Urban housing for middle to low income households

Introduction

Urban housing for middle to low-income households remains a pressing issue in many cities around the world, and Nairobi, Kenya, is no exception. With rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for affordable housing in Nairobi has escalated, particularly in areas like the Kaloleni estate. The Kaloleni estate, situated in the heart of Nairobi, is emblematic of the challenges faced by urban planners and policymakers in providing adequate housing solutions for its diverse populace. To address this housing deficit, the proposal for the development of low-density, medium-density, and high-density units within the Kaloleni estate presents a crucial initiative aimed at alleviating the housing crisis and fostering sustainable urban growth.

Understanding the Context

Nairobi’s Kaloleni estate, like many urban areas in Kenya, grapples with various socio-economic challenges, including overcrowding, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of affordable housing options, leading to a strain on resources and impeding the overall quality of life for residents. Moreover, the disparities in housing availability and affordability further contribute to social inequality and marginalization within the community. Therefore, any intervention aimed at improving housing conditions in Kaloleni must be comprehensive and inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of its inhabitants while considering longterm sustainability.

The Proposal: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

The proposed project seeks to address the housing needs of middle to low-income households in Kaloleni through a multi-dimensional approach encompassing low-density, medium-density, and high-density housing units. By incorporating a variety of housing types, the project aims to accommodate the diverse socio-economic backgrounds and preferences of the community while optimizing land use and promoting a more balanced urban development. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on integrating essential amenities and infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces, to create vibrant and livable neighborhoods conducive to residents’ wellbeing and productivity.

Expected Impact and Challenges

The successful implementation of the affordable housing project in Kaloleni is anticipated to yield significant benefits for the community, including improved living standards, enhanced social cohesion, and economic empowerment. However, the endeavor is not without its challenges, as it will require collaboration among various stakeholders, effective urban planning strategies, and sufficient financial resources. Moreover, addressing issues such as land tenure, regulatory frameworks, and environmental sustainability will be crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and inclusivity of the housing initiative. Nevertheless, with careful planning, proactive engagement, and a commitment to equitable development, the project holds the promise of transforming Kaloleni into a model urban settlement characterized by affordability, accessibility, and resilience.

CHIEF ARCHITECT:ARCH S.K.MULI

SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

-Water Supply by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company(NCWSC). In addition an onsit borehole and rain watr harvesting methods are employed

-SEWER SYSTEM- Directed into the NCWSC system

-SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT- County govt and private contractors authorised by NCC Waste segregation is achieved and that which cannot be recycled is disposed off

ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY

- Connected to the national grid KPLC -Street lighting dependant on solar energy - Solar water heating panels provided on block A rooftop -Use of energy conservation appliances- LED bulbs

The Ngara Affordable housing units are an initiative by th National Government to address the housing challenge in the country through The Big Four Agenda The units targeted low to middle income earners

Previously the site had been occupied by few low rise single family units on 7.9 acres, 5 units per

The Ngara Affordable housing units are an initiative by th National Government to address the housing challenge in the country through The Big Four Agenda The units targeted low to middle income earners

Previously the site had been occupied by few low rise single family units on 7.9 acres 5 units per square

acre Currently the site houses 1370 units bringing to an average of 173 units per square acre

Open Green Spaces

55%- Residential units and parking spaces

A total of 1370 families are accomodated within the development, which includes social interaction and entertainment spaces which binds the residents creating a communal feeling.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, NGARA HOUSING SCHEME, PARKROAD

Safaricom and Airtel connectivity available

families are accomodated within the development, which includes social interaction and entertainment spaces which binds the residents creating a communal feeling.

SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

-Water Supply by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company(NCWSC). In addition an onsit borehole and rain watr harvesting methods are employed

-SEWER SYSTEM- Directed into

NCWSC

-SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT- County govt and private contractors authorised by NCC Waste segregation is achieved and that which cannot be recycled is disposed off

ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY

- Connected to the national grid, KPLC -Street lighting dependant on solar energy

- Solar water heating panels provided on block A rooftop -Use of energy conservation appliances- LED bulbs

SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

-Water Supply by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company addition an onsit borehole and rain

ICT: CCTV cameras provided on corridors Telkom, Safaricom and Airtel connectivity available

SCHEME ELEVATION FROM KINSHASA

Case Study

Cluster/Block D

Consist of 546, 3 BR units

in 14

The cluster has 3 wings with narrow courtyards used as parking

The units are a mirror copy of each other located on both sides of a long corridor for circulation.

Simple and direct floor plans. blocks plan units. are a mirror copy of each other located on both sides of a

Cluster 2

Consisted of 260, 3 BR units (80SQM) in 7 story blocks.The cluster has 4 wings that surround a common centralcourtyard that also serves as the vertical circulation area.Units are a mirror copy, located on both sides of a longcorridor. More spacious 昀氀oor plans.

Cluster/Block D

Consist of 546, 3 BR units (60SQM) in 14 story blocks.The cluster has 3 wings with narrow courtyards used as parking. The units are a mirror copy of each other located on both sides of a long corridor for circulation.Simple and direct 昀氀oor plan

Cluster 1/Phase 1

Consisted of 228, 2 BR units (60SQM) in 6 story blocks.The cluster has 3 wings that face a common central courtyard used as parking.The units are a mirror copy of each other located onboth sides of a longcorridor. The 昀氀oor plan is simple with direct 昀氀ow of movement.

LESSONS LEARNT

KENYANAIROBI COUNTYKALOLENI

•Originally designed in 1927 (while Kenya was still under British colonial rule), to house 3000 bachelors in single-dwellings and duplexes.

When they were 昀椀nally completed in 1948, these bungalows were gifted to African soldiers who fought for the British army.

•As bachelor accommodations, the houses were appropriately small

•As these bachelors quickly became family men, many residents added lean-tos and sheds to the back of their houses.

•Even today, the streetscape is exactly the same as its original design, while extensions on the back provide more space for growing families

•Kaloleni was built between 1945-48 by Italian prisoners of war.

•After the war came to an end, the POWs used imported materials, including roof tiles from India and large red bricks, to construct the well-crafted homes.

•Historical 昀椀gures such as nationalist leader Tom Mboya, former Ugandan President Milton Obote and Charles Rubia, the 昀椀rst African mayor of Nairobi, once lived in this neighborhood.

•The community hall was originally used as a center of the independence movement

A radial street network dominates Kaloleni estate Layout. There is some Hierarchy in the planning de昀椀ned by central open Spaces and 26 smaller

Original layout of Kaloleni estate (source:Oglivie1946) Initial Planning concept By NUC Characterized by transport networks de昀椀ning communities

The terrain of the site is predominantly characterized by the presence of loam soil, interspersed with pockets of fertile black cotton soil. The topography exhibits a gradual slope, gently descending towards Jogoo Road, providing a nuanced landscape that combines varied

Major social activities within and around the estate are.

1.Religious activities

2.Community meetings

3.Fitness related activities

4.Sporting activities

5.Schooling centres

Winds

The area encounters easterly winds, and this environmental characteristic presents a distinct advantage for select houses. By strategically aligning their orientation to face the prevailing winds, these houses bene昀椀t from natural passive cooling achieved through ef昀椀cient cross ventilation, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Average Temperature(°C)

Average daytime temperatures range between 20 to 25 year-round. During the warm months, typically from December to March, Nairobi experiences slightly higher temperatures, with daytime highs occasionally reaching 28 degrees Celsius. However, the temperatures rarely become excessively hot. In contrast, the cooler months, from June to August, bring mild temperatures, with daytime highs averaging around 22 degrees Celsius.

