Building Your Temporary Home: Wooden Cabins for New Stand Owners in Zimbabwe

Moving onto your stand in Zimbabwe and starting construction on your dream home can be an exciting but often lengthy and costly process. However, there's a quick and affordable solution that's growing in popularity among new stand owners - the wooden cabin.

Why Consider a Wooden Cabin?

Wooden cabins offer several advantages over traditional brick structures. They can be erected in a matter of hours or days, rather than weeks or months, making them a perfect temporary living solution as you oversee your building project. They are also significantly more cost-effective compared to renting or building a full cottage.

These versatile structures can serve multiple purposes throughout your building journey. They can be used as temporary living quarters, secure storage for building materials, on-site accommodation for builders or supervisors, or even as a site office for your project. Additionally, cabins can be easily modified or relocated as your needs change.

Building Your Basic Cabin

Building a basic, budget-friendly cabin is a straightforward process. You can purchase untreated gum tree poles for the frame, use zinc-coated sheets for the roofing, and opt for wooden planks, plywood, or even repurposed materials for the walls. Simple frames with basic closures can be used for the door and windows.

While wooden cabins offer several advantages, there are also some considerations to keep in mind. They may have limited durability, especially if the wood is untreated, and may not be permitted in some developments. Additionally, basic amenities like plumbing and electricity might be challenging, and security concerns may be higher compared to brick structures.

The Zimbabwean Context

In many areas of Zimbabwe, particularly in new developments, these cabins are viewed as temporary structures. They are commonly used in areas like Harare's Westgate and Chitungwiza, but may not be welcomed in more upmarket neighbourhoods like Borrowdale or Highlands.

It's important to remember that these cabins are not meant to be permanent dwellings. They are a stepping stone while you build your main house or cottage on your stand. It's crucial to check with your local council or development committee about any regulations regarding temporary structures, and to invest in good security measures to protect your property.

Overall, the wooden cabin offers a quick, affordable, and flexible solution for new stand owners in Zimbabwe who are eager to move onto their property and oversee their building project.