Category: A4architect

a4architect posts

  • 1/8th plot for sale, Lalwet, Nakuru. kes 900k

    1/8th plot for sale, Lalwet, Nakuru. kes 900k

     

    See map below

    https://goo.gl/maps/Q3Mx5z5AmbC2

     

     

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d817.1684599179508!2d36.02523125102153!3d-0.3349747709593906!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x18298f1fa4db02ed%3A0xb807d1b6ac3aebb3!2sLalwet+Dispensary!5e1!3m2!1sen!2ske!4v1542020691429&w=600&h=450]

  • Earthbag Houses in Kenya. Same cost as Mabati houses, same quality as Stone Houses

    Earthbag Houses in Kenya. Same cost as Mabati houses, same quality as Stone Houses.

    Earthbag houses in Kenya have the same cost of construction as mabati houses but offer same indoor quality of living as masonry stone houses.


    Mabati houses have a problem in regulation of indoor temperatures, too cold at night and too hot during the day. Mabati houses are also not secure since the walls are easily broken into . Earthbag houses offer very high quality indoor temperatures since the walls are thick and with good insulation qualities from the soil. Earthbag houses are also very secure from break ins since the walls are rigid and strong, same as stone houses.

    With a fraction of the cost of stone housing, one can construct an earthbag house and enjoy the benefits of the superior cost cutting features within.

    Earthbag houses also offer good insulation from noise compared to mabati and prefab houses which have thinner walls hence lower sound insulation.

    See cost comparison of a 1 meter by 1 meter wall surface of mabati, earthbag and stone below.

    Mabati house. 1meter by 1meter wall surface area.

    Cost of gauge 30 mabati per 1m        kes 500

    Cost of 2×2 cypres timber and nails  kes 200

    Cost of labour                                        kes 160

    TOTAL                                                    KES 860 PER M2

     

    Earthbag house . 1meter by 1 meter wall surface area

    Cost of bags                          kes 464

    Cost of labour                      kes 70

    Cost of soil                            kes 30

    Cost of plaster both sides kes 300

    TOTAL                                 KES 864

     

    Stone House. 1meter by 1meter wall surface area

     

    Cost of stones                               kes 750

    Cost of joining cement mortar  kes 200

    Cost of labour                               kes 75

    One side plaster                           kes 150

    TOTAL COST                              KES 1,175

     

    From the above, the cost of a mabati house will be approximately equal to the cost of an earthbag house while the earthbag house offers lots of advantages.

    Mabati house.

    Earthbag house

    Stone house

    Architect Francis Gichuhi Kamau

    0721410684

    info@a4architect.com

  • 1/4 acre plot for sale, Matasia. kes 6m

    1/4 acre plot for sale, Matasia. kes 6m

    https://goo.gl/maps/x1sWKhNAdXn

     

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2621.653043763771!2d36.691977863048564!3d-1.3722249993101354!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMcKwMjInMjAuMCJTIDM2wrA0MSczNy43IkU!5e1!3m2!1sen!2ske!4v1541852133566&w=600&h=450]

  • Bedsitter Earthbag Unit. Kes 129,000. 3Bedroomed unit. Kes 760,000

    Bedsitter Earthbag Unit. Kes 129,000

    The cost of constructing a complete bedsitter eathbag unit is estimated at kes 129,000.

    The cost of constructing the unit without the windows, doors, internal bathroom and kitchenette is kes 89,000

    MAIN SUMMARY
    Substructures                 13,350.00
    Superstructure walling                 15,000.00
    Roof structure, covering, finishes and rainwater goods                            –
    Windows                   8,800.00
    Doors                 13,460.00
    External finishes                 30,000.00
    Floor Finishes                   1,500.00
    Wall Finishes                 30,000.00
    Ceiling Finishes                            –
    Sanitary Fittings                 17,400.00
    Prime Cost and Provisional sums                            –
    Sub Total              129,510.00
    Allow for Preliminaries                            –
    Total Estimate              129,510.00
                    39,660.00
    Estimate minus Ceiling,Sanitary,doors, windows                89,850.00

    This unit is suitable for backyard extension to the main House as a Servants Quarters, or as a  hotel resort accommodation room unit.

     

    The design is based on the Cameroonian traditional Musgum houses which have lasted for over 1000 years to date.

    The Musgum houses have been able to withstand the forces of nature for thousands of years . The science behind this architecture has been used to come up with the Kenyan Earthbag house units .

    www.a4architect.com provides architectural design and construction project management to completion for this type of building.

     

    3 Bedroomed Earthbag Unit. Kes 760,000

     

    The concept behind the Musgum Cameroonian architecture has been used to come up with the 3 bedroomed earthbag house.

    The estimated cost of construction for the complete 3 bedroomed unit is kes 760,000.

    The estimated cost of constructing the 3 bedroomed unit without the fittings, doors and windows is kes 560,000

     

    MAIN SUMMARY
    1 Substructures                 61,440.00
    3 Superstructure walling                 83,480.00
    4 Roof structure, covering, finishes and rainwater goods                 92,050.00
    5 Windows                 33,200.00
    6 Doors                 62,835.00
    7 External finishes                158,500.00
    8 Floor Finishes                 13,000.00
    9 Wall Finishes                158,500.00
    10 Ceiling Finishes                 63,180.00
    12 Sanitary Fittings                 36,700.00
    14 Prime Cost and Provisional sums                            –
    Sub Total              762,885.00
    Allow for Preliminaries                            –
    Total Estimate              762,885.00
                   195,915.00
    Estimate minus Ceiling,Sanitary,doors, windows              566,970.00

     

    The Earthbag house concept saves cost through use of local materials, use of ingenious structural engineering support systems and use of wall material for roofing.