FUTURE TRANSFORMATIONS

According to the Nairobi County Council City Planning Department, Kaloleni largely constitutes old NCC housing units ripe for high-rise development. Thus, the Ministry of Land, Housing Urban Development proposes to put up300 ,000 housing units of highdensity apartments on Kaloleni Estate as part of the Operation Jenga Maisha project.

“We expect the 8,132 house UNITS to be established will accommodate 85,000 people. Further, 20 per cent of the units will be social houses.” The new plan proposes to do away with single rooms, double rooms and bedsitters

VISION CITY, RWANDA

Developer: Ultimate Developers Ltd

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Area:

Program: -Single Residence -Semi detached houses -Apartments -Villa

Amenities:-Community centre -Play area -Amphitheatre

Sustainability features:

-Water Filtration System -PV Panels

-Solar Thermal Water Heating -Energy and Water Ef昀椀cient Plumbing Fixtures

-Air Filtration System and Air Quality Sensors

Organization Radial

Lessons Learnt

-Use of Local Materials and Labor

-Sustainable Design and Energy Ef昀椀ciency

-Transforming previously underutilized or degraded areas(Urban Regeneration)

-Integrating social housing units within mixed-income communities

-Government-led Initiatives and PublicPrivate Partnerships

-Vision City features well-organized layouts, green spaces, and ef昀椀cient transportation systems

DOCKSIDE GREEN, CANADA

Architect: Busby Perkins+Will

Location: Victoria, British Columbia

Area: 15-acres

Program: -9-story residential towers

-2-story townhouses

-6-story commercial building

-4-story residential buildings

Sustainable Features:

-Central interactive wetland

-Green roofs

-Natural stormwater 昀椀ltration

-Extensive onsite water collection and reuse

-Wastewater treatment mechanisms

-A central biomass energy system

Lessons Learnt

-Environmental Stewardship

-By incorporating 昀氀exible zoning regulations and adaptable building designs, the project can respond to evolving community needs

-The project incorporates a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces within a walkable and transitfriendly neighborhood.

-Affordable Housing Strategies. inclusive communities and equitable access to housing.

West Elevation

1. 8-story residential towers

2. 2-story townhouse with green way suites

3. 5-story residential tower with retail grade way apartments

4. 3-story townhouse with green way suites

Timothy Otaro Project Report

Townhouse

Townhouse

Greenway Pond

Landscaped Park/Plaza

Commercial Blocks

Apartments Blocks

AFFORDABILITY CONCEPTS

1.VERTICALIZATION

Verticalization in housing refers to the construction of multi-story or high-rise buildings as a means to increase housing density. It involves building upward rather than outward, effectively maximizing land use efficiency and accommodating more housing units on a smaller footprint of land.

3.MIXED INCOME DEVELOPMENT

This is a housing strategy that involves integrating a range of housing options within a single development, catering to individuals and families with varying income levels. This approach is employed to promote socioeconomic diversity, enhance community inclusivity, and address affordability

5.MODULAR HOUSING

This is an innovative affordability concept in housing that involves constructing building components off-site in a controlled factory environment and then assembling them onsite.

2.MATERIALS

Opting for cost-effective building materials is essential in keeping construction expenses low. This involves choosing materials that strike a balance between affordability and durability. For example, selecting locally sourced materials or alternatives to expensive traditional materials can significantly reduce construction costs without compromising quality.

4.COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT

Involving the community in the design and planning stages of housing developments empowers residents to contribute their insights, expertise, and lived experiences to the process. This participatory approach can result in more innovative and contextually appropriate housing solutions.

6.INCREMENTATION

Incremental housing allows for low-income households to access housing. By breaking down the construction process into smaller, more manageable phases, residents can gradually invest in their homes over time, starting with basic living accommodations and expanding or upgrading as their financial resources allow.

SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS

1.PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES

The utilization of passive design principles to optimize natural lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating/cooling systems.

3.WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

Installing water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-resistant landscaping to reduce water consumption and promote efficient water use.

