Kenyan Man Behind Construction of Magnificent A-Frame Cabins Reveals Their Construction Costs, Features

• A-frame frame cabins were originally built in North America and Europe due to their roofing ability to withstand heavy snowfall
• The construction design became popular around the world and is now proliferating in Kenya across Nairobi, Nanyuki, Kajiado and Mombasa, among other areas
• Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, A-frame design and construction experts explained that the structure is mainly for retreat purposes, Airbnb and not a family home

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Perhaps you have come across this kind of building, physically or virtually, with tall roofing touching the basement in a triangular shape.

A side view of A-frame cabin (left and right). John Wagacha (inset) the designer of A-frame buildings. Photos: John Wagacha. Source: UGC

In construction, they are referred to as A-frame cabins or triangular-shaped houses.

Kenyans have been growing interest in A-frame cabins, especially in urban and countryside construction.

What is an A-frame house?

TUKO.co.ke reached out to two Kenyan architectural engineers involved in the recent proliferation of A-frame houses in the country.

According to them, the cabins are specifically designed for retreat purposes.

John Wagacha, the team lead designer and builder of A-frames in Kenya, explained that the house types are mainly built in Europe and North America to prevent roof collapse due to heavy snow.

Wagacha, however, noted that the house design became popular across the world due to its aesthetic look.

“A-frame cabins are built mainly in Europe and North America, to keep the roof from falling due to the effects of the snow. They built them in the woods as holiday retreat homes. Over time, it became popular due to its aesthetic look. It is not a design for a family home,” said Wagacha.

Wagacha described an A-frame cabin as a getaway house from your urban duelling.

Inside the living room of an A-frame cabin. Photo: Boss Yator. Source: Twitter

Are A-frame houses built in Kenya?

Boss Yator, a construction expert, backed Wagacha’s sentiments, describing A-frame houses as architectural retreats defined by their steeply pitched roofs that extend to reach near ground level with a full triangular gable end.

“They are perfect for getaways when you just want to take a break from the conventional square houses and breathe some fresh air, not necessarily in Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, but even around the capital city of Nairobi.

“We have seen some very attractive A-frame cabins in Karen, Limuru, and Ngong, and they’re still very attractive,” said Boss Yator

What are the features of A-frame cabin house?

In a viral photo post doing rounds on social media, the construction experts shared images of a recently built A-frame cabin in Kajiado.

Wagacha revealed that the tall roof seen in the photos makes the house well-ventilated, and the ceiling is traditionally built with timber for an exotic look.

Yator, on the other hand, explained that getting the house weatherproof is your number one priority when building A-frame cabins.

“…because with this concept you are living inside a roof, therefore, the notion that these cabins tend to be hot is true, proper heat insulation membrane has to be installed using materials like polystyrene,” he added.

What is the cost of building an A-frame house?

Boss Yator further explained that A-frame cabins are cheaper in construction compared to conventional houses because the superstructure and the roofing are combined.

“I would say KSh 35,000 per square metre, depending on the finishes that you decide to go for,” he estimated.

For Wagacha, the cost of building an A-frame house is determined by a number of factors, including the size, the functionality you want to achieve (all ensuite, an open kitchen), and the budget.

Inside the kitchen of an A-frame cabin house. Photo: Boss Yator. Source: Twitter

“The cost of building A-frame houses is determined by the client’s preference, soil type, and the elevation off the ground.

“If you want to do a 2 bedroom unit, depending on the material that you choose it can cost you anywhere around KSh 8 and 15 million,” he explained.

How A-frames are becoming economically viable in Kenya

Wagacha added that most A-frame cabins in Kenya are used for hospitality purposes.

With the growing trend of Airbnb business in the country, he said A-frames are perfect for rent and use, citing Siri Cabin Cabin in Nanyuki.

“You can only build it on a countryside farm for retreat purposes and convert it to an Airbnb and earn some money from it,” he recommended.

House with unique roof stuns Kenyans

In related news, TUKO.co.ke reported about a picture of a bungalow featuring distinctive multi-layered roofing, which sparked diverse responses on social media.

The brick structure, which is still under construction, captured the interest of Kenyan online due to its unique design.

While some suggested that the owner might have had a creative concept in mind, others criticised the builders for executing the design poorly.

What know about cost of construction in Kenya

• Construction Costs Handbook by the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya estimates that constructing a modest house in major towns typically costs around KSh 40,000 per square meter.
• A Kenyan on Facebook asked whether KSh 850,000 is enough to construct a three-bedroom house, sparking a debate online.
• Kenyans on the forum reacted with divergent views, with some agreeing and others disagreeing on the adequacy of KSh 850,000 for a three-bedroom house.

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