Staircase, Window and Door Designs in Kenya: Floating Stairs, Aluminium Windows, Sliding Doors and More

House window designs in Kenya shape the look of a home from the street and the feel of every room inside. The same is true of doors and staircases. Together, they decide how much light enters, how air flows, how safe the home feels and how easily people move between floors. Moreover, they are among the most expensive and most visible elements of any build. Getting them right at the design stage saves money and disappointment.

This guide covers windows, doors and staircases for Kenyan homes. We explain window materials and styles, from aluminium sliders to steel casements, bay windows, corner glazing, French windows, louvres and clerestories. Additionally, we cover main doors, internal doors, sliding and folding patio doors, pivot doors, and every type of staircase, with practical tips and 2026 guide costs.

Window Materials in Kenya

Aluminium Windows

Aluminium is the most popular window material in modern Kenyan homes. It is slim, strong, rust-resistant and available in many colours. Black, charcoal and silver frames are especially popular. Moreover, aluminium suits large sliding windows and doors.

Steel Casement Windows

Traditional steel casement windows remain common upcountry and in budget builds. They are strong and affordable. However, they rust if not painted regularly. Consequently, they need maintenance, especially on the coast.

uPVC Windows

uPVC windows are well sealed and insulating. Therefore, they suit cold areas such as Limuru, Nyahururu and Molo. They also resist salt air. However, colour choices are more limited.

Timber Windows

Timber windows suit cottages, farmhouses and colonial-style homes. They look warm and natural. However, they need treatment and regular finishing.

Window Styles

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are the most common style in Kenyan homes. They save space and suit wide openings. However, only half the window opens at a time.

Casement Windows

Casement windows swing open on hinges. They seal tightly and open fully for ventilation. As a result, they suit bedrooms and bathrooms.

Louvre Windows

Louvre windows use adjustable glass slats. Consequently, they allow excellent cross-ventilation, which makes them popular on the coast and around Lake Victoria. However, they are less secure, so grilles are needed.

Bay Windows

A bay window projects outwards, creating a nook with seating or a desk. It suits master bedrooms, lounges and studies. Moreover, it adds character to the façade.

Corner Windows

Corner windows wrap glass around a corner, with no post. They frame views dramatically. Therefore, they are popular in contemporary homes facing gardens or hills.

French Windows

French windows are tall glazed doors that open onto a balcony or veranda. They bring in light and blur indoor and outdoor space.

Clerestory Windows

Clerestory windows sit high on the wall, just below the ceiling. They bring daylight deep into rooms while keeping privacy. Additionally, they let hot air escape, which cools the house naturally.

Skylights

Skylights bring light into stairwells, corridors and internal bathrooms. However, they need good waterproofing and shading to avoid leaks and overheating.

Windows for Kenya's Climates

On the coast and in Kisumu, maximise ventilation with louvres, casements and windows on opposite walls. Meanwhile, shade them with overhangs. In Nairobi and the highlands, larger north- and south-facing windows capture daylight, while well-sealed frames keep out the cold. In dusty areas such as Machakos and Kajiado, good seals keep interiors clean. Read about eco-friendly house plans.

Door Designs for Kenyan Homes

Main Entrance Doors

The main door is the face of the house. Solid hardwood doors, steel security doors with timber finishes and oversized pivot doors are popular. Moreover, side panels of glass bring light into the entrance hall. Read about home security design.

Pivot Doors

Pivot doors rotate on a central or offset pivot rather than side hinges. As a result, they can be very wide and tall. They create a dramatic entrance in contemporary homes.

Internal Doors

Most internal doors are flush doors with veneer or paint finishes. Meanwhile, solid timber panel doors suit classic homes. Hidden pocket sliding doors save space in small rooms, walk-in closets and ensuites.

Sliding Patio Doors

Large aluminium sliding doors connect lounges to verandas and gardens. Consequently, they are standard in modern homes. Lift-and-slide systems allow very large panels.

Folding and Stacking Doors

Folding doors open almost the whole wall. Therefore, they are ideal for entertainment areas that open onto a pool deck or a garden.

Back and Utility Doors

Back doors to the yard, DSQ and laundry should be steel or solid timber with good locks. Additionally, a mesh screen keeps out insects.

