KENYATTA ROAD ESTATE BUSINESS PLAN

Project: Residential Development in Kenya, Kenyatta road, Gatundu.
Client: ………………………….
Location: off Thika road, along Kenyatta road.

FRONT VIEW

MARCH 14th 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a project proposal for the construction of a high class residential estate comprising of 800 No. Maisonettes on a parcel of land situated at Kenyatta road off Thika road, Gatundu.
The project has been conceived, designed and will be implemented by www.a4architect.com .

The estimated development cost for the project is KES 5,600,000,000.00

The project completion period shall take 12 months from ground breaking to hand over.
Sales for 800 Units @ KES 10,000,000 will be in the range of KES 8,000,000,000.00

Returns shall be in the range of KES 2,400,000,000.00 with gross profits falling in the range of 43 percent.

WWW.A4ARCHITECT.COM
A4architect is a dynamic property consulting company specializing in providing a one-stop service for the management and development of a variety of property development projects. It provides its clients, who may be property owners, developers or tenants, with the expertise to guide a project through the complex development process from concept through to building completion.
Depending on the requirements of their client, A4architect can provide a full or partial consulting service. The company’s involvement can vary from sourcing suitable sites, arranging local authority approvals, managing the professional team or providing a complete project management service.
The principals behind the firm have several years experience in designing and managing to completion several projects of various natures.

THE PROJECT
The project comprises the construction of 800 No. residential units each comprising of 3 no. bedrooms for Sale at Kenyatta road on a subdivision measuring just about 100 acres.
10% to 20% of the 100 acres will be set aside for social amenities.

The overall theme of the development would be one of maximizing on the plot use whilst maintaining reasonable individual privacy within a ‘Green Sustainability’ architecture.

PHASED CONSTRUCTION

In order to ease the impact of the overall cost of the development it is proposed to carry out the construction in phases to be jointly agreed on with the client.
Each 1 acre plot will have 9 No. units.
The construction will be phased in 10 phases comprising of 80 No. units respectively.

Each of the phases shall be planned to deliver units that are complete and ready for occupation. This will facilitate pre-selling of some of the units prior to the end of construction. This would be achieved through pro-active networking with property managers and estates officers in large corporations and use of the internet.
The foregoing will result in further cushioning of the net effect of the cost of financing the project.
In order to enable planning of major infrastructural requirements such as water storage and foul water disposal right from the outset, a master plan of the entire development shall be evolved. Thus the capacity of some of the facilities may initially exceed the needs of the accommodation provided, but this would be done with the full knowledge that the development will grow to fully utilize the facilities provided.

Auxiliary features include:

• Paved walkways .
• Safe gated community neighborhood
• Inbuilt car parkings.
• Extra rain-water storage .
• Planted landscaped 24-hr. irrigated gardens.
• Solar power electrical wiring
• A choice of 3 different designs to choose from.

The country ambience would further be enhanced by having strategically planted palm trees which would serve the added role of acting as wind breaks.

EXTERIOR VIEW

DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
The development budget is as follows:

800 No. 3 bedroom maisonettes in 10 blocks each measuring 9 acres.

• The development budget includes professional fees

1.00 Building details
1.10 Type of houses: 3 bedroom Maisonnettes.
1.12 Gross floor area per Unit m2: 150m2
1.13 Building Cost per m2: 40,000[including external works and consultancy fees]
1.14 Building Cost Per Unit including External Works, consultancy fees and Land: KES 6,000,000

2.00 Construction cost breakdown

Total Building works[including Infrastructure& Electric Fencing]-
KES 6,000,000 x 800 = KES 4,800,000,000

3.00 Land Cost- [100 acres] = KES8,000,000.00 per acre x 100 acres=800,000,000

OVERALL PROJECT COST INCLUDING LAND= 4,800,000,000.00

+ 800,000,000= KES 5,600,000,000.00

SALES PROJECTIONS

1.11 Projected sale price per unit KES 10,000,000.00

1.12 Overall sales revenue=800 X 10,000,000= 8,000,000,000.00

1.13 Gross anticipated profit =KES 8,000,000,000.00- KES 5,600,000,000.00
=KES 2,400,000,000.00

1.14 Gross profit margin 43%

LOCATION

Kenyatta road is situated 25 minutes drive from Nairobi’s Central Business District off Thika road.
The estate is connected to the mains water supply from the Thika Municipal Council and also has easily connected electricity supply from KPLC.

