The Benefits of Traditional African Huts



Our ancestors were smart when it comes to building.

They used readily available materials: Clay mud, tree barks, and thatching to build their residences.

This means it was easy enough for a new family to aquire shelter, and there was no such thing as renting.

The clay used for walls have a special property: They absorb heat from the sun, it is cool during the day. By the time evening, that heat is released into the residence, keeping us warm.

Thatching also does a better job of reflcting heat, as opposed to modern sheet metal and concrete material.

Over the years the buildings are repaired and maintained using the same available materials, with no additional expenses.

Some grasses and leaves used act as repellant to insects, keeping inside comfortable.

During colonial periods, colonists were not comfortable with this style, and introduced Hut Tax , forcing our recent ancestors to mostly abandon the natural effective way of building for costly Westernized styles.

Today many are returning to the traditional ways of building since it simply makes sense. Westerners are now even copying this style calling it Earthing and Adobe as though they have recently discovered this.

With the freedom of natural materials we are ready to make beautiful and comfortable homes, continuing to pass these skills to our future generations.

The Benefits of Traditional African Huts



Our ancestors were smart when it comes to building.

They used readily available materials: Clay mud, tree barks, and thatching to build their residences.

This means it was easy enough for a new family to aquire shelter, and there was no such thing as renting.

The clay used for walls have a special property: They absorb heat from the sun, it is cool during the day. By the time evening, that heat is released into the residence, keeping us warm.

Thatching also does a better job of reflcting heat, as opposed to modern sheet metal and concrete material.

Over the years the buildings are repaired and maintained using the same available materials, with no additional expenses.

Some grasses and leaves used act as repellant to insects, keeping inside comfortable.

During colonial periods, colonists were not comfortable with this style, and introduced Hut Tax , forcing our recent ancestors to mostly abandon the natural effective way of building for costly Westernized styles.

Today many are returning to the traditional ways of building since it simply makes sense. Westerners are now even copying this style calling it Earthing and Adobe as though they have recently discovered this.

With the freedom of natural materials we are ready to make beautiful and comfortable homes, continuing to pass these skills to our future generations.