Staircase Designs

Straight Flight Staircases

A straight staircase runs in one direction. It is simple, cheap and easy to climb. However, it needs a long space, about 4 m to 5 m.

Dog-Leg Staircases

A dog-leg staircase turns 180 degrees at a half landing. It is the most common design in Kenyan maisonettes, because it fits a compact footprint.

L-Shaped Staircases

An L-shaped staircase turns 90 degrees at a landing. It fits neatly into a corner and can feature in an open-plan lounge.

Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases save space. They often lead to rooftop terraces, lofts and mezzanines. However, they are harder to climb and to carry furniture up.

Floating Staircases

Floating staircases have treads that appear to float from the wall, with no visible support below. They look sleek and modern. Consequently, they are popular in contemporary maisonettes and villas.

Curved and Grand Staircases

Curved staircases make a grand statement in large entrance halls. They suit mansions and luxury villas in Karen, Runda and Kitisuru.

Staircase Dimensions and Safety

Comfortable stairs have risers of about 150–175 mm and treads of about 250–300 mm. Moreover, the width should be at least 900 mm, or 1,000–1,200 mm in larger homes. Handrails should sit about 900 mm high. Balustrades must have small gaps so children cannot slip through. Good lighting on every step prevents falls.

Space Under the Stairs

The space under a staircase is valuable. For example, it can hold a guest toilet, a store, a small home office, a wine rack or built-in shelving. Consequently, nothing is wasted in a compact maisonette. However, a toilet under the stairs needs enough headroom and ventilation. We plan this space in every maisonette design.

Staircase Finishes

Concrete staircases are the norm in Kenya. They can be finished with porcelain tiles, terrazzo, granite or timber treads. Meanwhile, balustrades may be frameless glass, stainless steel, wrought iron or timber. Read about interior finishes and joinery drawings.

Windows, Doors and Stairs by House Type

Bungalows

Bungalows have no stairs, so windows and doors carry the design. For example, our Baraka bungalow uses large aluminium windows and a wide sliding door to the veranda. Similarly, our Neema bungalow uses traditional proportions under a hipped roof. Browse bungalow house plans.

Maisonettes

Maisonettes need a staircase that fits neatly and looks good. Usually, a dog-leg stair sits near the entrance. Meanwhile, a feature window on the half landing lights the stair. Our Kilimani, Lavington and Syokimau maisonettes show different stair positions.

Villas and Mansions

Luxury homes use grand entrances, pivot doors, double-height windows and curved or floating stairs. For instance, our Kilele mansion and Rosslyn villa feature dramatic glazing. Read about luxury house plans in Kenya.

Apartments

Apartment stairs must meet fire-escape rules. Consequently, they need protected stairwells, fire doors, minimum widths and handrails on both sides in larger buildings. Read about apartment and rental building plans.

Windows, Doors and Stairs Across Kenya

Nairobi and Satellite Towns

In Ruiru, Kitengela and Syokimau, black aluminium windows, sliding patio doors and dog-leg stairs with glass balustrades dominate. Moreover, dust is common, so well-sealed sliders help. Similarly, estates often prefer a consistent window style across all homes.

The Coast

In Nyali and Malindi, salt air corrodes steel quickly. Therefore, powder-coated aluminium, uPVC and hardwood perform best. Additionally, louvres and tall French doors maximise sea breezes. Carved Lamu doors remain a favourite feature.

The Highlands

In Nyeri, Nanyuki and Eldoret, cold nights demand well-sealed windows. Consequently, uPVC and quality aluminium with rubber seals are popular. Meanwhile, timber doors add warmth.

The Lake Region

In Kisumu and around Lake Victoria, heat and mosquitoes dominate. Therefore, louvres, mosquito nets and shaded windows are standard.

Door Hardware and Locks

Hardware is easy to overlook. However, cheap hinges and handles fail quickly. Therefore, specify stainless steel hinges, quality lever handles and good locks. Additionally, door stops protect walls, and soft-close mechanisms protect heavy doors. On main doors, multi-point locks add strength. Meanwhile, smart locks suit Airbnbs and busy households.