Developments in this area are predominantly single family residences. The occupancy is predominantly homeowners. The majority of the buildings here are of high-class standard and are well constructed and maintained.

MARKET DESCRIPTION

Given the proximity of the site to Nairobi’s CBD, well as the good communication available along Thika road, the site would realize good returns on a single family residential development.

The planned development intends to maximize this potential by creating accommodation that is spacious whilst at the same time making optimum use of the space available.
At the moment, there are similar developments in this area, consisting of single family maisonettes –K.U BOMA ESTATE.

COMPETITION
In the locality of the planned development, there exist several properties which are either owned by the residents or are rental properties.
The closest competition perhaps comes from the high-class K.U BOMA Estate and Ngoingwa Estate.

SALES PROJECTIONS
It is planned that marketing the development for sale shall commence before the construction begins.
Consequently it is anticipated that by the time the first block is completed there shall be an inflow of funds that can either be utilized to start construction of the next phase.
The sale price for each unit has been set at KES 10,000,000.00.

EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT
A4architect will in this provide the client with a full design/build service. This shall include

1. Design and specification
Architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings shall be prepared and necessary approvals sought.
During the various stages of the design, the client shall be kept fully informed and client approval sought prior to proceeding to the next stage. The engineering design shall be done by registered engineers under the guidance of A4architect. Detailed specifications shall be developed with close consultation with the client.

2. Project estimates
Subsequent to completion of the design, a Quantity Surveying firm under the guidance of A4architect shall undertake construction cost estimates for the project.

3. Preparation of tender and contract documents
After final design has been done and client approval obtained, tender documents shall be drawn up for the general and specialist contractors. The specialist contract documents shall be prepared with guidance from the relevant engineers.

4. Tendering
Selected contractors shall be invited to tender for the various work packages. We shall then analyze the tenders returned and forward our recommendation to the client.

5. Contract documentation
With the contractors have been selected, we shall draw up the required contract documents and enter into contract with the contractors on the client’s behalf.

6. Project management
Subsequent to the contracts being signed and mobilization to the site, we shall provide superintendence and project management. This will entail ensuring that the project is brought in on time and under budget by constant monitoring of operations on site and remedying any issues that may prevent timely completion or cause expenditure to exceed the budget.

7. Contract administration
We shall handle all matters relating to the various contracts including but not limited to stage payments, performance bonds, extensions of time and relationships between the various trades involved in the project’s execution.

8. Sales and marketing
In conjunction with an estate agency approved by the client, we have produced a presentation package to be used in the sales and marketing of the units.

PROJECT TIMELINES
a) Design to Tender
The design to tender process will take a total of 1 month. This will include commissioning of all engineering design, preparation of bills of quantities and obtaining of all relevant approvals for the development.

b) Construction
Construction of the entire project is estimated to take a maximum of 12 months.

MARKETING AND SALES
Marketing of the properties has been planned to start even before ground is broken for the start of the construction. This serves the dual purpose of creating awareness of the availability of quality property for sale and to confirm the validity of the market intelligence.

A reputable real estate agency will be appointed and will be supplied with a virtual presentation kit that includes a walk through movie of the development. A prospectus of the development will also be made for distribution to potential purchasers.
In order to provide a more tangible feel of the development, a show unit will be built within eight weeks of commencement of the project. This will enable even the doubtful potential purchasers to appreciate the quality of the development.

Prepared By
Francis Gichuhi Kamau B.Arch. U.o.N M.A.A.K[A] Registered Architect
www.a4architect.com
+254 721 410684
A4architect.

