1.

TROPICAL DESIGNOF AN ARCHITECT CASE STUDY ARC 111 TROPICAL DESIGN

2. Many confuse the term tropical architecture with a particular design style. Inreality,
tropical architecture is all about achieving thermal comfort through theuse of passive design
elements like sunshades, cavity walls, lightshelves, overhangs, roof and wall insulation and even
shading from large treesto block the sun. It can look very traditional, ultramodern or even hightech.Tropical architecture is all about tackling urban heat island effect. So whatexactly is the heat
island effect? This phenomenon is what results from citiesthat have very little greenery and very
many concrete surfaces. The city willhave 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher temperature than that of
the surroundingsuburbs and countryside. Figuratively, it forms an island of hotterland, while
being surrounded by cooler land in the city outskirts. Dark-coloredroofs add to the heat island
effect. Some of the heat absorbed by dark-coloredroofs is transmitted to the room or space below.

3. THE BELAROCCA ISLAND RESORT IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE HOUSE IN

MAUI, HAWAII CASE STUDY AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR TROPICAL DESIGN
ACHIEVEMENT

4. Basic design principlesFor the Philippines, having a warm humid climate, there are a
few basic designprinciples regarding natural ventilation to cool a home or a building.
BelaroccaIsland Resort shows the following design principles creating an overall view of atropical
island sanctuary.1. The external features of the building envelope and its relation to the site should
bedesigned to fully utilize air movement. Interior partitions should not block airmovements.2. Air
velocity can be reduced when the interior walls are placed close to the inletopening or each time it
is diverted around obstructions.

5. 3. If interior walls are unavoidable, air flow can still be ensured if the partitionshave
openings at the lower and upper portions. This is a common strategy in the oldFilipino bahay na
bato, with its transom panels covered with intricate wood carvingsor wood louvers.4. Maximize
window openings for cross ventilation of internal spaces. Vents in theroof cavity can also be very
effective in drawing out heat from the room interiors.5. Since hot air goes upward, and cool air
goes downward, openings at the top ofstaircases and in clerestory windows facilitate air change.6.
It is generally cooler at night, so ventilation of internal spaces can be continuousfor nighttime
cooling. This means designing the building with operable windows tolet hot air escape at night and
to capture prevailing night winds.

6. 7. To supplement natural ventilation, fans can be placed at various heights and areasto
increase comfort conditions. Fans are effective in generating internal airmovement, improve air
distribution and increase air velocities.8. Window openings are advisable at the body level for
evaporative human bodycooling. And room width should not exceed five times ceiling height for
good airmovement.9. Sunshades and sun protection devices on openings reduce heat gain
andglare, and also help in internal day lighting. Louvers that are adjustable can alterthe direction
of air flow and lighting.Asian houses have big roof overhangs to protect interior spaces from heat
gain andglare. Shading materials should reflect heat, and not be another source of heat.Roof

insulation is a must in our warm climate. This reduces the temperaturesignificantly inside the
house.

7. THE BELAROCCA ISLAND RESORTIN THE HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES CASE

STUDY. A TROPICAL DESIGN OF AN ARCHITECT SHOWING THE PRINCIPLES OF GIVING
INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR TROPICAL AREAS.

8. Bellarocca, an island resort off the coast of Elephant Island, has established itselfas one
of the countrys most famous and recognizable resorts, thanks to itsdistinctive architecture,
luxurious amenities, and air of exclusivity.The resorts name means beautiful rock, an allusion to
its island location;indeed, the mountainous isle rises dramatically from the sea, and its forestcoveredhills and limestone crags providing a stark contrast against the blue sky and sea,
allserving as the backdrop to the resorts pristine white Santorini-inspired structures.The resort in
the island surrounded by grassy areas was taken advantage and madeas a golf course. Several
vegetations such as planting of coconut trees and otherspecies of trees creates a warm feeling at
the same time it produces fresh air.

9. Exclusivity is key to the resorts appeal. The island is accessible only toguests, who are
ferried in via speedboats or Zodiac inflatable boats.Accommodations are also designed for
privacy. Villas are perched onhillsides, open to the sea but screened on all other sides by fences
and foliage. TheTerrazas accommodations, located on a cliff above the rest of the island,
offerunparalleled privacy. Even the hotel balconies are separated from neighboringrooms by the
thick stucco walls and geometric openings characteristic ofMediterranean
architecture.Bellaroccas architecture and design is another factor that sets the resort
apart.Based on the resorts principle of organic luxury, the rooms and common areas arewellappointed, and an effort is made to integrate nature throughout. The villas andstructures are
providing huge windows that will let the northeast and southwestmonsoon enter the inside areas.

