The Swahili coast, home of the typical Swahili house, stretches across Kenya, Tanzania and the neighbouring islands. Some houses were built as early as the 12th century, but have been threatened with extinction since. In the 19th century, due to the immigration of Indians and Arabs, the original local houses were extensively renovated, extended, or demolished in order to fit their new residents.  

Today, Stone Town mainly consists of Indian and Arabic influenced houses, while Swahili houses can be found on the outskirts of the city. The basic structure consists of a woven pole frame, which was originally encased in coral stone and thick lime mortar. Today, three-quarters of the houses are built from cement blocks. Mangrove wood beams, painted black, are laid on top. The traditional (makuti) roof is made of thatch and dried coconut palm leaves, but today corrugated iron is mostly used.

 

The entrance door is made of wood, normally centred and much simpler than the elaborately carved Indian or Arabic entrance doors. To the right and left are the Baraza benches, the centre of community life. Visitors can be received there without violating the womens` privacy. Only the closest circle of friends and family are allowed inside the house. Above the Baraza there are usually windows, which are ýt ted with bars or shutters to ensure even more privacy. The Swahili house façade has a visible plinth painted in one colour and a different colour for the main façade. The original house is single storey, but there are now also modified two or three storey Swahili houses.