    Feel free to inquire for more information at https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/

    Architect Francis Gichuhi kamau.

    0721410684

  • Why Do We Need to Build Energy Efficient New Homes?

    Wasting energy not only hurts your wallet, but also the planet. Homes use energy from fuels such as oil, coal, and electricity which add toxins to the air and water, contributes to global warming, and increases habitat loss. With the unstable oil and gas markets, many people are looking for ways to cut down on energy costs. Fortunately, new homes are being built to increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs.

    There are many benefits to building energy efficient new homes that include:

    Reduced Costs: An energy efficient new home is constructed to keep heat from escaping so you are not running the furnace 24 hours a day. Many mortgage companies offer incentives to people building energy efficient new homes. There are also federal tax incentives for building these new homes.

    Sound Investment: Each year more people are looking for these kinds of homes. Building an energy efficient new home now will increase the future value of the home.

    Peace of Mind: Building an energy efficient new home allows homeowners to enjoy their home knowing they are meeting energy efficiency guidelines.

    Fewer Pollutants: It is estimated that 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. When you use less energy, you decrease the amount of pollutants being released in the environment. This will lead to less of an impact on global warming.

    Improved Air Quality: Cold drafts blowing through the home can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of sickness. An energy efficient new home ensures air tightness keeping the home cozy. These new homes also protect against cold, heat, drafts, and moisture. Not only does an energy-efficient new home improve indoor air quality, it keeps temperatures consistent.

    General features of an energy efficient new home include: Engineered Lumber: Build a new home using lumber from trees that are identified as a renewable species because they grow fast and help protect the environment.

    Roofing: Selecting durable roofing materials such as cement reduces the amount of regular roofing waste entering landfills.

    Improved Insulation: Better quality insulation that is properly installed in attics, walls, ceilings, and floors, will decrease energy use and reduce energy costs.

    Energy-Efficient Windows: Manufactured and installed windows using new technologies that include protective coatings and improved frames. These windows ensure that heat stays outside during the summer and inside during the winter. Energy efficient windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight.

    Energy Efficient Doors: Installing improved seals around doors and patio doors will stop cold air flowing into homes or warm air escaping.

    Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling systems: Furnaces, heat pumps, and thermostats that are energy efficient allow new homes to use less energy and save money. Heating and cooling systems are quieter and reduce indoor humidity.

    Solar Heat: A number of new energy efficient homes are designed to benefit from solar heat coming through larger windows

    Ducts: Sealing the heating and cooling duct systems reduces drafts, moisture, and dust. Tight ducts will ensure that the proper amount of warm or cool air is reaching every room.

    Energy Efficient appliances: Modern and energy efficient appliances allow you to save money while using less energy. Appliances include ovens, dish washers, washer and dryer machines, and refrigerators…etc.

    Low-Flow Faucets, Shower Heads, and Toilets: Decreases water use and reduces hydro fees

    Air Filtration Systems: Installing energy efficient air filtration systems is healthy for the family and saves money.

    Whether your home energy comes from oil, gas, or coal, it has a direct impact on the environment and your wallet. These energy sources contribute to global warming, habitat loss, and increases toxins in our air and water. By building an energy efficient new home, you can do your part to help the planet while lowering your energy costs.

    Ontario’s home building company specializing in new homes buildings. Visit us to learn more: London Ontario Home

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

  • Bedsitter Earthbag House construction cost in Kenya

    Bedsitter Earthbag House construction cost in Kenya

    MAIN SUMMARY
    1 Substructures                 13,350.00
    3 Superstructure walling                 15,000.00
    4 Roof structure, covering, finishes and rainwater goods                            –
    5 Windows                   8,800.00
    6 Doors                 13,460.00
    7 External finishes                 30,000.00
    8 Floor Finishes                   1,500.00
    9 Wall Finishes                 30,000.00
    10 Ceiling Finishes                            –
    12 Sanitary Fittings                 17,400.00
    14 Prime Cost and Provisional sums                            –
    Sub Total              129,510.00
    Allow for Preliminaries                            –
    Total Estimate              129,510.00
                    39,660.00
    Estimate minus Ceiling,Sanitary,doors, windows                89,850.00

     

    A bedsitter self contained earth-bag room construction cost is kes 129,500. The bedsitter room without doors, windows ,toilet , sink , just a finished room with empty door and window openings, will cost kes 89,000 to construct in Kenya.

    The construction management till completion can be offered by the www.a4architect.com team.

     

    Architet Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

    0721410684

  • 3 Bedroomed Earthbag House Cost in Kenya

    3 Bedroomed Earthbag House Cost in Kenya

    MAIN SUMMARY
    1 Substructures                 61,440.00
    3 Superstructure walling                 83,480.00
    4 Roof structure, covering, finishes and rainwater goods                 92,050.00
    5 Windows                 33,200.00
    6 Doors                 62,835.00
    7 External finishes                158,500.00
    8 Floor Finishes                 13,000.00
    9 Wall Finishes                158,500.00
    10 Ceiling Finishes                 63,180.00
    12 Sanitary Fittings                 36,700.00
    14 Prime Cost and Provisional sums                            –
    Sub Total              762,885.00
    Allow for Preliminaries                            –
    Total Estimate              762,885.00
                   195,915.00
    Estimate minus Ceiling,Sanitary,doors, windows              566,970.00

     

    The estimated cost of constructing a 3 bedroomed earthbag house in Kenya is kes 760,000.

    The estimated cost of constructing the 3 bedroomed earthbag house in Kenya without windows, doors and sanitary fittings, say for use as an out door relaxing gazebo area , childrens play room, out door restaurant or recreational area is kes 570,000.

    These can be constructed anywhere in Kenya and East Africa by www.a4architect.com

     

    Architect Francis Gichuhi Kamau

    0721410684