TROPICAL

ARCHITECTURE
1. Introduction
2. Design Strategies
i. Sun Shading Devices
ii. Building Orientation
iii. Ventilation
iv. Choice of Material
CLIMATE

versus

WEATHER
 CLIMATE
Weather over long periods of time

WEATHER
Condition of the atmosphere at a given time
Climates can be generally classified into four types: COLD,
TEMPERATE, HOT ARID and HOT HUMID.
CLIMATE MAP
OF THE
PHILIPPINES
MACROCLIMATE

versus

MICROCLIMATE
 MACROCLIMATE
General climate over large areas of land

MICROCLIMATE
Localized climate over a specific area
FACTORS THAT AFFECT MICROCLIMATE

Topography

Soil

Water

Vegetation

Artificial Structures
ELEMENTARY REVIEW
It is the hotness or coldness of the
atmosphere
TEMPERATURE
It is the amount of moisture in the
atmosphere
HUMIDITY
It is a seasonal prevailing wind in the
region of South and Southeast Asia
MONSOON
Filipino term for the seasonal monsoon winds
from the Northeast
AMIHAN
Filipino term for the seasonal monsoon winds
from the Southwest
HABAGAT
 The phenomenon wherein wind speed
increases as it passes through a narrow area
WIND TUNNEL / VENTURI EFFECT
A phenomenon wherein the urban area is
warmer than the surrounding rural area
URBAN HEAT ISLAND
It is the design of buildings which does not have
any sophisticated mechanical equipment to
induce comfort conditions in the building
interiors
PASSIVE COOLING
 a climate responsive
architecture where the
buildings are specifically
designed to achieve thermal
comfort at the tropical region.
High humidity and temperature

High annual precipitation

High solar radiation

Solar Control

Air Circulation

Thermal Effects of Material

Sun shading devices

Building orientation

Maximum ventilation

Choice of material
* reduce amount of radiation *
by reflection and absorption

* improve distribution of light *

• retractable
shutters, roller blinds, louvers
• fixed redistribution device
overhangs, reveals, fins, light shelves
• fixed reduced transmission
devices
perforated sheets, tinted, reflective, fritted glass, brise soleil,
trees
• minimize solar gain,
maximize natural ventilation
• avoid facing east & west
maximum sun exposure
• main windows & longer sides face
north or south to catch
prevailing breeze
• to better indoor air quality &
achieve thermal comfort
• natural & mechanical
• two principles:
– Cross ventilation
– Stack ventilation
to optimize natural ventilation

• elongated floor plan

• minimum internal partition
• elevate house on stilts
to optimize natural ventilation

• high ceilings (to diffuse interior heat)

• high level window/clerestory
• vents in the roof
to optimize natural ventilation

• windows on opposite side

• maximize window openings (size and
distribution)
• some shading methods: louvers, trees
Design Strategies in a Traditional Malay House
• thermal mass of
material
– lightweight material: timber,
wood, galvanised iron
• durability
– concrete, brick
• good insulator of heat
– thatch, terra cotta, build
double walls, etc
 The End

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching,
scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing for non-profit, educational or personal use. In the case of
inaccurate information, A.Alliance Design International is not responsible for any misrepresentation.