ARCH 215

TROPICAL
DESIGN
August 20, 2019

AR. ADRIAN LAGUA

Instuctor

SHEREENE NOVA B. DARCEN

Student
What is tropical architecture and how to successfully design one?

Tropical architecture is a branch of the architecture, the study of the climate of the oriented

architecture the weather in a place where the mass of the building or group of buildings, and the
impact or impact on the environmental link or influence on the tropical surroundings. 

Buildings with tropical architectural design, characterized by setting or characters with tropical
weather conditions, or have a tropical form. But with the development of the concept and
technology, the building with the concept or how modern or high-tech, which might be
called tropical buildings this is mitigated by a system of air circulation, ventilation, view
openings, and the orientation of the buildings and the use of modern high tech materials which
does not damage the environment. 

Tropical architecture includes a variety of issues related to the design of buildings or tropical

areas characterized by buildings, with the effect or impact on the environment. 

Buildings design with tropical nature, has the following requirements: must have a vision and
direction of the buildings, in accordance with the standard (the orientation of the building)
tropical with support material or comfort participate in tropical conditions, such as sun shading,
sun protection, sun louver, taking into account the standard influence openings for environmental
protection (radiation of the window), and has a character or a feature that has the building as a
tropical, ekpos building with the use of material or different colors.
What is the difference between traditional and modern architecture?

For many people, the difference between a traditionally designed house and contemporary one is
a matter of taste. Traditional residences are influenced by more historic styles like Victorian,
Spanish, Colonial, or Neoclassical, while contemporary homes are fashioned from modern
20thCentury architecture. Popular contemporary elements include sleek lines, square or
rectangular shapes, heavy use of glass or transparent panels, and minimalistic interior design.

Although personal taste matters in residential design, one of the more important contrasts
between classic and modern homes is sustainability. While a traditional house can have energy
efficient features, most contemporary ones are built with conservation as a main design factor.
Today’s architecture is heavily influenced by the green design movement and seeks to integrate
eco-friendly elements with stylistic aspects.

Traditionally styled homes are often less environmentally favorable because their design
aesthetics can clash with energy efficient features. Since many have a classic sense of style, it’s
not typical to see them decorated with more modern furnishings or smart devices. For instance,
solar panels on a conventional roof, or stainless steel appliances inside a kitchen with warm
colors and wood finishes, can be an eye sore. Sometimes this leads to residents in traditional
homes investing in equipment based on style rather than sustainability. However, a more
conventional or classically designed house does have room for recycled elements. Homeowners
can invest in refurbished antique fittings or fixtures, for decorating their traditional residence.

In a significant number of contemporary residences, sustainable materials and tools are tied into
the overall look, during the construction process, in order to create a house that’s both energy-
saving and elegant. But contemporary buildings have their stylistic limitations, too. For example,
if a green house is built with recycled metals, concrete, and/or glass, then its industrial frame and
gray colors will not be compatible with all types of interior furnishings; an ultra modern
residence is likely to have sparse, minimalistic furniture in order to match the sleek exterior.

Despite variations in taste, most homeowners prefer complementary design aspects that create a

cohesive setting rather than a disjointed or mismatched home. However, many people are
concerned with conservation, too, especially here in Boulder County. Luckily, it’s possible for
residents to invest in green design, regardless of their aesthetic. Energy efficient materials and
appliances can be incorporated into any new home or remodeling project, as long as you work
with professional and innovative designers.
What are the factors affecting the design of the characteristics of each? (Traditional and
Modern)

Nowadays, as we known the architectural community has had a strong and continuing interest in
traditional and modern architecture. Architecture, this word possesses an immense creativity in
itself. Usually, when we hear this word, picture of creative design of physical structures flashes
in our mind. Integral to the identity of any country is its architectural heritage, combining
modern and traditional architectural designs or product of the blend between splendid modern
and traditional architecture.

Based on what have found, architecture has been Rosen down into many categories to fit the
lifestyle of people in a particular place at a particular time. There are basically two types of
architect which are modern architecture and traditional architecture. According to architect Eric
Spry, the word “modern” provokes such strong reactions in the world of residential architecture.
Some people might imagine wonderful homes of steel and glass with open, flowing floor plans;
others might imagine sterile homes that feel like museums, complete with men in red suits
watching carefully that nothing is touched.

Nowadays, many of our buildings and structures have forgotten the principles of Tropical
Architecture, and have lost their local characteristics, leaving our cities vulnerable to disasters
and uglification.
There is a growing trend for a Modern Tropical Architecture, as newer technology creates
opportunity for better materials and durable structures. It retains its Asian characters with a hint
of Western influences that people have adopted nowadays. While it still incorporates the use of
natural materials, newer ones such as the use of reinforced concrete is added to the building
design, which increases the firmness of the structure. Vernacular materials are processed in
newer ways to become more affordable, and to allow people of this age to better appreciate our
heritage.
How do these factors affect the thermal comfort of the houses? (Traditional and Modern)
The main factor in creating indoor thermal comfort in older buildings in hot-humid climates in
summer is using natural ventilation. Wind-induced ventilation by the difference in pressure
(cross ventilation) was the main reason for wind circulation inside the studied houses. It is
convenient to reduce temperature by using a light color on the exterior parts of the buildings,
which contributes to the mitigation of indoor air temperature. Using materials with low thermal
conductivity, such as wood in the ceilings and windows in the buildings, improve thermal
comfort. Using local materials (coral stone and gypsum) in the external and internal wall of the
building reduces indoor temperature and provides acceptable conditions for occupants. Passive
elements in the older architecture play an important role in providing thermal comfort. Based on
a review of the literature and the quantitative results of this study, effective elements were
identified. Using vertical and horizontal canopies, portico, and semi-open space, and external and
interior Shenashir could significantly reduce indoor air temperature.