10. THE HOUSE IN MAUI, HAWAIISustainable Tropical Building Design Principles Energy
and emissions 1. Incorporate passive design measures to maximise the use of natural ventilation,
cooling and lighting. 2. Maximise energy efficiency and surpass minimum statutory requirements
for energy efficiency. 3. Strive for long-term sustainability and energy security by installing
renewable energy generation systems. 4. Maximise opportunities for public and active transport
access to the building.

11. Water and wastewater5. Maximise water efficiency and surpass minimum statutory
requirements forwater efficiency.6. Access alternative water sources to reduce consumption of
potable water.7. Phase out use of potable water in landscaping.Indoor environment quality8.
Incorporate materials and fittings that are not harmful to the health, safety andwell being of
building users.9. Use air-handling and temperature control systems that provide a comfortable
andhealthy indoor environment.10. Ensure work areas have access to natural light and external
views.

12. Waste and construction materials11. Select materials with the lower embodied energy
and environmental impacts.12. Maximise reuse and recycling of construction and demolition
waste.13. Allow adequate space for recycling, waste storage and composting by
buildingoccupants.Local environment14. Restore habitat and improve community spaces
surrounding buildings.15. Minimise the impact during and post development on biodiversity, water
andsoil quality, soil erosionand visual amenity.

13. Passive designPassive design is design that works with the environment to exclude
unwantedheat or cold and take advantage of sun and breezes, therefore avoiding orminimising the
need for mechanical heating or cooling.Passive design in the tropics means designing a building
to make the most ofnatural light and cooling breezes, and using shading, orientation and
appropriatebuilding materials to reduce heat gain and storage.The use of passive design
principles in the tropics results in a building that iscomfortable, energy efficient and results in
substantial savings in running costs ofboth cooling and lighting.

14. How we design and construct buildings can affect the natural environment, bothdirectly
by placing buildings and paved surfaces on previously vegetatedareas, and indirectly through
extracting resources to create building materials;emitting greenhouse gases in the manufacturing
and transportation of materials tothe site; and through using energy sources such as electricity
once the building isoperating.Sustainable building design is about reducing these impacts by
designing andconstructing buildings that are appropriate for the climate, have
minimalenvironmental impacts, and are healthy and comfortable for building users.Sustainable
building design for the tropics differs considerably from sustainablebuilding design for temperate
areas. The majority of available information onsustainable design has been produced for
temperate climates and is not applicable inthe tropics.

15. These guidelines have been developed specifically for the wet tropical climate ofthe
Cairns region, and provide information on the key sustainable building designelements for the
tropics. They can be used in conjunction with CouncilsSustainable Design Checklist to plan the
design and construction of sustainablebuildings in tropical climates.

16. THE HOUSE IN MAUI, HAWAII INTERIORSA HOUSE INSPIRED BY TROPICAL

DESIGN AND GREEN ARCHITECTURE

17. SEVERAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR TROPICAL DESIGN Orientation for

minimal solar heat gain: The path of the sun changes gradually throughout the year between
summer and winter. Generally the best approach in the tropics is to design so that all walls are
shaded from the sun all year round. Depending on the building use, it may be desirable to admit
some northern (mid-day) sun in the period May-July, which can be done by planning the width of
eaves and awnings . It is also important to remember that in the Cairns region the sun is in the
south during summer months and so shading is also needed on the south of buildings.

18. Orientation to maximise air flow:In Cairns, prevailing winds are south-easterly in the
winter months and north tonorth-easterly during the summer months. Stronger breezes typically

occuraround April and October.The lack of breeze during the hottest days can pose challenges for
achievingeffective natural ventilation, and designing to encourage convection flow is veryeffective
at these times.

19. PASSIVE VENTILATION:Designing a building in a way that maximises natural

ventilation will greatlyreduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.Air movement over the
body, even if the air is not much cooler, creates afeeling of cool due to the evaporation of moisture
from the skin.The following methods of passive ventilation are most effective in the tropics.

20. Maximising breezes: Orient the building to make the most of prevailing winds. Align
vents, windows and doors to allow air flow through the building theseshould be aligned in a
reasonably straight line for maximum effectiveness. Minimise internal obstacles or blockages
such as internal walls in major flowthrough areas to allow for unimpeded ventilation. Raise the
building off the ground tocatch breezes.

21. Removing hot air: Design for convection air flow to remove hot air from the building.
Convectionair flow is created by hot air rising and exiting at the highest point, whichnaturally draws
in cool air from outside.This natural cycling of air can be created by placing low window openings
acrossa space from high window openings. This will be even more effective at coolingif incoming
air is being drawn from a shaded area where plants are growing.