Earthbag construction is gaining traction in Kenya as an alternative to traditional building materials such as wood, iron sheets, or hardcore boulders. Real estate investors are increasingly embracing this technique for construction purposes.
This construction method involves using polypropylene bags filled with locally available materials, preferably sandy soil. By utilizing earthbags, developers can easily access the necessary resources and construct structures affordably.
Earthbag construction begins by utilizing on-site fill materials, which typically consist of sand, dirt, clay, and gravel.
These natural resources serve as the primary building material for the construction process. To form the structure, polypropylene bags are employed. These bags possess waterproof and fireproof properties, ensuring the durability and safety of the construction.
One of the biggest benefits of constructing earthbag buildings is the ability to create structures of virtually any shape and size. These durable bags are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, strong winds, and harsh cold conditions.
These properties set earthbags apart from houses built using materials like wood or iron sheets, giving them a huge advantage over other construction methods.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Oliver Muia, an engineer noted that despite the advantages of using earthbags in construction, there are several shortcomings associated with this technique.
“Earthbag construction requires a particular set of skills and knowledge, which may necessitate further education or training. This is necessary to assure the building's structural stability. To ensure conformity to local regulations and safety standards, it is still essential to get in touch with local construction authorities and specialists.”
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Boss Yator, a sustainable building expert said the technique is gaining traction due to how efficient it is.
"So far so good. The results are very promising and this technology has the potential of being a game changer for low housing dreams in Africa if not Kenya," stated Mr. Yator.
The use of sandbags in construction gained popularity after experts noted how effectively the technique had been applied in Italy and Mexico. Most engineers appreciated the fact that most of the houses were small with little to no storey buildings. They also provided insulation during cold seasons.
With iron sheet houses, commonly known as Mabati houses, it is difficult to regulate temperatures. They are too cold at night and too hot during the day. Furthermore, they are also not secure since the walls are easy to break into.
Earthbag houses offer very high quality indoor temperatures since the walls are thick and with good insulation qualities. Earthbag houses are also very secure from break ins since the walls are rigid and strong, same as stone houses.
Earthbags, when properly packed, create a stable and structurally sound wall system. The cylindrical shape of the bags creates a strong bond, making the walls resistant to seismic activity and natural disasters.
Moreover, earthbag construction relies on using locally sourced and sustainable materials. This type of construction also minimizes waste and promotes recycling, making it an environmentally friendly construction method.
“We should remember that although some people are using earthbags to construct houses, it is very hard to construct large storey buildings like skyscrapers we see in our urban centres.
"These earthbags are best suited for small buildings. In fact, getting county permits for the construction of houses with earthbags at times poses a challenge and that is why you do not see a lot of them in urban areas.” Eng. Muia stated.
In the same breath, Kenyans must remember that earthbag construction may not be suitable for all locations or climates. It requires careful planning and proper techniques to ensure long-term durability and stability.
Local building codes and regulations should also be considered when using the earthbag construction method.
