log homes article 1

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Property News 28 Focus on Property August 2014 Focus on Property August 2014 29 W hen the concept of log homes was introduced in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe over 200 years ago, it was initially viewed as a stale idea of building dwellings with rustic back woods. Over the years however, and following the process of time that has transformed the logs from the traditional back woods to fine and sufficiently polished logs, these houses have risen in popularity and has moved them from the side-lines to centre stage. Log houses are simply houses built from logs. Log construction has been especially popular in the United States of America, Canada and in the Scandinavian countries, where straight tall tree trunks (pine and spruce) are readily available. Cheryl Carpenter, an Associated Content Writer for Yahoo says that log homes outperform standard built homes in energy efficiency up to more than 15 percent. Today, Finland is the leading producer and importer of logs used in construction of the log homes which have now gained wide acceptance across the globe. e logs are delivered in different lengths, with personal choice of shape, thickness, and double or single tongue and groove. Each log is finished to a clean, exact size. All necessary cutting to length is done on the production site. Not only does this method guarantee tight-fitting joints and precise cuts, but it also allows maximum control of log placement and appearance once the logs are imported and assembled into the final house. One of the reasons why the log homes technology has gained so much acceptance in these nations is the generous availability of tree trunks, especially in Finland where by 2013 the percentage of forested area was 72.9 % according to the World Bank. In Kenya however, we are not yet privileged to have as much forested area with such quality timber products which means most of our logs will have to be imported, a very achievable process especially if developers were to pool their resources and venture into this lucrative and unique construction concept. A NEW INNOVATIVE CONCEPT IN KENYA Addressing Challenges of Log Homes in Kenya Log homes are relatively a new concept in Kenya and more over in Africa and hence Kenyans would have a number of questions around the idea of building using the logs concept. We have tried to provide response to the frequently asked questions for the benefit of those keen to know more on log homes. 1. Cost – is is probably the most addressed challenge and we will not lie by telling you they are cheap. Cost of the logs, cost of importing, transporting to site and assembling into the final home will indeed be a costly process so no one should imagine that the log homes technology will be a cheaper alternative to the standard stone houses. 2. Durability - Many would wonder the life span of log homes and their permanency survival in a tropicalized country like ours. Log homes have survived up to a hundred and fiſty years in the European countries and are known to withstand durability for many years to come. Obviously like all normal homes one must take care and maintenance is always essential in keeping your home to an acceptable standard. 3. Fire Hazard – Again a very common concern to us is the fire hazard issue. When you start a fire in the fireplace or build a campfire, you start with small pieces of wood... not large solid logs. Did you know that many stone houses that burn down are largely due to the heat that ignites flammable material even before they come in contact with the actual fire? On the other hand, a solid log wall is very resistant to heat due to its mass. Logs have the advantage of resisting heat ensuring minimal heat transfer LOG HOMES to other rooms in case of a fire. A keen observation was made in Australia when there was a fire outbreak that razed down all homes the fire came into contact with – except for log homes! 4. Cost of Insurance – Insuring a log home is just like ensuring any other ordinary house. By installing sprinklers, fire sensors and alarms, fire extinguishers and all other measures safeguarding a house against perils that can befall any other property, you substantially reduce the premiums to be paid in insuring a log home. 5. Pest Attack – Many people even outside Kenya express their disinterest in the log homes technology because they think termites and other wood boring insects will be attracted to the logs and set about devouring them. Most people are however not aware that wood boring insects are not attracted to large quantities of wood. If the logs are constructed of green, unseasoned logs with the bark still on the logs, then some wood boring insects can become established under the bark during the hot seasons and live there for several years. Once the wood is dry as is usually the case when they are imported, these insects are not attracted to the logs. 6. Rotting -Yes, wood does rot, but only between the moisture content of 30% to 60%. ere is no such thing as dry rot as wood must be quite moist to rot. So a properly designed log home with adequate roof overhangs, rain gutters, down spouts and periodic maintenance which includes wood treatment and the log homes will endure of generations. 7. Construction Completion Period – ere are those that think log homes take months to complete because of the complicated nature of assembling the logs. e log walls go up quickly by those who are knowledgeable about log construction. A professional designer or architect will send all the correct measurements of the logs to the supplying company who will in turn cut the logs into different lengths, shapes and thickness, then have them exported to the client with each log marked where it will fit during assembling. en with a team on the ground who have learnt how to assemble the logs, it will take them almost half the time it takes to complete a standard stone house to complete the log home. 8. Lack of Skills and Experience – Yes, we do acknowledge that the log homes technology is a specialized area in construction. We are however aware of one developer here in Kenya who has done an immense and incredible work in developing log structures and has brought log specialists from Finland to assemble the structures, and with the help of local construction workers. With training and sufficient induction, he has succeeded in training the workers to carry out the job independently and with utmost effectiveness. Property News

