Tropical Architecture

TROPICAL DESIGN
Arch./EnP. Rey S. Gabitan

TROPICAL DESIGN
Introduction
Climate Responsive Architecture is a must in Building Design.
Architects must realize that the building skin is not just specifying
materials and creating a façade for aesthetics.
The building envelope serves as a climatic mesh that filters the

outside environment to create a proper and hopefully a comfortable
indoor environment.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Introduction
A climate responsive building envelope
is only one functional criterion for
correct design.
In the Philippines, hot humid conditions

require protection from heat and
maximum ventilation for interiors,
therefore, local designs should firmly
consider these issues.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Introduction
Proper fenestrations and building

materials should be selected.
Opening fenestrations such as

sun-shading devices should be
considered by designers.
Good building orientation must

also be looked at by architects to
minimize direct solar radiation but
maximize potential for natural
ventilation.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Basic Concept
"Weather" is the set of atmospheric conditions prevailing at a given
place and time.
"Climate" can be defined as the integration in time of weather

conditions, characteristics of a certain geographical location.
At the global level climates are formed by the differential solar

heat input and the uniform heat emission over the earth's surface.
The movement of air masses and of moisture-bearing clouds is

driven by temperature differentials and strongly influenced by the
Coriolis force.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Classification of Climates
Arctic
Cool
Cool Temperate
Equatorial
Temperate
Example:
Warm
Example: Iceland,
Temperate
N.W. Greenland,
Europe, Northern
Canada, and Russia,
parts of and China
North America
Example:
Example: Those
N.W. countries
Europe, lying just
Canada,
Example: Mediterranean Countries above
and or
partsbelow
of the
Northequator,
America Southeast
Asian Countries, Central America and the Amazon Basin in South America
TROPICAL DESIGN
For the purposes of building design a simple system based on the
nature of the thermal problem in the particular location is often used.
Further Classification of Tropical, Sub-Tropical & Equatorial Climates:
Warm Humid (Tropical Island) overheating is not as great as in hot-dry areas, but
it is aggravated by very high humidities, restricting the evaporation potential. The diurnal
temperature variation is small.
Hot Dry (Arid/Maritime Desert) main problem is overheating, but the air is dry, so
the evaporative cooling mechanism of the body is not restricted. There is usually a large
diurnal (day - night) temperature variation.
Composite (Tropical Uplands)

TROPICAL DESIGN
Warm Humid Hot Dry Composite
DBT High temp during the Very high temp during the day; Mixture of
day, low diurnal large diurnal range; can be warm/humid
change quite low in winter and
RH Relatively high Low and very low humidity; hot/dry.
fairly constant throughout the
year.
Precipitation Heavy rains Often low or very low 1/3 to 2/3
especially during ratio of
monsoon season monsoon
period
Sky Cloudy and glaring Little or no cloud. Cold and
non-glaring sky.
Ground Lesser vegetation Sparse and often bare. Very

high glare from ground. Rich
soil which only requires water
TROPICAL DESIGN
The general climate
(macroclimate) is
influenced by the
topography, the
vegetation and the
nature of the
environment on a
regional scale
(mesoclimate) or at a
local level within the
site itself
(microclimate).
TROPICAL DESIGN
Tropical Climate
Temperature – average mean temperature (dbt) 20 – 30 deg C
small diurnal temperature change/range 2-5 deg
Humidity Levels - 50% - 100% Relative Humidity
Wind Conditions – Slow Wind Flow

Average of 2 m/s
Prevailing Wind in the Philippines :

Amihan (NE) – November to April
Habagat (SW) - May to October
Sky Conditions – Overcast Sky most of the time;

a lot of reflected heat/ solar gain
Precipitation – high during the year – average of 1000mm/yr

TROPICAL DESIGN
Micro-Climate
Many factors contribute to micro-climate, for instance, the
location of hills, rivers, streams and lakes, the position of
buildings and trees, whether the site is on coast or inland, in a
town or in the rural areas, whether the location is above sea
level, etc.
Some micro-climate phenomena are:

