Types of Tiny Houses in Kenya

There are different types of tiny houses in Kenya. These unique dwellings are designed to meet the needs and lifestyle of the owner.

Tiny houses refer to residential units with less than 400 square feet of living space. There is no set standard on the living area that a tiny house should have. However, these kinds of dwellings hardly exceed 500 square feet. Tiny dwellings in Kenya are getting more popular; downsizing and simple living are becoming more appealing.

Types of Tiny Dwellings in Kenya

Generally, there are three categories of tiny houses: Tiny House on Wheels (THOW), Park Models (PMRV), and Tiny House on Foundation (THOF). However, they can further be divided into more types:

#1 A-Frames

An A-Frame tiny house refers to a tall triangular building with a shape that looks like the capital letter A. In Kenya, you can find these types of dwellings at Nkasiri Adventure Camp Kitengela or Windy Ridge Karen, where the dwellings are open for rent as Airbnbs.

Usually, an A-frame house has two or three stories. The living area is the widest part of the house and is on the ground floor. The story above the living room is smaller and often the sleeping loft. The walls at the front and back have large windows to let in natural light.

Apart from being aesthetically appealing, A-frame houses are easy to design, engineer, and build. Moreover, the large windows at the front and back allow lots of natural light. Adding skylights to A-frame houses makes the space feel larger.

#2 Container Homes (The Most Popular Types of Tiny Houses in Kenya)

Container houses are an innovative concept where shipping containers are fabricated and converted into living spaces. Container dwellings are the most common type of tiny houses in Kenya. The Container House on a Cliff is in Kajiado, and Container House Kenya is in Kimuka, Ngong.

Generally, there are two standard sizes of shipping containers 20 by 8 and 40 by 8 feet. You may lay your containers on the ground to make a single-floor house or stack them on each other to make a story building. Container houses are quite trendy in terms of architecture and design. Also, they are popular because of their affordability, durability, and strength. These types of houses do not cause any adverse environmental effects.

Containers are quite friendly for DIY projects. However, it would be smart to consult an architect before beginning construction. Container homes are probably the best tiny homes in Kenya. When buying a container, ensure that it is treated and safe for building a home.

#3 Cob Houses

Cob houses use subsoil, water, grass/straw, and sometimes lime. Subsoil refers to the soil underneath the topsoil. The contents of subsoil vary; if it is not right to build a cobb house, it can be modified using sand or clay. Cabin in Marueshi is a cobb house in Kajiado county.

These types of dwellings are eco-friendly as they are built using natural materials. Moreover, they are resistant to fire and seismic activity. Also, they are termite and soundproof. Although the building materials are cheap and easy to find, building a cobb house is labor-intensive.

Cobb houses are one of the most durable types of dwellings, with the oldest cobb house believed to be over 10 000 years old. If you are considering building a cobb house, you can get more insight from Laikipia Permaculture Centre, Nanyuki; the organization provides artisan and ancestral building skills.

• Check Out Edaala Comfort Cottage Rooms in Nairobi.

#4 Shepherd’s Huts

A shepherd’s hut is a form of a tiny house on wheels. The Avon Farm Estates, Nanyuki, has four luxury shepherd’s huts. These tiny houses have the kitchen, living room, and bedroom combined in one space.

Originally, shepherd’s huts were made using corrugated irons for the roof, sides, and wheels. However, nowadays, the sides are often built with interlocking planks or wood. The roof is usually curved into a semi-circle and is made of iron.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, shepherd’s huts were built for herdsmen who moved from place to place with their flock. The huts were designed for mobility first; comfort was secondary. Back then, the huts were light and could be towed by horses. Nowadays, shepherd’s huts are primarily used for glamping or alternative living. Today, the huts are designed with comfort in mind and not mobility.

#5 Treehouses

A tree house, also called a tree shed, is a tiny house constructed between or around tree trunks or branches of mature trees. Several tree houses in Kenya, including the Love Nest Nanyuki, the Masai Mara treehouse, and Sarara Treehouses in Northern Kenya, within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. All these tree houses are available for overnight stays.

Often tree houses are made of wood. However, you may use other construction materials if they do not cause adverse effects on the trees. Some people connect ladders or stairs for easier access to the dwellings.

Setting up your tree house in the right position is critical. If the tiny house is too high, it will put too much tension on the tree. Ideally, a tree house should be 10 to 15 feet above the ground. If you plan to set up your tree house in an area with a garden, ensure that the building’s shadow does not block the plants from sunlight.

