TROPICAL DESIGN Looking back at the

lessons learned in
Module 10 – GENERAL CONCEPTS: Low Rise Design
previous module.
Design problems, Design Objectives, General concepts in
ventilation, sun protection, building layout and space planning 1. A combination of
vertical and horizontal shading elements commonly
used in hot climate regions because of their high
LEARNING shading efficiencies.
a. louver
OBJECTIVES b. egg crate
After studying this module, you as a future Architect c. brise soliel
2. defined as the amount of heat to be supplied to
should be able to:
an object to produce a unit change in its
1. To understand further the objectives in temperature.
planning and designing for the Hot Humid a. heat mass
Climate regions b. heat storage
2. To gain knowledge on good design criteria c. heat capacity
in designing of sun shading devices 3. is a type of vaporization that occurs on the
surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase.
a.
b. condensation
TOPIC c. evaporation
4. which color has the most efficient infrared
OUTLINE
repelling ability?
1. General Concepts: Low Rise Design a. gray
Design problems b. black
Design Objectives c. white
General Concepts in Ventilation 5. is a fertile land in a desert or semi-desert
Sun Protection environment.
Building Layout and Space Planning a. oasis
b. swamp
c. aluvial
6. also called cluster home is an American house in
OVERVIEW a suburban setting. It can be a small, freestanding
structure very close to the neighbour or part of a
Module 10 serves as an expanded discussion on the unit of several houses attached to each other,
typically with shared walls between units, and with
ways on how to achieve the objectives of planning
exterior maintenance and landscaping provided
and designing in Hot Humid Regions. It gives us an through an association fee.
expanded discussion on the various concepts on a. terrace house
ventilation and airflow. It also talks about the design b. verandah house
criteria in designing for an effective sun control c. patio house
devices. This module is good for 3 hour lecture. 7. For window openings, it should be located on
__________.
ACTIVATING a. S and N
b. S and W
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE c. E and W

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8. is a measure of how well a two-dimensional
barrier, such as a layer of insulation, a window or a
complete wall or ceiling, resists the conductive flow
of heat.
a. thermal value
b. insulation values
c. reflectance value
9. underground structures, both natural and man-
made.
a. subterranean
b. butte
c. fallout
10. __________ or reflectance is the ability of a
material to reflect solar energy from its surface back - the windward side has a positive high
into the atmosphere. pressure, the leeward side has a negative
a. solar conductivity pressure
b. solar resitivity - air enters buildings through openings
c. solar reflectivity located in the positive pressure zone and
exits through openings located at the
negative pressure zone.
- due to thermal forces, air enters a building
GENERAL CONCEPTS: through the lower level openings and
escapes through openings at higher
Low Rise Design- Design portions of the building.
problems, Design Objectives, - the average indoor air speed increases
General concepts in ventilation, sun rapidly by increasing the ratio of window
protection, building layout and space with wall width to about 50%. Beyond that
the rate increase is much smaller.
planning - window heights are significant for
effective indoor air movement when these
12.1 Design Objectives
measure up to 1.10 meters. No additional
- Maximize wind exposure
benefit is derived for direct occupancy
- Maximize Internal Airflow
comfort if openings are high. However
- Minimize Radiant Heat gain
these can reduce heat loads on ceilings.
- wind deflectors can be used horizontally
12.2 Design Strategies
or vertically to redirect airflow. In
12.2a On wind exposures
positioning horizontal louvers, slats and
- orient wider/larger face of building on N-S
overhangs, these should be placed at a
axis to catch prevailing winds
higher level to redirect air motion onto the
- use vegetation to direct prevailing towards
occupancy zones of the building.
the building and livable areas
- vertical deflectors particularly vertical wall
projections placed parallel to the incident
12.2b On internal airflow
wind prevent wind shadows or dead zones
1. Inducing air movement in building
of air. But when placed perpendicular to the
interiors:
main flow, the same system can create a
wind shadow. Placing openings at the foot
of partitions will induce air flow.

