Asalache transformed his ordinary terraced house in Lambeth with a remarkable design inspired by African, Islamic and British art.
The house is covered in an elaborate wooden fretwork carved from pine shelves, architraves and friezes, depicting hundreds of diverse motifs including birds, animals, plants, dancers and geometric shapes.
The National Trust has committed £1million towards opening the house to the public and providing a visitors centre nearby.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said: “Khadambi Asalache is relatively unknown in the UK. However, the influences in his life – immigration, a sense of loss, and patriotism for both his old and new countries – are reflected in his art and writing and are common to many of us.
"His house is a truly special place which celebrates diversity, and through this we are presented with an important opportunity to develop our understanding of contemporary British culture."
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Khadambi Asalache (1935-2006) studied architecture and fine art in Nairobi, arriving in London in 1960. He published both poetry and a novel, The Calabash of Life and was one of the pioneers of Kenyan literature in English.
Elsie Owusu, founder of the Society of Black Architects, said: “In my view Khadambi’s house is of international significance. It could be described as an embodiment of the social, political and artistic history of the British Colonial experience in the 20th century.
"His work encompasses stories of migration and immigration, exile and return - a narrative which is common to the lives of millions of people from all continents. The fact that it is hidden in an ordinary English city terrace is all the more intriguing."
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The trust views the house as particularly significant to London and hopes that funding will be secured as soon as possible to allow the public access.
Giles Waterfield, independent curator and writer and member for the National Trust Arts Panel, said: “I found Khamdambi’s house a compelling and seductive place. It has still a very strong sense of the man who created these interiors.
"It is such a gentle place, so soft and welcoming, and yet at the same time it could be seen as a statement of independence and individuality in terms of ethnic origin.
"If the National Trust were to embrace this opportunity – however it was done – it would be a generous and imaginative gesture.”
For more information please go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