HOW TO REDUCE COST OF AQCUIRING NEW HOME IN KENYA.
Recently, a study conducted by the World Bank on home ownership in Kenya revealed that a paltry 16,000 homes have been sold through mortgages since independence.
This clearly shows that over 99 % of Kenyans have resulted to other ways of home ownership.
Most of the homes in Kenya are built without the aid of mortgages.
The average Kenyan will first buy land then they continue to build their home slowly over time.
To make housing affordable, the key ingredients of a house must be addressed. These ingredients are
1. Land
2. Design and construction project management.

LAND.
Land has continued to rise steeply around urban areas in Kenya. This is because the Government cannot keep up with increasing new infrastructure [roads and water]. Therefore, land that is near a road and has tap water becomes scarce hence high demand.
For example, along Kangundo road past Kamulu in the KBC area, land is available in plenty at a low cost but there is no tap water, no security and no all-weather internal road networks . This results in many people buying the lands for speculation as they keep their fingers crossed hoping that the Government will one day assist in laying down the much needed infrastructure. Click here for available land for sale along the Eastern Bypass http://www.a4architect.com/land4sale/

Bypass

The recent completion of the Eastern bypass from City Cabanas along Mombasa road to Juja has gone a long way in opening up new lands for housing. This is a commendable step by the Government in opening up new lands through infrastructure. Land along this bypass is rising very fast in cost due to the demand hence an urgent need for more areas to be opened up.
The Land Commission should also act up and make the necessary legal framework that discourages individuals/companies from hoarding large vast lands without utilizing them. This will result to such land being put up for sale to ease the land shortage.
Lands along Thika road in areas such as Kamuthi Housing scheme in Kiganjo whereby thousands of acres are being put up for sale to home owners is the way to go for the moment.
Tatu city in Ruiru is also a good example of thousands of lands being put up for housing although this area is most suited for agriculture due to the fertile red soil type.

The opening up of the Greater Eastern bypass and other bypasses around Nairobi will assist in this process.

Design and Construction Project Management.
Kenya will need to borrow heavily form the South African construction industry in order to reduce cost of construction.
In South Africa, most house construction elements are mass produced and available in leading supermarkets.

Windows.

Windows are all designed in several sizes and styles and sold in supermarkets. Ring beams, wall bricks, roof trusses and many other elements are readily available in various sizes in most leading supermarkets.

Cement.

Cement prices are also very low in South Africa.
Kenyans will need to borrow such techniques to reduce the cost of house construction.
The South African houses are also designed in a simple way whereby they look aesthetically appealing while costing less compared to the Kenyan houses. For example, in Kenya, for bungalows, we use 200mm to 300mm thick ring beams while in South Africa they use steel plate ring beams that are low cost, available in supermarkets and are fast to set up.

Roof trusses.

In South Africa, roof trusses are constructed by specialized companies who only deal with roof truss design and installation. This means that the trusses will be constructed in the factory hence no wastage as opposed to Kenya situation whereby the home owner buys the wood then hires the labour to fabricate the trusses on site hence a lot of wastage.

This and many other building design and construction management techniques used by South Africans can greatly reduce the cost of construction of Kenyan Houses.

Francis Gichuhi
Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684

THE CHEAPEST LAND AROUND NAIROBI: NGONG& KANGUNDO ROAD

The cheapest lands around Nairobi are to be found in areas where there are proposals to build new roads by the Government.