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2. Effect of Partition: - LOW INLET, HIGH OUTLET
- when a partition is placed parallel to the (release hot air effectively)
main flow of air, this has minimal influence - LOW INLET AND OUTLET
in the pattern of air flow; but when located ( create air flow through floor levels
perpendicular to the incident wind, this without removing the hot air)
creates a wind shadow. - HIGH INLET AND OUTLET
- partition parallel to air stream (release hot air but do not create air
- partition perpendicular to air flow through living levels)
stream - INLET WITH LOUVERS
- partition inclined to air stream (create air flow through the ceiling
levels.)
- by providing openings above and below - LOUVERS CAN DEFLECT THE AIR
the partition air movement within the STREAM UPWARD OR DOWN TO
building improves. THE FLOOR
- PROJECTING SUN SHADES
Air Stream patterns: RESEARCH WORK PRODUCE A BAD UPWARD AIR
- NO AIR FLOW FLOW
- LOW VELOCITY FLOW - BY PROVIDING SLATS AS
- HIGH VELOCITY FLOW PROTECTION, WIND FLOW CAN BE
(effective natural cooling) DIRECTED DOWNWARDS
- MAXIMUN AIR FLOW
(preferred for natural cooling)
- OFFSET INLET
( causes air to flow at an angle)
ANGLED FLOW
(air flow around the interior)
- LOUVERED INLET
(direct air flow)
- LOW VELOCITY FLOW
(due to obstacle placed in the
original flow path, air flow is altered
and speed reduces)
- ANGLED FLOW WITH PARTITION
- HIGH VELOCITY FLOW
(obstacles parallel to air flow do not
reduce cooling efficiency but divide
the pattern.
- LOW COOLING CAPACITY
(obstruction reduces cooling
effectiveness of air current)
- HIGH COOLING CAPACITY
(obstacles perpendicular to air flow
induce cooling efficiency)
- CENTERED INLET AND OUTLET
(create an air flow in the living
levels)
- LOW INLET, CENTERED OUTLET
(create an air flow through the floor
levels)

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 - AIR FLOWS DIFFER ON 12.3c Courtyard Effect
DIFFERENT LEVELS
- CLERESTORY VENTILATION
WILL NOT IMPROVE AIR
MOVEMENT AT LOW
LEVELS.

12.c On radiant heat gain

- minimize the use of high thermal mass
materials
- use low e materials especially on glazing
- maximize use of materials with surfaces
having high reflectivity.
- use of light-colored paints and surfaces
- use of natural and artificial sun shading B. Effect of Landscape Elements on Wind
devices Flow
Hedges and shrubs deflect air away from
12. 3 General Concepts in Ventilation inlets and cause a reduction in air motion
A. Theories and Concepts in ventilation indoors. These elements should not be
12.3a Stack Effect (see previous module) placed at a distance of more than 2 or 3
meters from the building because the
induced air motion is reduced.

12.3b Venturri Effect ( see previous

module)

Air movement in the leeward part of the

building can be enhanced by planting a low
hedge at a distance of 2 meters from the
building.

Trees with a large foliage mass, having the

trunk base of branches up to the top level
of the window, deflect the outdoor wind
downward and promote air motion in the
habitable zones of building interior.

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 1. Landscaping 3. if the length of a tree is 8
- Plants and trees are among the times times the height, the
most effective and desirable wind shadow will be 6
elements that can be used to direct times the height. Beyond
air flow. the ratio of length to
- The trees offers very good height, the wind remains of
protection from the wind direction the same depth.
behind the foliage. The areas
adjacent to the ground below the 2. Earth Mounds
foliage is relatively in free air. Buildings on a natural earth mound
can have improved air motion
indoors if the sides of the mound
have a slope of less than 20degree
and the buildings located at
distances greater than 2 meters
from the windward edge of the
mound.

Earth mounds having a slope of

- the combination of hedge and tree about 1o degrees on the windward
can be used in many ways to side accelerates air motion in a
achieve air flow control and visual building located on the flat portion
control. of the mound.

- A hedge located between a tree Section A

and a building obstructs wind flow
and reduces indoor air motion but a
tree located between a hedge and a
building intensifies air motion in the
leeward portion of a room, though Section B
it decreases indoor air motion near
the inlet opening.
- Trees and shrubs can also be used
effectively to channel air laterally
into close corners or secluded Plan
pockets. They can be used to create
high and low pressure areas to aid
in the movement of air along
predetermined paths. NO INTERIOR AIR FLOW
1. The wind shadow of a (maintain original air flow pattern due to high obstacles)

well foliaged tree is

approximately 2 times the LIMITED AIR FLOW
(medium/tall height obstacles create air flow within the building)
height of the tree.
2. A row of closely spaced
VAST INTERIOR AIR FLOW
tree whose row is 4 times (medium/tall obstacles create an air flow through the building)
its height can have a wind
shadow of 3 times the
height of the tree.