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Log Homes - A new innovative concept in Kenya

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Page 1: Log homes article 1

Property News

28 Focus on Property August 2014 Focus on Property August 2014 29

When the concept of log homes was introduced in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe over 200 years ago, it was initially viewed as a stale idea of building dwellings with rustic back woods. Over the years however, and following the process of

time that has transformed the logs from the traditional back woods to fine and sufficiently polished logs, these houses have risen in popularity and has moved them from the side-lines to centre stage.

Log houses are simply houses built from logs. Log construction has been especially popular in the United States of America, Canada and in the Scandinavian countries, where straight tall tree trunks (pine and spruce) are readily available. Cheryl Carpenter, an Associated Content Writer for Yahoo says that log homes outperform standard built homes in energy efficiency up to more than 15 percent. Today, Finland is the leading producer and importer of logs used in construction of the log homes which have now gained wide acceptance across the globe. The logs are delivered in different lengths, with personal choice of shape, thickness, and double or single tongue and groove. Each log is finished to a clean, exact size. All necessary cutting to length is done on the production site. Not only does this method guarantee tight-fitting joints and precise cuts, but it also allows maximum control of log placement and appearance once the logs are imported and assembled into the final house.

One of the reasons why the log homes technology has gained so much acceptance in these nations is the generous availability of tree trunks, especially in Finland where by 2013 the percentage of forested area was 72.9 % according to the World Bank. In Kenya however, we are not yet privileged to have as much forested area with such quality timber products which means most of our logs will have to be imported, a very achievable process especially if developers were to pool their resources and venture into this lucrative and unique construction concept.

A NEW INNOVATIVE CONCEPT IN

KENYAAddressing Challenges of Log Homes in KenyaLog homes are relatively a new concept in Kenya and more over in Africa and hence Kenyans would have a number of questions around the idea of building using the logs concept. We have tried to provide response to the frequently asked questions for the benefit of those keen to know more on log homes.1. Cost – This is probably the most addressed challenge and we

will not lie by telling you they are cheap. Cost of the logs, cost of importing, transporting to site and assembling into the final home will indeed be a costly process so no one should imagine that the log homes technology will be a cheaper alternative to the standard stone houses.

2. Durability - Many would wonder the life span of log homes and their permanency survival in a tropicalized country like ours. Log homes have survived up to a hundred and fifty years in the European countries and are known to withstand durability for many years to come. Obviously like all normal homes one must take care and maintenance is always essential in keeping your home to an acceptable standard.

3. Fire Hazard – Again a very common concern to us is the fire hazard issue. When you start a fire in the fireplace or build a campfire, you start with small pieces of wood... not large solid logs. Did you know that many stone houses that burn down are largely due to the heat that ignites flammable material even before they come in contact with the actual fire? On the other hand, a solid log wall is very resistant to heat due to its mass. Logs have the advantage of resisting heat ensuring minimal heat transfer

LOG HOMES

to other rooms in case of a fire. A keen observation was made in Australia when there was a fire outbreak that razed down all homes the fire came into contact with – except for log homes!

4. Cost of Insurance – Insuring a log home is just like ensuring any other ordinary house. By installing sprinklers, fire sensors and alarms, fire extinguishers and all other measures safeguarding a house against perils that can befall any other property, you substantially reduce the premiums to be paid in insuring a log home.

5. Pest Attack – Many people even outside Kenya express their disinterest in the log homes technology because they think termites and other wood boring insects will be attracted to the logs and set about devouring them. Most people are however not aware that wood boring insects are not attracted to large quantities of wood. If the logs are constructed of green, unseasoned logs with the bark still on the logs, then some wood boring insects can become established under the bark during the hot seasons and live there for several years. Once the wood is dry as is usually the case when they are imported, these insects are not attracted to the logs.

