InTira Design

The Kenyan population is constantly growing. The demand for housing continues to increase even with the numerous real estate developments. Slums have grown tremendously and the middle class still cannot afford to pay for mortgages due to the high interest rates. People generally have very little disposable income in the current economic state.

There have been attempts to solve these problems but the housing crisis seems to be getting bigger with the increased taxes, inflation, land rates as well as construction rates. It is difficult to fight the market forces that drive the prices higher. According to Hass Consult, Asking prices for detached and semi-detached houses rose 1.8 per cent for the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the previous quarter while the price for apartments, up 2.3 per cent .At  this rate we may have to consider more efficient affordable options.

The more dwelling space we allocate for each person the more resources we require. We need to evaluate how much space people actually need as opposed to how much they can afford. Then we can begin to appreciate small housing units made from unconventional materials. If the Kenyan population, majority of who still live in rented housing, is ever to move to owning houses we must look beyond master plans and get creative. The government will create infrastructure and make the necessary plans for development but this is known to take years. Are there faster ways of creating housing units ?

Enter the Tiny House Movement. One of the ways this has been done using re purposed shipping containers. Shipping containers can be modified in many different ways or stacked up to create housing units. With the appropriate interior finishes it is possible to get your small house for a fraction of the cost. Engage an interior designer to plan your space to enable you get maximum use of it and select finishes depending on your surroundings in terms of weather and what look you would like to achieve. You will be surprised to learn what you can achieve with a good interior designer.