Sound and Thermal Comfort

Windows and doors affect noise and temperature. For instance, homes near busy roads such as Thika Road, Mombasa Road or the Eastern Bypass benefit from laminated or double glazing on the road side. Consequently, bedrooms stay quieter. Similarly, well-sealed doors keep dust and cold air out. In fact, simple rubber seals make a noticeable difference.

Rooftop Access

Flat roof homes often use the roof as a terrace. Therefore, a staircase must reach it. A full staircase with a small roof cabin, or a spiral stair through a hatch, both work. Moreover, a roof cabin keeps rain out and can include a small store or a bar. Read about house plans with DSQ, pool and rooftop.

Lifts and Elevator Provision

Some families plan a home lift for ageing parents or for three- and four-storey homes. Even if you do not install it now, a lift shaft or a stacked set of cupboards can allow one later. Consequently, the home can adapt as needs change. Read about accessible and multigenerational house plans.

Window Placement and Privacy

Privacy matters on tight plots. For example, bathroom windows use frosted glass and high sills. Similarly, windows facing a neighbour can be placed high, offset or screened with louvres. Meanwhile, windows facing the garden can be large and open. Good placement lets light in without exposing family life to the street.

Daylight Design

Daylight saves power and lifts mood. Therefore, every habitable room should have a window equal to at least about a tenth of its floor area. Additionally, light-coloured walls and ceilings bounce daylight deeper into rooms. In deep plans, such as townhouses and narrow-plot homes, skylights, light wells and clerestories bring light to the centre. Consequently, lights stay off during the day.

Glare can be a problem, however. For example, a large unshaded window behind a TV makes viewing difficult. Similarly, a west window in a home office causes afternoon glare on screens. We position windows with daily activities in mind.

Ordering and Installing Windows and Doors

Windows and doors have long lead times. Therefore, order them early, using the window and door schedule from your drawings. Meanwhile, the builder must leave accurate openings. Measure openings on site after plastering, because small differences cause big gaps. Finally, insist on proper sealing around frames to stop leaks during the long rains.

Window Grilles and Mosquito Nets

Most Kenyan homes still need grilles and mosquito nets. Therefore, we design grilles that suit the façade, such as simple vertical bars on modern homes or decorative patterns on classic homes. Mosquito nets are essential on the coast, around Lake Victoria and in the lowlands. Sliding or fixed nets can be built into aluminium windows.

Common Mistakes With Windows, Doors and Stairs

Too Many Window Sizes

Dozens of different window sizes increase cost and look messy. Therefore, standardise sizes where possible.

Steep Stairs

Steep stairs cause falls, especially for children and older people. Follow comfortable riser and tread sizes.

West-Facing Glass Without Shade

Large west-facing windows overheat rooms. Add overhangs, louvres or trees.

No Head Height Check

Stairs need at least 2 m clear headroom. Check under beams and landings.

Costs of Windows, Doors and Stairs

Typical 2026 supply-and-fix guide costs are:

Use our building cost calculator for your whole home.

Our Services for Windows, Doors and Staircases in Kenya

Window and Door Schedules

We prepare door and window schedules listing every size, material and finish. Consequently, suppliers quote accurately.

As a result, you can compare aluminium, uPVC and steel quotes like for like.

Façade Design

We design window patterns that look balanced from the street. Moreover, they let in light without overheating rooms.

Staircase Design

We design straight, dog-leg, L-shaped, spiral, floating and curved stairs. Each design meets safety standards.

We also plan handrails, balustrades and stair lighting, so the stair is safe as well as beautiful.

Structural Engineering

Our engineers design stair slabs, floating treads and large openings. Therefore, everything is safe and strong.

Lintels and beams over wide sliding doors are sized to carry the floor or roof above.

Security Detailing

We detail grilles, security doors and locks that suit the house style.

Every grille includes a safe release for fire escape.

3D Renders

Every design includes 3D renders, so you see windows and doors on your home before ordering. Moreover, the walkthrough video shows how light fills each room.

County Approvals

We submit full plans for approval in all 47 counties. Then we follow up with the planning office until approval is granted.

Plan Your Windows, Doors and Stairs With Us

Call or WhatsApp 0725 310 112, or email info@houseplans.co.ke. Our office is in Nairobi, and we design homes across Kenya, from Nairobi and Kiambu to Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu.

Browse maisonette house plans and modern house plans, or order your plan.