GREATER EASTERN BYPASS
Areas where the Greater Eastern Bypass runs through such as 10 to 20 km off Kangundo road in the Joska area, an acre of land goes for around KES 600,000.
NGONG-KIBIKU
The distance from Nairobi to Kibiku area of Ngong is approximately 40 km.
There are proposals to consult a highway in this area which are at feasibility stage.
Land here is in the tune of between 300,000 to 900,000 per acre depending on the proximity to Ngong town.
Once the highway is in place, the price of land will increase exponentially.
COST OF TARMAC ROAD
A kilometer of tarmac road in Kenya costs an average of KES 50,000,000. Therefore, it’s only the Government that can lay such an expensive infrastructure.
Land appreciates in value along the tarmac road hence once these areas are tarmacd, the value will increase along the roads as opposed to off the roads towards the hinterland.
VALUE INCREASE
Land around Nairobi on average doubles in value yearly. These pieces of land for KES 600,000 per acre will be going for a minimum of KES 1.2 m per acre the same time next year.
Before the Eastern Bypass was constructed, land was selling at KES 200,000 per acre[2009]. After the completion of the bypass, the current price per acre is in the range of KES 3,000,000 and it increases monthly. This is more than 1000% increase per year. The reason for such a great increase in value is due to the added infrastructure in terms of tarmac.
If for any reason, the Eastern Bypass was not constructed, the increase could have been the normal 100% yearly increase.
Visit
http://www.a4architect.com/land4sale/ to view various lands on sale around Nairobi.
Francis Gichuhi Kamau

Architect.
info@a4architect.com

+254721410684

Parking Spaces As Real Estate Investments

Author: Paula Cherrist

One of the more unusual but sometimes profitable real estate investments is buying parking spaces. In every large city, including Chicago, there is always a need for parking and demand outpaces supply. Even with public transportation readily available in large cities, the high gas prices and the growing trend of green living and conservation, Americans still love their automobiles. Parking spaces are always going to be needed, and there are investors who are banking on it.

In Chicago, Mayor Daley is proposing lowering the number of unpaid parking tickets from three to two before you get booted. Right now it costs $60 to get a booted car back, along with paying all tickets owed. A booted car will be towed after 24 hours, so you could have an additional towing fee of about $150 plus storage costs. It could add up to several hundred dollars in a few days. Records show that there were almost 59,000 autos booted in Chicago last year (2007), so there obviously is a need for parking that isn’t being met.

So how much does a deeded parking space cost? It depends on where you are located. In New York, it’s possible to pay more than $175,000 for a prime parking spot. In Chicago, deeded parking spaces run anywhere from $20,000 to $65,000 or more in some of the trendy new construction high-rises or downtown locations. High profile developments like the Chicago Spire listed here http://www.bestchicagocondos.com/pre-construction-condos/chicago-spire.html usually allow for parking for all of its future residents for a fee in addition to the condo price. Some buyers will opt for a second space if one is available and others may decide not to purchase one at all. In many smaller Chicago real estate developments, no parking is offered with the condos.

According to Parkingsearch, the value of parking spaces has increased by quite a bit over the past few years. Their research finds that in Chicago the average parking space sold for $28,000. By 2006 that increased to $30,000 and last year in 2007 it was about $33,000. With a fixed rate loan of 6 percent there is definitely a profit to be made. It may be a bit if a challenge to find a bank to loan you the money, but it is certainly doable. You monthly payment should be in the range of $200 and the going rate for renting a parking space in prime spots can be as much as $300 to $500.

You need to keep in mind that you’ll have a few fees associated with owning a parking space. It isn’t all profit. While you won’t have much upkeep on the spot, you will probably have to pay a maintenance fee to the building or condo association. A deed must be obtained, liability insurance is a good idea and yearly taxes must be paid.

When looking for a good parking space investment, factors such as the garage being heated, secure entrances and what level or floor the spot is located on if it is a multi-level garage all come into play. Also whether or not there is an elevator can increase the value. You should also do your research and see how well the units in the building have sold. Buying a parking space in a building that is only half sold or rented won’t be a good investment.

Some real estate agents may be able to help you find available parking spaces and many developers are turning to auction houses to liquidate condo inventory, including parking spaces at a deep discount. Around 27 spaces at Millennium Center were auctioned off this past spring, and 10 of those were sold absolute. The suggested opening bid for those spaces was $10,000 to $12,000 and they had been priced at $49,000 to $65,000 each.

