Wilson Ngugi had just graduated from the National Youth Service ( NYS) when he began seeking jobs to sustain himself.
Armed with a software engineering diploma, the 25-year-old who resides in Limuru, managed to secure a job in Nairobi CBD, but life came at him fast, often faced with financial challenges with raising rent and upkeep.
He then presented his father with a solution to his housing challenge, proposing that he be allowed to build a house on the unused piece of land from their larger parcel, one where he could feel comfortable and save on rent.
He started by constructing a mabati house, erecting the outer structure first before moving in and finishing the interior as he went along.
Photo: Screengrab/YouTube
The space was a tight fit, covering only 24sqm of the 55sqm available to him. He began with a simple layout and gradually expanded the house, realizing the need for different spaces as he lived in it.
His initial calculations saw him come up with Kshs 500,000 as his budget, but as construction progressed he went over his predictions, ending up spending Kshs 700,000.
Ngugi who is also an artist, has special interests in environmental conservation and sustainability, and he offset major expenses through use of recycled materials in his construction. About 85% of the materials came from friends and family.
“I am aware of what is happening in this world. And I know we have a lot of waste. So i thought, “Why can’t i recycle old timber, old mabati, old nails?” I saw it as an opportunity, because it is even cheaper, “ he said in a past interview.
The structure is primarily made of wood and iron sheets, and has a concrete foundation, old wooden electric poles act as columns and a wooden floor. With mabati as walls, thermal insulation was key in the construction, and he used old clothes donated by friends and family as insulation which he holds up using plywood.
Another eco-friendly feature is a composting system that provides manure for his garden. Additionally, all wastewater from the house is recycled for use in his kitchen garden.
Photo: Screengrab/YouTube
He also runs an integrated art studio where he transforms recycled plastic and e-waste into sculptures and wall art.
After witnessing his masterpiece come together, Ngugi’s commitment to simplicity even led him to use rice sacks as curtains for his house. When he wants to unwind, he retreats to a personalized rooftop deck to enjoy the views.
An avid reader, Ngugi proudly owns a personal library of 675 books and plans to keep expanding his collection.
He is in the process of installing solar panels to reduce reliance on electricity.
Some of his peers have tried to discourage him, but he remains determined to complete his project, staying focused because he has a goal to be a contributor towards an eco-friendly world.