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C. Effect of Plan Form on Wind Movement the length of the connecting wing increases
Due to the interaction of wind with buildings, air air motion in the parallel wings. Indoor air
flow patterns around the buildings are formed. This motion is also induced if the incident wind
controls the pressure distribution on various is parallel to the channel formed by the
surfaces of the building. Hence air movement longer wings.
induced indoors is also governed by the shape of
buildings. For wind incident at 45degerees, the indoor
air motion is not only reduced in the
In a study conducted by Ishwar Chand in the Central leeward wing but in the windward wing as
Building Research Institute in Rooke, India on the well. This is due to the obstruction of wind
effect of plan form on indoor air movement, several flow between the wings that lead to the
plan forms were selected. The magnitude and the development of high pressure on the
characteristics of air flow induced indoors were leeward face of the facing block.
identified for each plan shape.
1. L SHAPE PLAN 3. H SHAPE PLAN
Air motion can be enhanced by facing the H shape plans are self-shielding and do not
inner sides of the wings of the L shape conduce to the induction of air movement
buildings towards oblique winds. Wind indoors. Whether wind is incident normally
perpendicular to the longer wing at the or obliquely on the parallel wings, the
windward side promotes indoor air motion parallel wings shield the remaining part of
by about 2o% in the central region. Increase the building so that very little air motion is
in the length of the side wing helps promote induced in the wings.
indoor air motion over a greater region of
the building.
Windows tangential to the prevailing wind 4. T SHAPE PLAN
also induce indoor air movement. T shape plan form helps promote air motion
only in a limited part of the building. As
compared to H shape plan, T shape plan
induces a higher indoor air movement for
obliquely incident wind.

D. Influence of adjacent buildings to Wind Flow

Unlike isolated buildings exposed directly to the
incident wind, indoor air motion of a building may
be affected by a neighbouring building depending
on their dimensions, distance of separation and
their location with reference to the direction of the
incident wind.
In the experiment carried out by Ishwar Chand,
identical buildings were arranged either in
broadside-on or end-on position considering both
normal and tangential incident wind.

2. U SHAPE PLAN 1. Buildings located in broadside-on position

Air motion induced in various parts of the U
shape building depends largely on the
length of the connecting block that joins the
ends of two parallel wings and on the
direction of the incident wind. Increasing
- Buildings of equal height arranged in
parallel rows with their ends in a straight
line create poor ventilation conditions in
the shielded block. To induce air motion in
the leeward blocks, the distance of

