Roughcast houses have gained popularity in Kenya due to their durability, weather resistance, and unique textured finish. This traditional construction method involves applying a mix of cement, sand, gravel, and sometimes lime onto exterior walls, creating a rugged and visually appealing surface.
With increasing interest in cost-effective and long-lasting housing solutions, roughcast houses offer an excellent alternative to conventional smooth-plastered homes. This topic explores the characteristics, benefits, construction process, and popularity of roughcast houses in Kenya.
What is a Roughcast House?
A roughcast house features an exterior coating made from a mixture of cement, sand, and small stones, which is applied in a wet state and left to dry naturally. Unlike smooth plaster, which provides a polished finish, roughcast exteriors have a textured appearance that adds character to the building.
Roughcast is often confused with pebble dash, but the two are slightly different. While roughcast involves mixing aggregates into the mortar before application, pebble dash requires pressing stones or pebbles onto a freshly plastered surface.
Why Roughcast Houses Are Popular in Kenya
Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of roughcast houses in Kenya. These include:
1. Durability and Weather Resistance
Roughcast exteriors are highly resistant to weather conditions, making them suitable for Kenya’s diverse climate. Whether in humid coastal areas, hot lowlands, or cooler highlands, roughcast finishes withstand extreme temperatures, heavy rains, and strong winds without significant deterioration.
2. Low Maintenance Requirements
Compared to smooth-plastered walls that require frequent repainting, roughcast walls retain their appearance for years with minimal upkeep. The textured finish hides dirt, cracks, and stains, reducing the need for repairs and repainting.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of constructing a roughcast house is often lower than that of a smooth-finished house. Since roughcast does not require extensive surface smoothing and frequent repainting, homeowners save on labor and material expenses.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
The rough, natural texture of roughcast houses adds a unique charm to buildings. The technique allows for a variety of finishes, colors, and patterns, enabling homeowners to achieve a customized look.
5. Protection Against Cracks
Roughcast surfaces are less prone to cracking than smooth finishes. The mix of gravel and sand strengthens the surface, making it more resistant to structural movements that cause cracks in conventional plastered walls.
How Roughcast Houses Are Built in Kenya
Constructing a roughcast house involves several steps, from preparing the surface to applying the final textured coat. The process is relatively straightforward but requires skilled craftsmanship for the best results.
1. Surface Preparation
The wall surface must be properly prepared before applying roughcast. This involves cleaning the walls, removing debris, and ensuring the surface is slightly rough to allow for better adhesion of the mortar mix.
2. Mixing the Roughcast Material
A mixture of cement, sand, small gravel, and sometimes lime is prepared. The ratio of these materials depends on the desired texture and strength of the finish. Water is added gradually to achieve the right consistency.
3. Application of the First Coat
A base coat, known as a scratch coat, is applied to the wall. This initial layer ensures the roughcast adheres properly to the surface and provides a strong foundation for the final coat.
4. Applying the Roughcast Finish
The roughcast mixture is thrown or troweled onto the surface while still wet. This technique ensures an even distribution of the aggregates, creating a rough texture. In some cases, special tools or brushes are used to enhance the design.
5. Drying and Curing
Once applied, the roughcast finish is left to dry naturally. It is important to keep the surface slightly damp for a few days to prevent rapid drying, which can lead to cracking.
Common Variations of Roughcast Houses in Kenya
Roughcast finishes can be customized to suit different architectural styles and preferences. Some of the most common variations found in Kenya include:
1. Natural Stone Roughcast
In this variation, crushed natural stones are incorporated into the mix to enhance durability and aesthetics. This type is popular in rural areas and high-end homes looking for a rustic appeal.
2. Colored Roughcast
Pigments can be added to the roughcast mixture to create different color finishes. This eliminates the need for painting, offering a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
3. Modern Roughcast with Smooth Edges
Some contemporary designs combine roughcast walls with smooth plastered edges or corners, creating a stylish contrast that enhances the architectural appeal of the house.
4. Patterned Roughcast
Instead of a uniform rough texture, some houses feature patterns or decorative imprints on roughcast walls. This adds uniqueness and creativity to the exterior design.
Where Roughcast Houses Are Common in Kenya
Roughcast houses can be found in different regions of Kenya, each benefiting from its unique advantages.
1. Urban Areas
In major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, roughcast houses are increasingly used in residential estates and commercial buildings due to their low maintenance costs. Many developers prefer roughcast finishes for rental apartments as they require less frequent repainting.
2. Rural and Semi-Urban Areas
In rural Kenya, roughcast houses are common among homeowners looking for affordable yet durable housing. The roughcast finish protects against heavy rains and intense sunlight, making it ideal for areas with unpredictable weather patterns.
3. Coastal Regions
Coastal areas such as Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu experience high humidity, which can cause paint to peel off smooth-plastered walls. Roughcast houses in these areas resist moisture damage, ensuring the walls remain intact for longer.
4. Highlands and Cold Climates
In colder regions like Nyeri, Kericho, and Eldoret, roughcast houses provide additional insulation, helping retain warmth inside the house during chilly weather.
Challenges of Roughcast Houses
While roughcast houses have many benefits, they also come with some challenges:
1. Difficult to Modify
Once applied, roughcast is difficult to alter or remove. Any modifications, such as changing windows or doors, require careful handling to avoid damaging the finish.
2. Can Trap Dirt in Textured Surface
The textured finish can trap dust and dirt over time, especially in urban areas with high pollution levels. Regular washing is required to maintain its appearance.
3. Requires Skilled Application
Achieving a uniform and attractive roughcast finish requires experience and skill. Poor application can result in an uneven texture or weak adhesion, leading to peeling over time.
Roughcast houses in Kenya offer an ideal solution for homeowners looking for durability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. With their weather-resistant properties and low maintenance requirements, these homes are well-suited for Kenya’s diverse climate. Whether in urban estates, rural villages, or coastal towns, roughcast houses continue to be a practical and stylish choice for modern living.