The main factor in creating indoor thermal comfort in older buildings in hot-humid climates in
summer is using natural ventilation. Wind-induced ventilation by the difference in pressure
(cross ventilation) was the main reason for wind circulation inside the studied houses. It is
convenient to reduce temperature by using a light color on the exterior parts of the buildings,
which contributes to the mitigation of indoor air temperature. Using materials with low thermal
conductivity, such as wood in the ceilings and windows in the buildings, improve thermal
comfort. Using local materials (coral stone and gypsum) in the external and internal wall of the
building reduces indoor temperature and provides acceptable conditions for occupants. Passive
elements in the older architecture play an important role in providing thermal comfort. Based on
a review of the literature and the quantitative results of this study, effective elements were
identified. Using vertical and horizontal canopies, portico, and semi-open space, and external and
interior Shenashir could significantly reduce indoor air temperature.
What tropical architecture in the Philippines feature does it adapt to achieve its
sustainability?

Tropical Architecture has been a popular design choice for resort developments, spas, and other
recreational leisure amenities as it is known for blending in with nature. Many may perceive
Tropical Architecture as a design aesthetic; however it is the principles applied that embodies
Tropical Architecture. This architecture involves incorporating planning and design solutions
into the development to keep the interior temperature cool despite the hot and humid climate.

Principles in designing for tropical climes integrate the whole context of the site for a holistic
design. It adapts to the site’s size, shape, neighborhood, access, topography, limitations,
locations, microclimate, and overall visual impact. The sun path and wind direction is taken into
consideration for the building’s orientation to minimize heat gain within the building, and allow
for passive cooling. It also takes into account what materials can be sourced regionally and
locally.

Tropical Architecture goes way back to our ancestors’ era, and is dominantly followed in
Southeast Asian countries with tropical climate. Despite existing long ago, its principles that aim
for a sustainable development, can still be applied, especially now that the aggravated issue of
global warming.

First Tropical Architecture in PH

Have you ever wondered why our “bahay kubo” is designed as such? The wide use of bamboo
and nipa are due to the abundance of these materials around the area, and that these help with
keeping the house cool. The house is elevated to protect the people inside from the dampness and
humidity of the earth. The thatched roof may be made from bamboo cogon grass, anahaw, or
nipa, and is steep to protect the dwellers from the harsh sun and torrential rains. The eaves are
longer to provide shade. The bamboo floor is laid with just enough spaces between to allow
natural air to enter through the floor.

Despite the fact that there was no architecture course available in that era, our ancestors have
created a perfect example of Tropical Architecture. This is true of all our vernacular architecture,
such as the Ifugao houses in the Cordillera region and the Ivatan houses in Batanes, among
others. The reason for such is that our indigenous tribes respect nature and treat is as part of their
everyday lives, designing their houses and other structures in accordance with how nature works.
Passive and active design

The most practical approach for Filipinos is to make use of the passive design, because it does
not incur the extra cost pf buying technology and saves money for future home and building
extension projects. The first passive design starts with the blueprint of the structure. One must
already designate areas for future expansions and the orientation of windows and vents for wind
circulation should be studied in detail.

One of the biggest costs for extension projects comes from the need to re-route or add additional
plumbing, sewage, and water pressure. Oftentimes, if not done properly, the sewage clogs or
there is a leak. That is why it important from the start to know how many bathrooms a home or
building would need, and that the utilities are ready to accommodate extensions. The water line
should be accessible, and the “poso” should not be enclosed.

Next are the orientation and the size of the windows. In the morning, the sun rises in the east,
that is why most rooms are oriented in this direction so that the rays will flood the room once
you wake up. Then, the next most used room during the afternoon is oriented to the movement of
the sun so that it will maximize natural light. On the other hand, if the windows are too wide, the
tendency is the increase of heat. The objective is to give an ample amount of natural light but not
at the expense of uncomfortable room temperature.

The size of the room should also be proportionate to the number of dedicated light bulbs. Too
many bulbs are unnecessarily costly. Too little light would be uncomfortable for reading and for
work. According to a study by the US Green Building Council, research suggests that increased
natural light exposure and air utility improves performance by 6 to 26 percent. Green buildings
can boost employee activity.

Proper lighting and management of heat actually decreases the amount of energy that air-
conditioning units need to regulate the temperature of the room. The active approach of buying
inverter type air-conditioning can further decrease energy cost. The usual energy cost of air-
conditioning per hour is about P15 to P30. An inverter decreases energy cost by 40 percent.

Tropical Architecture need not be confined to one look. Modern times call for newer technology
applied to our buildings and structures, using the same principles. As planners and architects, we
should remember the principles of the Tropical Architecture of our ancestors and create
innovative solutions to relate these principles to a modern context for more green and sustainable
architecture.