TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE

content

1. Introduction2. Design Strategies

i. Sun Shading Devicesii. Building Orientationiii. Ventilationiv. Choice of Material

d e fi n ea 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

t h e c l i m a t e

key points

Solar Control

Air Circulation

Thermal Effects of Material

design strategies

Sun shading devices

Building orientation

Maximum ventilation

Choice of material

sun shading devices

* reduce amount of radiation *by reflection and absorption

* improve distribution of light *

types of shading

• retractableshutters, roller blinds, louvers

• fixed redistribution deviceoverhangs, reveals, fins, light shelves

types of shading

• fixed reduced transmission devices perforated sheets, tinted, reflective, fritted glass, brise soleil, trees

types of shading

bui ld ing or ientat ion

• minimize solar gain,maximize natural ventilation

• avoid facing east & westmaximum sun exposure

• main windows & longer sides face

north or south to catch

prevailing breeze

venti lat ion• to better indoor air quality

& achieve thermal comfort• natural & mechanical• two principles:–Cross ventilation–Stack ventilation

examples of strategies

• 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

examples of strategiesto optimize natural ventilation

• windows on opposite side• maximize window openings (size and

distribution)• some shading methods: louvers,

trees

examples of strategiesto optimize natural ventilation

Design Strategies in a Traditional Malay House

choice of material

• 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

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