Loft Apartments: Inside Unique Housing Design Gaining Fame in Nairobi Suburbs

Photo collage of loft apartment concept for house interior
Photo collage of loft apartment concept for house interior.
The Bungalow

Loft apartments are attractive home designs for individuals who want to live and work in the same space. 

The unique style also appeals to people looking for a home with a character and history in Nairobi suburbs such as Kilimani, Parklands, Gigiri and even Redhill.

Loft apartments are a partially open, mezzanine-like level that overlooks the main floor below.  A staircase is then used to connect a loft space to an elevated bedroom or lounge area.

They are enormous, with a plenty of room to spare compared to other house interior designs with walls separating each room. The only enclosed spaces in loft apartments are toilets, bathrooms and sometimes, the kitchen area.

File photo of a loft apartment fitted with wall hangings and furnished
File photo of a loft apartment fitted with wall hangings and furnished.
The Bungalow

However, some property managers create another dimension in their lofts by building bedrooms outside to offer more privacy.

They are considered perfect to tenants who admire unique charm, urban living and expansive spaces.

Loft apartments are gaining prominence in Nairobi suburbs and are being listed among Airbnb for vacations and other travellers.An apartment in Wood Avenue, Kilimani, was among the first to adopt this new design.

Other satellite towns such as Kasarani, Athi River, Ruiru, Tigoni, and Limuru are also adopting the design to attract tenants who want to experience urban living setup.

On different social media platforms, lofts have also sparked conversation with others demanding those spaces within their proximity.

"Can't we have affordable loft apartments with a reachable payment plan for us bachelors and bachelorettes?" a social media user wrote on Twitter.

On tiktok, loft apartments are filmed, encouraging investors to adopt the design in other areas across the country.

Pros of Loft Apartments

In Nairobi suburbs, lofts are spacious with an open concept offering flexibility. It allows tenants and owners to decorate and even create different work stations.

Elevated ceilings improve air circulation and allow tenants to experiment by introducing different decor ideas.

File photo of a fully furnished loft apartment
File photo of a fully furnished loft apartment .
The Bungalow

Gives Minimalistic Concept

It allows occupants to simply or strip down essential components, including music, visual art and lifestyle in general.

Cons of Loft Apartments

Expensive Utility Bills

Tenants will likely spend more to pay electricity since raised ceilings make loft apartments less-energy efficient. 

Occupants are also compelled to spend more to strength other aspects, such as the elevated windows and staircases.

No Storage Spaces

Despite expansive spaces, lofts like closets and kitchen cabinets lack traditional storage spaces. 

Occupants are forced to buy or fix their wardrobes or even closets.

Lack of Amenities

With loft apartments embracing the minimalistic style, communal space for desirale amenities is nonexistent. Connstructors struggle to build storage areas, roof decks, and fitness rooms.