Local materials key in green architecture for Kenya

NAIROBI: Many of us have who have enjoyed a holiday at the Coast may have spent some time resting in a building whose walls are made of smooth pebbles, limestone and roofed with coconut fronds or makuti. One thing that stands out is that such structures are cool and provide much-needed relief from the punishing coastal heat.

All these materials are locally sourced, a key requirement for sustainable construction technology. Interestingly, while many people have no problems spending the night in "five-star" makuti-roofed bandas, few of us are inclined to use similar materials to build permanent homes. The typical stone house with imported fixtures has come to symbolise modern living in Africa.