The beauty in grass-thatching

When I had saved enough money, I decided that it was time to start construction of a lodge. I had done my research on a place to buy. We went out to a number of places that had potential for a lodge.

In 2009, my wife and I went to Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, the Ishasha section. We then came here, in Kasenyi. She liked it. I bought 40 acres outside the park, and in the wilderness.

Birth of the idea
My first design concept for Kasenyi Safari Lodge was of a traditional African home, of a round structure with thatch which would be made out of papyrus, banana leaves and grass of different types which would allow water to run-off.
I actualised the design with our restaurant which is four-huts-in-one. In it, we have a restaurant, bar, lounge and kitchen. We know huts to be round but I architecturally achieved a square one where the washrooms are located.

Type of grass
When I set out to start on the construction, I went around doing homework on which type of grass I would be using. I settled for omutete (lemon grass), from Mbarara. When it is older, it grows shoot and farmers normally burn it since cows do not feed on the shoot.

Before it is burnt, people who deal in grass business, will cut it and bundle it up for sale. I went out and contacted such individuals for the lot we used during the construction of the lodge.

I got in touch with those who do the thatching and they calculated and told me we would need 17 Fuso Fighter trucks, which came to about 400 bundles. Each Fuso cost me Shs2m.

Other material
We bought poles from Bunyabugulu, Rubirizi and Katerela. We bought 2,000 pieces, of different sizes.

We needed buttons to be used around the roofs, rafters some for the support of the structures and posts for upright support.

Each rafter went for Shs15,000, a button at Shs5,000 and Shs20,000 per pole.
Labour
The manpower was provided by a group of ‘thatchers’, mostly Sudanese who have constructed a number of lodges with the same style.

The ones I got had worked on lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They build the huts with roof tops that have pitch to allow water to easily run off and not sink into the grass.

Like that, the roofing material of grass thatch can last up to 20 years before it is changed. The gauge of the grass is thick, of between two to three inches.

They first covered the roof with canvas then thatched it which protected the canvas from weather; sunshine and rain. The canvas substitutes for the walls. It is an idea that was shared from early explorer David Livingstone who took shelter in canvas as he explored River Nile for its source.

Maintenance

As with any other roofing system, a thatched roof requires proper maintenance. Well-maintained thatching can last up to 15 years before requiring replacement. Maintenance requirements are quite unique because of the soft loose straw from which it is made.

It easily attracts birds, mice and even squirrels; so an inspection should be done quite often to check for out-of-place straw that could be hosting some uninvited wildlife. Shedding is completely normal as the exposed strands will eventually decompose and fall. Once the thickness of the layer is reduced to 3/4 of its original size, a new layer of straw should be installed on top of the old one.

This style of roof has a wonderful ‘olden-times’ appeal. Anyone looking for that old country feel would surely enjoy this kind of structure; however, it must be remembered that the once-inexpensive material is now extremely expensive.

PROS
A properly, professionally installed thatched roof which is maintained on a regular basis and sited away from any overhanging trees will offer great durability. You can expect thatch to last anywhere between 15 to 20 years in good condition.

Being a naturally insulating material, thatch is able to insulate your home without the need for additional insulating materials in the loft space such as natural or synthetic wools.