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separation between the two parallel rows
should be more than ten times the height of
the blocks.
- For buildings of different height in
broadside-on position, multi-storey building
in the windward side obstructs wind flow
while low building located in the windward
side has little effect on the indoor air
motion of the leeward blocks.
- Air motion in the central part of low
building in the positive pressure area can be
increased by increasing the distance of
separation between the two parallel
buildings up to 1.5Width for normally
incident wind. To promote air motion in the
upstream part of the windward side,
increase the distance of separation to
2Width for oblique wind.
2. Buildings in end-on position
- Air motion induced by normally incident
wind in the leeward block is less when
buildings located in end-on position are
close to each other.
- Obliquely incident wind speeds available in
the windward block are not affected by the
changed location of the leeward block
through air motion in the leeward block
increases as the distance of separation
between the block is increased.
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12. 4 Sun Protection
Solar Control In Buildings
When sunlight penetrates into the interiors of
buildings located in the tropics, more often than
not, it is a nuisance to occupants. Sunlight is
desirable as a source of illumination, but the heat of
the sun can cause irritation and thermal discomfort
in a hot humid environment. The sun’s rays also
induce glare, a threat to the efficiency of people
performing visual tasks. Unless the rays of the sun
and sunlight are utilized for symbolic and
architectural purposes, or to give highlights and
character to building interiors, these should be
inhibited from the building. large heat loads on the
building fabric must be avoided.
The window is one of the building elements where
solar radiation can directly penetrate the interiors f
buildings. As a result of the multifarious functions of
windows, direct solar radiation from these openings
can greatly affect environmental condition of
building interiors. If no proper analysis of the
functional objectives of windows are undertaken. A
window in a passively cooled building is desirable if
it can provide daylight, ventilation, psychological
requirements of the view outside (as a sense of
space) as well as give symbolic significance to one’s
culture. It can also be a disadvantage as when the
window is not designed to prevent heat gains, glare,
intrusion and the loss of privacy The following
checklist describes the energy related properties of
a window.
1. Site variables: orientation, wind breaks,
wind, ground surface, vegetation cover
2. Exterior appendages: roll blinds, sun
screens, projections, awnings
3. Frame construction: characteristics of
operations, size, aspect ratio, weather
stripping, thermal breaks
4. Glazing materials: film coatings, multiple
glazing, heat absorbing glass, reflective
glass, reducing material glare
5. Internal accessories: roll shades, venetian
blinds, draperies, film, shades, insulating
shutters
6. Interior treatment: interior colors, fixture
circuitry, task lighting, automatic switching,
thermal mass
The Building Research Establishment of Garston,
United Kingdom conducted a research project to
determine the minimum acceptable window size. It
was established that for psychological reasons of
viewing out, sunshine, daylight, and sense of
spaciousness, the acceptable window size would be
20% of the window wall. This value may be used as
the lower limit of window size. Larger size may then
be required for aesthetic purposes, so that direct
solar radiation would have to be regulated.
For passively cooled buildings, solar control devices
are very effective in regulating entry of direct solar
radiation into building interiors. These devices are
placed before fenestrations and are responsible for
maintaining a naturally ventilated indoor
environment. The following design criteria can be
used as guidelines in establishing sun-control
measures as well as in designing solar control
devices.
1. To a certain extent sunlight is acceptable
and desirable. Too much of it is harmful.
Necessarily, sun control devices should be
able to intercept unwanted solar radiation
before it enters the building.
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2. To a person directly facing a sunlit
window, visual discomfort may be due to
glare. When sun control devices are
provided, glare would be eliminated.
3. The application of shading devices such
as fixed louvers may reduce natural
illumination of building interiors especially
when the sky is overcast. To maintain
adequate daylighting, it is best to use
adjustable louver systems and light colored
surfaces.
4. Building occupants engaged in a close
visual tasks benefit from occasional eye
relaxation by viewing outdoor scenery. The
application of solar control devices should
not obstruct outside views.
5. Avoid sun control devices that impede
natural ventilation. Allow windows to open
fully and permit free air movement. Shading
devices can also serve as wind breaks.
Sun Control Devices
1. FIXED SUN BREAKS
Fixed Horizontal Sunbreaks
Fixed horizontal sunbreaks include projecting eaves,
verandahs and other fixed horizontal architectural
features which provide shade for windows and wall.
The performance of fixed horizontal breaks can be
determined by a percentage rating, i.e. the
horizontal projection (a) is expressed a percentage
of the height (b) of the sunbreak above the window
sill or the base of the wall to be shaded. Thus;
Percentage Rating (H)= a/b X 100%
All horizontal sunbreaks with the same percentage
rating will provide the same degree of screening
1. Overhangs are the simplest form of
sunbreaks and most useful when sun is high
in the sky. When raised above head, they
minimize daylight obstruction. Percentage
ratings of overhangs are often less thaN
100%. These are often due to the structural
features incorporated in overhangs.