Parking spaces as investments may have never occurred to you, but the next time you get a parking ticket or find your car booted, it may sound like a fantastic idea.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/parking-spaces-as-real-estate-investments-622471.html

About the Author
Paula Cherrist writes articles about Chicago new homes, Chicago real estate and home trends for Best Chicago Condos.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE LAND IN KENYA –RESIDENTIAL USE

http://www.a4architect.com/land4sale/

The most expensive land in Kenya for residential use is to be found in Nairobi in areas such as Runda, Ridgeways, Muthaiga and Karen. In these zones, features such as many trees, greenery and strict zoning controls for only 1 house per minimum ½ acre plot are common.
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS
Another feature common with these areas is a very strong and active Residents Association .These strong residents associations makes sure that the zoning regulations are not broken and that resources for infrastructure and security are made available.

MUTHAIGA

Muthaiga is the most prime area for residential purposes. Here, the Nairobi City council has zoned the area for only 1 single family dwelling per half an acre. In other words, land subdivision is approved by the City council for a minimum area of half an acre.
Here, there is the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club.
Muthaiga is home to several Embassies and Ambassadorial residences.
Land for purchase is very scarce here in the Old Muthaiga and when it’s available, prices are very high.
Land is available in the new Muthaiga known as Muthaiga North .

RIDGEWAYS

Land in Ridgeways is currently in the tune of KES 15 to 20 Million per acre, up from a low of KES 10 to 12 m per acre in the year 2009.
A few parcels are available for sale.
Kigwa estate in Ridgeways is a notable major land owner. Suraya Developers have recently worked on a residential project for sale within the expansive Kigwa estate.
Windsor Golf and Country club is also a major land owner in Ridgeways. And have recently come up with a housing estate for sale neighboring the Golf Club.
In this region, the housing estate developments are in smaller pieces of land than ½ acre minimum size. This could be due to the fact that the area is under Kiambu Council as opposed to Nairobi City council who are known to execute zoning regulations with zeal.

RUNDA

Land in Runda has continued to astronomically increase in value. In 2004, an acre of prime land in Runda was going for KES 3m. Currently, the same acre is going for between KES 20 to 25m.
Land along the main Ruaka Drive near the US Embassy and UN Headquarters has already hit the KES 30m mark per acre.
Land is still available for sale in Runda since it’s extending towards Kiambu and Ruaka towns.
The expansive Paradise Lost camping site located at the edge of Runda on the Kiambu side is up for sale hence forming an extension of Runda. See www.a4architect.com/landforsale for land prices in Runda.

KAREN

From the time when Karen Blixen landed in Kenya and settled in Karen, the area has continued to be a leading prime residential area in Nairobi.
The area is home to many people of British origin. The Catholic Church is also a very major land owner in Karen. Karen radiates from Karen Shopping centre and spreads along the Karinde road till near Dagoretti Slaughter house/Resurrection Garden, from Karen shopping centre to Lenana School along Ngong road, from Karen shopping centre to Kerarapon/Bulbul / Shade Hotel along Ngong road, from Karen shopping centre to Bomas of Kenya along Langata road.
The most prime part of Karen is the area near the Karen Golf club.
Notable large land owners are Catholic institutions such as Catholic University, Resurrection Garden and Marist centre.
In 2004, land price per acre opposite the Karen Golf club [The late Appolo Njonjo’s land] was going for KES 4m per acre.
The current price for an acre of prime land in Karen is KES 23m. Other areas such as Karen near Kuwinda [large slum in the heart of Karen], the price is KES 15m per acre. Newer extensions to Karen towards Shade Hotel Ngong [Kerarapon], land is slightly cheaper.

To view available land for sale around Nairobi visit www.a4architect.com/landfor sale.

Francis Gichuhi Kamau
Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684

THE MOST EXPENSIVE LAND IN KENYA-COMMERCIAL USE

http://www.a4architect.com/land4sale/

The most expensive land in Kenya is in two categories
1. Commercial
2. Residential

Commercial.
The most expensive available land in Kenya for commercial purposes is located in the CBD.
This is the land where the former Nakumatt Downtown branch that caught fire is.
The land is ¼ acres in size and the owners are asking for KES 300,000,000 for the ¼ acre plot. This is a whooping KES 1.2 Billion per acre.

The average price of an acre of land in CBD and Upper Hill stands at KES 200,000,000 per acre. Each individual land owner here has the liberty to fix the amount he/she feels is best.