6. Rotting -Yes, wood does rot, but only between the moisture content of 30% to 60%. There is no such thing as dry rot as wood must be quite moist to rot. So a properly designed log home with adequate roof overhangs, rain gutters, down spouts and periodic maintenance which includes wood treatment and the log homes will endure of generations.

7. Construction Completion Period – There are those that think log homes take months to complete because of the complicated nature of assembling the logs. The log walls go up quickly by those who are knowledgeable about log construction. A professional designer or architect will send all the correct measurements of the logs to the supplying company who will in turn cut the logs into different lengths, shapes and thickness, then have them exported to the client with each log marked where it will fit during assembling. Then with a team on the ground who have learnt how to assemble the logs, it will take them almost half the time it takes to complete a standard stone house to complete the log home.

8. Lack of Skills and Experience – Yes, we do acknowledge that the log homes technology is a specialized area in construction. We are however aware of one developer here in Kenya who has done an immense and incredible work in developing log structures and has brought log specialists from Finland to assemble the structures, and with the help of local construction workers. With training and sufficient induction, he has succeeded in training the workers to carry out the job independently and with utmost effectiveness.

Property News

Page 2: Log homes article 1

Property News Property News

30 Focus on Property August 2014 Focus on Property August 2014 31

Case Studies in KenyaWe have carried out intense research and have come up with a list of successful stories of log structures right here in Kenya.

1. Log Office - Lower Kabete This log office was constructed two years ago and today still stands as good as new!

2. Log Home –Lower KabeteA typical 5 bedrooms log home was constructed almost two years ago and today still stands as if it has not aged a day!

Article and Images Courtesy:Martin Dias, Chief Executive OfficerFinancial and Property Consultants Ltd.Email: [email protected]: www.fapcl.com

3. Log Homes in a Tigoni Tea Farm and Spa

Plans are underway to put up a 70 log homes development in Tigoni just 4 km after Nazareth hospital. The log homes will be within a tea farm and also have spa resort. A business centre and a restaurant will also be within the development. Imagine looking out of your window and seeing tea being picked in green scenery. I can assure you it’s an amazing sight and from a log home!

Vehicles will be parked outside the development and golf carts will be available to drive you up to your log home. Construction of this development is expected to kick-off in August this year. For the convenience of potential buyers, sample log homes have been built in Lower Kabete in line with the Tigoni project. These include a one bedroom, two bedrooms and a three bedrooms show house.

There will also be four and five bedroom homes but fewer in number. One can decide to make this log home your permanent home to live in or your second weekend home to relax, just a few kilometres from Nairobi.

The 3 Bedrooms Show House and the 1 Bedroom Show House

4. Log Holiday Homes – Vipingo, North CoastDown North Coast and as far as Vipingo is this amazing development of five log homes built right on the beach-front. The development is almost complete and the attraction it is has become down at the coast is beyond words.

5. Log SchoolNairobi has hosted the first log school in Kenya. The Brook House School recently did an extension of the facility and came up with the amazing idea of infusing the logs technology into the new structure. The development is already complete and I recommend it to anybody interested in seeing the brilliant and unique feel it gives to the already astounding castle school.

6. Log Apartments, Riverside, NairobiApartments have not been side-lined in the concept of log homes. Coming up on Riverside Drive in Nairobi is an incredible development of duplex log apartments. The idea is to have a concrete floor in all rooms and have a slab delineating between successive apartments upwards. This is something to look forward to as it is bound to be breath-taking.

7. Log Boutique Hotel, NairobiPlans are also in the pipeline to put up a boutique log style hotel in Nairobi. The five acre land with a lovely manmade lake surrounding has already been acquired and plans are at discussion stage on this development.

As seen from the above case studies, log homes are already here in Kenya and have potential to become the next innovative development. Kenya with its beautiful natural settings and greenery becomes an ideal location for log homes whether down at the Coast as holiday homes or in the city as offices or even as country homes. If you have any enquiries on log homes, feel free to write to the undersign, who will be more that glad to tell you more about this incredible concept.