5.GREEN SPACES

The project can incorporate green roofs, community gardens, and green spaces into the development to improve air quality, mitigate urban heat island effects, and promote biodiversity.

2.RENEWAL

ENERGY INTEGRATION

The scheme can incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to generate on-site electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

4. SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL SELECTION

The selection of environmentally friendly and locally sourced building materials with low embodied energy and minimal environmental impact, such as recycled content, rapidly renewable resources, or certified wood.

6.WASTE MANAGEMENT

Implement waste reduction strategies, recycling programs, and composting facilities to minimize construction waste and encourage sustainable waste management practices among residents.

BRIEF DEVELOPMENT

Project overview

Location: Kaloleni, Nairobi County�

Objective: To create affordable housing units catering to the needs of low to middle-income families in Kaloleni�

Area: The site encompasses approximately 24 hectares

The development will comprise of the following ammenites:

1� Residential Units

2� Common Areas: parks, playgrounds, and community centers

3� Commercial Spaces: Retail outlets, markets, and small businesses

4� Infrastructure: Adequate parking facilities, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation hubs

5� Green Spaces: Landscaped gardens, green roofs, and urban farming initiatives

FunctionActivity Area (hectares) Percentage (%)

ResidentialApartments, Houses2046

CommercialShops,Jua Kali, Supermarkets,Warehouse 718

RecreationalUrban Garden, Play Area 615

TransportRoads,Parking24

InstitutionalSchools, Healthcare Centers, Offices 410 Public PurposeParks37 Total42100

incorporating drop-off zones� -Ensure accessibility from residential areas to main spine routes� -Create linkages to public spaces�

-Maximize residential densities within the development�

-Foster connectivity by interconnecting different zones� -Incorporate open courtyards to enhance communal spaces�

-Ensure accessibility to the public while maintaining security� -Connect residential spaces to nearby open areas�

-Integrate linkages to public amenities and services� -Design for security considerations

MASTER PLAN

CONCEPT

Utilizing the pot shape as a concept for the layout of the housing scheme involved designing the structure with a central core and radiating wings, akin to the form of a pot� This layout optimizes space, promotes natural light and ventilation, and fosters a sense of community by creating interconnected common areas and shared spaces at the center�

The master plan for the Kaloleni area integrates clusters of low, medium, and high-density housing to create a diverse and inclusive community that meets the needs of residents while fostering sustainable urban development�

Access to essential services, public transportation, and recreational facilities is conveniently located within walking distance of the residential areas�

LAYERED MAPS ANALYSIS

Vehicular Circulation

Pedestrian Circulation

Parking Open spaces

Land use/Zoning

The starter unit is a three bedroom single-story layout, that provides easy accessibility and

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

1st Floor

3D Impression

The medium-density apartment complex features a combination of onebedroom and studio units� The building stands as a multifunctional living space designed to accommodate diverse residential needs within a moderate-scale structure� Each one-bedroom unit offers a separate bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom, providing ample space for individual or couple living� Meanwhile, the studio units incorporate an open-plan layout where the living, dining, and sleeping areas seamlessly blend into one another

HIGH DENSITY (2 BEDROOM & 3 BEDROOM)

WORKING DRAWINGS(MAISONETTE)

REFERENCES

Kevin L, (1974). Site planning. The M.I.T press. Republic of Kenya. (2008). Planning handbook 2008. Nairobi: Government Printer. Republic of Kenya. (2010). Physical Planning Act Chapter 286. Nairobi: Government Printer. Republic of Kenya. (2013). Public Private Partnership Act, No.15 Nairobi: Government Printer. Rowe, P., (1987). Design thinking. Boston, MIT Press. Thompson, A, (1999). Architectural design procedures. Great Britain, Arnold White, L. S., Silverman, L. & Anderson, P.R. (1948). Nairobi Master Plan for a Colonial Capital. London: His Majesty’s stationery Of昀椀ce. Yin, R.K. (2003). Application of Case Study Research, 2nd Edition. London: Sage