COMMUNITY AREA

There is a 2 acre plot of land near the Israeli Embassy along 2nd Ngong Avenue at the point where the Israeli Embassy has put up a vehicle check point.
The asking price per acre is way above the KES 200,000,000 per acre rates.

DAR ES SALAAM

The current land price per acre in Dar es Salaam is in the range of KES 300,000,000. This means that the Kenyan land prices will continue to rise till this level.

CHINA

The current land price per acre in China CBD is in the range of KES 400,000,000 per acre.
This means that in several years as Kenya continues to industrialize, this will be the average land price per acre.

LAND ALONG THE EQUATOR

Since Nairobi is positioned at the equator, it enjoys the best weather worldwide compared to other regions found in the tropics.
This fact makes Nairobi land price appreciate since the main demand drivers are international clientele who want to set up office and residence in an area where there is 365 days of sun and favorable weather.
This is why Nairobi and Dar es Salaam have such high CBD land prices as compared to other industrialized African countries such as South Africa and Egypt even though they have inferior infrastructure.

CONCLUSION
Land is a scarce resource. Therefore, this resource should be utilized very keenly to enjoy maximum output.
In the year 2009, land price per acre in Upper Hill was KES 100,000,000. By Mid 2010, the price had shot up to KES 150,000,000. Currently [Feb 2011], the prices are in the range of KES 200,000,000. This upward trend will keep increasing till the price is in tandem with the Developed world CBD prices of KES 400,000,000 an acre. The time is now for developers to make the decision to invest in land here.
To see various land prices around Nairobi, visit www.a4architect.com/landforsale.

Francis Gichuhi Kamau
Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684

OFFICE BUILDINGS AROUND NAIROBI

Office space around Nairobi CBD and its environs has become very scarce due to high demand.
Currently, Nairobi CBD is experiencing 99% occupancy rates.
CBD environs such as Westlands and Upper Hill are also experiencing the same 99% occupancy.
New buildings are coming up mainly in the Westlands region.
Along Woodvale grove in Westlands there are 5 new office buildings coming up.
Near State House, there is also a huge office building coming up.
Westlands is rapidly growing along the Waiyaki way.

Deloitte office block near Nairobi School is a good example of this. Safaricom offices pioneered in this move towards developing along Waiyaki way on the way to Kangemi.
Currently, we have several acres of land fronting Waiyaki way for sale suitable for office buildings.

See www.a4architect.com/landforsale for available land here.

Land in this area is slightly cheaper than land n Upper Hill. An acre in upper hill is going for KES 200,000,000 while an acre in Westlands is going for KES 150,000,000.

The rents are more or less the same for both areas at an average of KES 100 per square foot.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The current cost of construction for high-rise office buildings in Nairobi is KES 60,000 per square meter.
Assuming a land of 1 acre and 50% built up area, this totals to 20,000m2 floor area for 10 storeys.

The construction cost will therefore be KES 60,000 x 20,000m2 = 1.2 Billion.
Land cost will be KES 150,000,000[WESTLANDS] or KES 200,000,000[Upper Hill].

This totals to KES 1.35Billion for Westlands and KES 1.4 Billion for Upper Hill.

If the offices are for sale, the average price per square meter is KES 120,000. This totals to KES 120,000 x 20,000m2 =KES 2.4 Billion.
This is a 100% Return on Investment with profits in the tune of KES 1.2 Billion.

Since the overall cost is close to the same, most developers will therefore find Westlands a better deal since land is cheaper and more readily available than Upper Hill and the rental income is the same.
For the end-users, Upper Hill is a definite advantage due to its proximity to Nairobi CBD.

See www.a4architect.com/landforsale for land on sale in Upper Hill.

Francis Gichuhi Kamau
Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684

ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING DESIGN-THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR

The competitive edge in terms of gaining better occupancy rates and sales is design.
The design of such a building should be unique and should serve its occupants well in terms of space needs.

