Ian Wafula's immaculate truck house

 Ian Wafula's truck house.

Journalist Ian Wafula gave us a tour of his truck house, tucked away in Machakos. Breathtaking views and beautiful landscapes surrounded the truck house

Outside, a manicured flower garden small above-the-ground plunge pool is part of the area. The truck house has one bedroom and one living room, doubling as a kitchenette, toilet, and bathroom.

The Truck House is Kenya’s first tiny home built on wheels. It is creatively built on an old military truck and rises two storeys high with a metal staircase that takes you to the rooftop to the refreshing views of Kyumbi Hill. In the evenings, one gets to enjoy the sunset and, at night, stargazing.

Ian Wafula, in his 20s, now owns a tiny home that brings him income. When asked if it was cheap to build the house,’’ he chuckled and said “Yes and no”...It cost him at least Sh5 million to put up the tiny house.

The garden is ideal for a fireplace and barbecue, creating an idyllic relaxing setting. Ian also creatively converted the truck driver’s seat into a cosy small library and office.

 Ian Wafula's truck house. [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

Amenities such as water, electricity, drainage and security were things he considered before putting up the truck house.

It took him six months to build. He used premade panels, which were more affordable than other building materials. He also used other eco-friendly materials, and the total cost of the truck house was about Sh4 million.

He towed the ex-military lorry to Machakos County, which he had bought at an auction in Thika.

Since the wheels were not as strong, he used metal structures and cement to build the foundation.

When you enter the truck house, it transports you into another world from the hustle and bustle to an intimate, chic and convenient space. It’s flooded with brightness and sunshine.

Pendant lighting makes the intimate vibe of the open-plan living area, kitchen and dining area warm.

 Inside the truck house. [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

The white walls and black piping around the house are exquisite. The neutral colours of the interior created a canvas for Ian to display exotic art pieces.

The tiles and floor rags are warm and inviting. A fusion of African and modern look and feel chimes beautifully with the architecture of the tiny house on wheels. The décor is intricately designed to give an eclectic feel.

He sourced his décor items from main stores and second-hand markets. His friend Leone Chehe assisted with the décor, but Ian picked some pieces himself.

Backsplash in his kitchen gives the kitchen a modern feel, and the open shelves are functional and appealing at the same time.

A well-proportioned space, distinguished by a metal staircase that ascends to the loft upstairs, creates curiosity about what to expect.

He installed a projector and a powerful sound system for a cinematic experience. The loft has an industrial feel. It’s warm and cosy.

“This bed was made from some poles that were not in use,” he said.

 The kitchen area. [Nailantei Kenga, Standard]

Expansive windows give the loft an airy feel. It has a queen size bed with fairy lights all around it. The beddings were flowery, cosy and luxurious with a rustic feel of the mattress.

Natural light flows through the loft’s large windows, giving a clear view of the surrounding farmlands and Kyumbi Hill.

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