#6 Bus Houses

A bus house, also called a skoolie, is a good example of a tiny house on wheels, similar to an RV Camper. It looks like a regular bus from the outside, but from the inside, it is a tiny house. This kind of tiny house in Kenya is known as The Brandy Bus.

One of the major advantages of a bus house is that it does not require a towing vehicle. Also, at the beginning of converting it into a tiny home, the bus is an empty space that allows you to create a design that fits your needs. Converting a bus into a tiny dwelling is hard work, but the results are rewarding.

A bus house is ideal for people who want to experience life on the road. Some of the things you need to consider before embarking on this project include the cost of buying the bus, the cost of conversion, traveling expenses, parking fees, maintenance costs, inspection, and registration costs.

#7 Log Cabins

A log cabin is a tiny dwelling built using logs. The logs are stacked on each other, and the spaces are filled with mud, manure, or plaster. You can find these tiny houses in Kenya at Rutundu in Nanyuki.

There is no standard design for building a log cabin. As such, you can customize the dwelling to your liking. Most people do not use nails during construction; they use dowels to reinforce joints. Nails are not ideal for building log cabins, as they are out of alignment fast.

Apart from aesthetic advantages, logs are excellent insulators. Due to their thermal mass and poor conductivity, they absorb and release heat slowly. As such, your tiny house will often maintain warm temperatures. Log cabins are excellent for cold areas.

#8 The Yurt

A yurt house, or a yurt cabin, is a structure made using poles and a tent. They are sturdy houses ideal for temporary tiny homes. These tiny houses are quite popular in Kenya; you can find them at Ikweta Safari Camp Maua, Fig Tree Camp Maasai Mara, Lake Elementaita Safari Camp, and Lake Elementaita Serena Camp.

Initially, yurts assumed a circular shape, but modern yurts are mostly rectangular and triangular. Yurt construction materials are quite easy to find. You only need wood or concrete to make the deck as a floor, poles, and tents.

A yurt is an ideal tiny accommodation solution for people who like to host or own vacation properties. They are easy and cheap to install and offer amenities in conventional houses. You can have a full living area, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space in your yurt. The Eat African Canvas Company is a Kenyan firm specializing in making yurt houses.

#9 Camper Vans

Camper vans are typically vehicles that have been converted into living spaces. They range from basic setups with a bed and storage space to more elaborate builds with kitchens, bathrooms, and showers.

Using a camper van as a tiny house can be an excellent option for those who value mobility and adventure. A van can be a great way to travel and explore new places when equipped with the basic amenities you need for comfortable living.

There are several campervans in Kenya, like the East African Vanlife. 

#10 Truck Houses on Wheels

Truck houses on wheels are typically compact and efficient, with features like fold-down beds, compact kitchens, and storage areas designed to make the most of the available space. They may also include features such as solar panels or composting toilets, which can help to make them more sustainable and eco-friendly.

One of the main advantages of a truck house on wheels is its mobility. Because it is built on a truck chassis, it can be easily driven from one location to another without needing a specialized trailer or vehicle. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to travel and explore new places while still having a comfortable and functional home base.

One of the best truck houses in Kenya is the “The Truck House” in Machakos. Although it’s not mobile, the tiny house is a mix of beauty and creativity. https://www.instagram.com/the_truckhouse

Types of Tiny Houses in Kenya: FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions about the types of tiny houses and dwellings in Kenya.

1. Which are the most popular tiny homes in Kenya?

The most popular tiny homes in Kenya are container homes. Containers are cheap and quite easy to acquire in Kenya. Also, many good fabricators offer cheap labor.

2. What are the different types of tiny houses?

There are many types of tiny homes, including but not limited to A-Frames, container homes, cobb houses, shepherd’s huts, tree houses, log cabins, yurts, bus houses, granny pods, and gypsy wagons.

3. Can you permanently live in a tiny house?

Yes, you can live in a tiny house permanently. If you want your house to last long, you must build it with quality materials.

4. Is it cheaper to buy or build a tiny house?

It is cheaper to build than to buy a tiny house. However, the building needs expertise; one small mistake can cost you a lot. Also, buying saves you time.

5. What are the disadvantages of a tiny house?

One of the biggest disadvantages of a tiny house is space. You often have to let go of things as you do not have the space to keep them.

6. Is it hard living in a tiny house?

Living in a tiny house requires adjusting; you must be very organized. Otherwise, your tiny house will be a big mess.

7. How long does it take to build a tiny house?

Building a tiny house can take 3 weeks to a year, depending on the type of house you want.

In Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with different types of tiny houses will help you to determine which one best fits your lifestyle and needs. There is nothing like the “right” type of tiny house. Rather, you should customize your tiny home to fit your needs and goals.