Buildings around Upper Hill and Westlands that enjoy high rates all have one thing in common-the architectural design is well-thought-out. This helps in making the building a status-symbol and at the same time the building becomes a land-mark that people can identify with.

Very few buildings in Westlands can fall in this category of unique. Such buildings are mainly found in Upper Hill such as Geminia Insurance building, Coca Cola Headquarters, Old Mutual and Oxford University press building.

These are buildings that leave a lasting impression in that they do not look like any other buildings anywhere else in the world.

WORLDWIDE TRENDS

In Countries such as South Africa and Australia where Architectural design is given the weight and importance it deserves, most high rise buildings are works of art to be admired.

In these countries, architectural designs are usually awarded through competition whereby all architects are invited to give in their design proposals then the best designs are awarded the full design works.
In Kenya, most of the private sector architectural design contracts are awarded through pre-qualification methods where the most important criteria is the previous works done/experience and other legal paper work such as bank statements.

CREATIVITY

Architectural creativity is not given the weight it deserves yet this is the single most important element in ensuring the project developers get the highest returns in terms of occupancy rates.
In other developed countries, such projects usually have 2 sets of architects:
1. Design architects
2. 2. Construction supervision architects.
This ensures that even if the winning design is from an architectural firm with less experience, the construction supervision architects will bring in their experience to ensure that the project is completed within the timelines.

This way, creativity is harnessed while at the same time, experience is also taken into consideration. Creativity is not something that can be easily improved like construction supervision experience. A fresh architectural graduate could come up with very creative designs which even an architect with over 50 years experience will not be able to come up with.

Conclusion.

To achieve design master pieces such as Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Kenyans should embrace creativity in terms of encouraging architectural design competitions. The Architectural Association of Kenya should also spearhead in this by popularizing architectural design competition frameworks in the hope that all developers from individual residential house developers to corporate and Government agencies will find it more profitable to use competition as the main method of hiring architects.

Francis Gichuhi Kamau

Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684

TYPES OF HOUSE STYLES DESIGNED BY WWW.A4ARCHITECT.COM

To ensure client’s tastes are fully met before the onset of construction, A4architect designs 3 different unit types to choose from. This will ensure that the project will fulfill a wide range of tastes.
Clients are allowed to customize their houses to suit their needs.

The 3 main house styles are as follows:

1. Rustic/African house style.

From Tourist Hotel

From Meru Mount Kenya base house

The overall design theme will comprise of use of natural finishes on all surfaces.
Wall finishes will include hand-dressed masonry comprising various textures such as zero-joint and bush-dressing.
Roofs will be characterized by use of natural clay tiles.
Floors will be finished with natural materials such as cut/polished mazeras stone, hard-wood parquet, marble and granite.
Windows and doors will include hard-wood framing. External doors will be hand-curved Lamu style doors.

2. Modern house style.

From karen

From Kitengela Chuna House

The overall design theme will utilize modern materials such glass walling, decorated iron-mongery, and ‘deconstruction’. Deconstruction is a design style whereby planes such as walls, roofs, and ceilings are slightly tilted off the normal vertical and horizontal angle to create an interesting theme.
Roofs will be characterized by use of modern roofing materials such as Stone –coated steel roofing tiles.
Walls will be characterized by use of finishes such as ‘wall-master’, colored textured paint, glass facades and tiles.
Floors will be finished with modern materials such as wood laminate, concrete floor tiles, patterned ceramics and granite tiling.

3. Arabic Architecture style.

From Dakar, Senegal House

From Dakar, Senegal House

This overall theme will incorporate Arabic design features such as flat roofs with pigeon holes along the parapet walls, arched windows and door openings, external rendered painted textured surfaces with embedded motifs.
Roofs will be flat concrete roofs with parapet walling,
Floors will be marble, granite, and ceramic tiling.
External walls will be finished with textured cement plaster.

In a gated community estate design, this variety of design will create a community of diverse designs hence an avoidance of monotony. Overall community theme will be enhanced by the fact that these house types will all have the same shape.

Francis Gichuhi Kamau
Architect.
info@a4architect.com
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684