2. Tiered sunbreaks enables higher
percentages to be achieved where the
projection of a single overhang would be
excessive. Due to its physical structure,
tiered sunbreaks collect dust though inter-
reflection of light between their surfaces
contribute to daylighting.
3. Louvered sunbreaks reflect daylight into
interiors and reduce strong contrast often
found between the shaded underside of
solid overhang and the visible sky.
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Fixed Vertical Sunbreaks
Fixed vertical sunbreaks consists of projecting piers,
vertical fins or blades,including vertical louvers and
other fixed architectural features used to shade
windows from sunlight. For the percentage rating of
fixed vertical sunbreaks, the width (a) of the balde is
expressed as a percentage of the spacing (b)
between blades, or :
Percentage rating (V)= a/b X 100%
Where: V= is the vertical sunbreak
Fixed vertical sunbreaks may either be normal to
the glazing or inclined. All vertical sunbreaks with
the same percentage rating and the same angle of
inclination to the glass give the same degree of
screening.
(a) Normal to the window
Vertical sunbreaks normal to window encourage
daylight to enter the building. Spacing of the blades
must be sufficient cleaning and painting.
(B) Inclined sunbreaks
Inclined sunbreaks reduce daylight and can assist
natural ventilation by acting as wind blocks,
depending on the orientation.
2. ADJUSTABLE SUN BREAKS
Adjustable sunbreaks allow sunlight to enter a living
space as desired. The blades are pivoted vertically
or horizontally, controlled in groups and provide
complete screening on any aspect. Blade widths are
rated as a percentage of the spacing between
blades similar to the fixed sunbreaks.
a. Adjustable horizontal sunbreaks
i. when blades are normal to the window
and the sun is at 33.5degrees light and
viewswill be obtructed slightly but the
interior is completely screened from the
sun.
 ii. blades that are 45degrees below normal
to the window gives complete screening at
all times. Views are also entirely obstructed,
though reflected light from the ground is
received.
iii. Blades above normal gives maximum
daylight when windows are not exposed to
sunlight. Outside views are partially
blocked.
b. Adjustable verticak sunbreaks
i. when the blades are normal to the
window and the sun is at more than
33.5degrees at either side, the interior is
completely screened from the sun and
allow maximum outside view and daylight.
ii. For blades that are 45degrees or left of
normal, complete screening is achieved
when the sun is less than 33.5degrees to
the right or left of normal. Outside view is
also blocked when the angle is unfavorable.
3. BLINDS
Blindscontrol glare and solar radiation though they
are least efective since they stop the sun’s rays after
they have penetrated the building.
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a. Curtains
Curtains reduce direct radiation through a
space. However they transmit solar heat
and prevent air flow. Curtains require
continuos adjustments. Thin curtains may
cause glare while opaque curtains reduce
daylighting
b. Metal blinds
Like curtains, metal blinds needs continuous
adjustments and offer little resistance to
the penetration of solar heat but when
enameled in lighter colors, metal blinds
reflect heat. Metal blinds can be noisy due
to the vibration f the slats.
4. SPECIAL WINDOW GLASSES
1. Heat reflecting glass
Heat reflecting glass is clear glass made
“heat reflective” by applying either a special
plastic film or dense metallic coating that
reduces the entry of solar heat due to its
infrared reflectance. It admits sufficient
daylight and provides outdoor view.
 5. TRANSPARENT INSULATION FILM
The film is designed for application inside the air
space of double pane windows. It consists of a
sophisticated wavelength selective coating on a
weatherable polyster substrate. The film works by
transmitting short wavelength solar rays including
visible blocking by reflection the longer wavelength
heat rays.

2. Heat absorbing glass

As compared to heat reflecting glass, heat
absorbing glass absorbs more of the
infrared spectrum with less reduction in
light transmission . the absorbed radiation
tends to reradiate into the room as heat.
The absorbing effect of the heat absorbing
glass is reduced when it is placed at the
outer pane of a sealed double glazed
system.

SUMMARY
Let us see if you can remember the main points raised in
this lesson. Below is a summary of these points:

3. Glare reducing glass

To control infrared radiation, the use of
glare reducing glass is much more effective LEARNING ACTIVITY 1
than heat reflecting and heat absorbing
glasses. It also reduce glare from the sky Home reading assignment on:
and bright surroundings. Glare reducing BUILDING ELEMENTS IN HOT HUMID REGIONS
glass of neutral gray or bronze color is most
effective in glare control. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS TO STUDY:
RADIANT HEAT
EMMISSIVITY
REFLECTIVITY
WINDWARD / LEEWARD
THERMAL MASS

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HEAT CAPACITY
CONDUCTIVITY
AIR FLOW / AIR CHANGES
DAYLIGHTING
EDDY (WIND)

REFERENCES
Passive Cooling Technologies in Hot Humid Localities.
Manahan, Geronimo V, University of the
Philippines Press, 1976

www.google.com

Prepared by:

ARCH. ALBERT T. PASCUA, LRA

Faculty, College of Engineering and Architecture

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