury design based on mud architecture and mud building is all the way possible. 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 for him was to blend the hut design into the natural aesthetic of the surrounding Tsavo plains. The total project cost was less than KSH 3Million for the four-bedroom villa, and Chris claims he built the house with only a pair of extra hands, although the construction timeline increased.
The Hospitality Industry Dominates the Rammed Earth Niche
While the unique and alternative rammed earth design is adaptable to different builds and situations, few residential builders have adopted the technology. These instances are not well documented, meaning it’s barely possible to obtain the names of the contractors or builders who carry out these projects. The majority of rammed earth and mud building projects have been done by players in the hospitality and leisure sectors.
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. However, this isn’t to say that these projects cannot be carried out in other types of environments.
Can You Build Rammed Earth Construction Without Expertise?
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. The soil should be suitable enough such that when compacted, it should hold up at least 150 kg of weight per square inch.
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. Other key considerations include keeping the roof eaves far enough from the walls to protect the latter from rain splash and cementing around the plinth and wall foundations to keep them moisture-free.
