RESEARCH for STUDIO NAMNYAK container space
Hi Nami,
I created this page especially for you. While I'm not the best at staying in constant communication, I tend to consolidate my thoughts and ideas in one place. I hope this format is easy for you to navigate.
I’m thinking of a project centered around creating a container studio. The vision is to design something that's both simple and elegant, inspiring others to pursue similar objectives tailored to their unique needs. In your case, it could be an office or workshop. My primary focus is to document the entire process on film—from the initial purchase through fabrication to the final handover.
Along the way, I’d love to have candid conversations about sustainable fashion, Kenyan fabrics, and pattern making. Who knows? We might end up creating something really special together. Whether you decide to collaborate with me or choose another path, I'd love the opportunity to film the process. Please consider me a resource—I have a deep passion for creating spaces and have been honing my craft for the past two years.
Most of the images on this page are from my own project in Kimuka, with just a few exceptions.
Let me know what you think….
1: Container Purchase & Transport
The first step in building with shipping containers is to source a reliable dealer who can provide a clean container that has only been used for transporting dry, non-toxic goods. To ensure this, it’s crucial to purchase directly from a reputable shipping company, as they have access to the Bill of Lading (BOL). This document guarantees the container’s history and ensures that no hazardous materials have been transported. We have successfully worked with Safmarine and P&O NEDLLOYD in the past, both of whom meet these standards.
You’ll need to pay the full cost of the container upfront, but payment for transport can be made upon delivery and offloading. Typically, it takes about two weeks for the container to arrive.
COPS & KANJO :Containers, especially those within the city, often draw unwanted attention from both traffic police and Nairobi County officials. Therefore, having the proper documentation is essential. This is a copy of the paperwork that verifies the container is not stolen.
2: Foundation
Soil conditions, climate, and site topography are crucial factors in determining the appropriate foundation for a house.
Climate: Nairobi enjoys plenty of sunshine for most of the year, except during the colder months of July and August. However, the rainy seasons in April and October can present challenges. Without proper drainage, these rains can lead to higher humidity levels, which may encourage mold growth.
Soil Conditions: The soil at Kyuna Crescent is rich, fertile red loam, similar to the soil found in Gachie. A topographic survey of the area revealed that the soil is stable, drains well, and has good load-bearing capabilities, making it suitable for construction.
Load Assessment:The building's load is another key factor in determining the foundation type. For instance, a container weighs around 2,000 kg, roughly the same as a PRADO without its wheels. While we could have considered a simple foundation of four stones, the soil in this area isn't compact enough. The mound on the site is as old as your car park, meaning it's not stable enough to support the weight effectively.
Given these conditions, a semi slab-on-grade foundation is recommended. This type of foundation will help distribute the weight more evenly. Additionally, since the site is slightly sloped, we’ll need at least two stone courses to level the ground and elevate the container slightly off the ground, ensuring stability, durability and smiles incase of floods
This not being your property, we should explore semi permanent solutions like concrete slabs, Mazeras or timber.
Please note that this is intended purely for storage and does not reflect my desired finish. I wouldn't present this as an aesthetically approved example of my work, but rather as a practical demonstration of effective insulation. The material used is Natural stone (Mazeras)
Here is another example of how I have used Mazeras. It works well here because the area is rocky. However these are more permanent because they sit on a concrete slab.
Wood could work but we’d have to use wider thicker panels. They’d have to be kiln or naturally dried. only a few people have this wood in Nairobi.
This is also another type of foundation. this is what we would have suggested if you didnt work with that space at the corner. It would still work.
3: Container Fabrication
When It comes to fabrication. we are spoilt for choice, There are too many ways to approach it.
Rust treatment and paint ( this is simple and anyone with time in their hands can do it
Cutting ( the container can come cut but I prefer whoever is cutting should also do the reinforcement because there is a chance that the container warps during loading and offloading. reinforcing means adding more steel hollow sections as vertical pillars or horizontal beams.
Windows & Doors. here is where we have to dial in what looks and feels good to you we can work with aluminum, steel or wood.
RUST TREATMENT
The next step involves treating rust. We start by scraping away any loose, old paint. To assess the extent of the container's compromise, close the doors during daylight and check for any light seeping through—this is the quickest way to identify problem areas. Once identified, we sand all rusty spots and apply an etch primer to any exposed steel.
Next, we coat the surfaces with two layers of zinc phosphate as an undercoat, followed by a layer of aluminum reflective silver paint. Working inside the container before applying this reflective paint is quite challenging, but it's remarkable how much it reduces heat once applied.
WINDOWS & DOORS
ALUMINUM EXPERTS: Kiwi and PIORT ( our polish neighbors are experts in aluminum doors and windows
Jonathan (rusty fundi) is also great with steel and wood. NB: takes too long, costs 3 times but he is able to deliver whetever vision you agree on.
Local Metal fabricator: Kingori is my go to guy when it comes to all small jobs
TO BE CONTINUED:…………………
will keep updating send me your thoughts even images or links on whatsapp and I will map out your thoughts.