Factors influencing the use of Bamboo as a flooring construction material: a case of garden city project –Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing the use of bamboo as a flooring construction material in Kenya with a case of Garden City Project, Thika Road- Nairobi. The objectives were to investigate the sustainability, economic implication, aesthetics and the durability of bamboo as a flooring construction material. The type of flooring used in construction makes a significant difference in the appearance and finishing of a project that in turn increases its value. For this reason, hardwood flooring would typically be the number one choice at Garden City since it presents a combination of beauty and durability; the project has instead adopted one of the latest additions of flooring types, the bamboo flooring which is a more sustainable solution. Resource availability has declined and resource demands increased in today’s modern developing country Kenya, thus becoming increasingly necessary to explore opportunities for new, sustainable building materials like bamboo, technology needed to adopt it in the construction industry and purpose to improve the consumer awareness in Kenya. A descriptive survey was used where various consultants in the construction industry were closely selected as respondents. The study made use of primary data, in form of self-administered questionnaires, which was designed following the conceptual framework. Data was analyzed by means of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The explanations of the study findings were concluded by use of cross pattern analysis and proportions in descriptive statistical tools by computing the standard deviations, frequencies and mean. Summary data from the study was presented in the form of tables, ensuring easy understanding and deduction of similar trends and patterns. In conclusion, all the factors studied during this research were found to significantly affect the use of bamboo as a flooring material with sustainability being the most influential.