Building for the Kenyan climate: material choices that pay off

A building's first cost is only part of the story. How its materials cope with sun, rain and everyday use decides how much you will spend on it over the next twenty years.

Start with the roof and the walls

The roof and external walls take the brunt of the weather. Good overhangs, well-detailed gutters and finishes suited to strong sun protect everything underneath them and keep interiors cooler.

Design for rain, not just for dry days

Heavy seasonal rain finds every weak joint. Proper falls, damp-proofing and drainage around the building are small line items that prevent expensive repairs later.

Think about maintenance from day one

• Choose finishes you can clean and repair locally.
• Favour durable, locally available materials where they perform well.
• Plan access for future maintenance of roofs, tanks and services.

Balance cost with performance

The cheapest option on paper is not always the cheapest over the life of a building. A good design team will show you where spending a little more now saves a lot later — and where it does not.

Planning a new build? Get in touch and we will talk you through the options for your site.