-land/sea breeze
-Courtyards
-Evaporative cooling
-Orientation
-Slope of land height in relation to air movement, rainfall and
temperature
TROPICAL DESIGN
Urban Climate
Almost every city in the world today is hotter - usually between 1
to 4 deg C hotter - than its surrounding area. This difference
between urban and rural temperatures is called the "urban-heat-
island" effect", and it has been intensifying throughout this
century.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Elements of Climate Needed in Design

 DBT (Dry-Bulb Temperature) – measurement of the temperature
of the air and as far as possible excludes any radiant temperature;
measured in the shade.
instrument – silvered thermometer (in 0F or 0C)
- monthly mean of daily maxima (deg C)
- monthly mean of daily minima (deg C)
- standard deviation of distribution
 Wind – direction, frequency and force of the wind throughout the

year.
instrument – vane anemometer for high speeds
kata thermometer for low speeds
TROPICAL DESIGN
Contour
Map of
DBT
TROPICAL DESIGN

RH (Relative Humidity) – amount of water in the air.
instrument – hygrometer (in %) or sling psychrometer
measured in 0F or 0C if WBT (wet-bulb temperature)
- early morning relative humidity (in %)
- early afternoon relative humidity (in %)
 Precipitation – mainly rainfall but could also be dew.

instrument – rain gauge measured in inches or centimeters
- monthly total (in mm)
TROPICAL DESIGN
Contour
map of
relative
humidity
TROPICAL DESIGN
 Sky – either cloud cover, measured in 1/8 or 1/10 or % of the sky
covered, or it could be measured in hours of sunshine
Cloud cover - based on visual observation and expressed as a

fraction of the sky hemisphere (tenths, or 'octas' =
eights) covered by clouds.
Sunshine duration - the period of clear sunshine (when a sharp

shadow is cast), measured by a sunshine recorder
which burns a trace on a paper strip, expressed as
hours per day or month.
TROPICAL DESIGN
 Solar Radiation - measured by a pyranometer, on an
unobstructed horizontal surface and recorded
either as the continuously varying irradiance
(W/m2), or through an electronic integrator as
irradiance over the hour or day.
Four environmental variables directly affecting thermal comfort are

temperature, humidity, solar radiation and air movement, these are
the four constituents of climate most important for the purposes of
building design.
Rainfall data may sometimes be needed, such as for designing
drainage systems and assessing the level of precipitation.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Contour

map of
global solar
radiation
TROPICAL DESIGN
Tropical Design
This is concerned with countries where discomfort due to heat and
humidity are the dominant problems.
Tropical Design is applicable to Tropical and Sub-tropical climates

and Equatorial Climates covering the Southeast Asian Countries.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Importance of Climatic Design

Climate has a major effect on building performance and energy
consumption.
The process of identifying, understanding and controlling climatic

influences at the building site is perhaps the most critical part of
building design.
The key objectives of climatic design include:
To reduce energy cost of a building
To use "natural energy" instead of mechanical system and power
To provide comfortable and healthy environment for people

TROPICAL DESIGN
Factors Affecting Climatic Design

The local micro-climate and site factors will affect the actual
environmental conditions of the building.
The important site-related factors should be considered when

making the climate analysis:
Topography - elevation, slopes, hills and valleys,

ground surface conditions.
Vegetation - height, mass, silhouette, texture,

location, growth patterns.
Built forms - nearby buildings, surface conditions.

TROPICAL DESIGN
Factors Affecting Climatic Design

Major thermal design factors to be studied include:
solar heat gain, conduction heat flow and ventilation heat
flow.
The design variables in architectural expression that are important

will include:
Shape
Building fabric
Fenestration
Ventilation
TROPICAL DESIGN
Design Variables in Architectural Expression

Shape - surface-to-volume ratio; orientation; building height.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Building fabric -
materials and
construction; thermal
insulation; surface
qualities; shading
and sun control.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Fenestration - the
size, position and
orientation of windows;
window glass
materials; external and
internal shading
devices.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Ventilation - air-
tightness; outdoor
fresh air; cross
ventilation and
natural ventilation.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Passive Cooling
A cooling system using a building’s design and
construction to maintain a comfortable
temperature within the building.
Passive design is
essentially low-energy
design achieved by the
building’s particular
morphological
organization rather
than electro-
mechanical means.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Passive Cooling Techniques

1. BUILDING CONFIGURATION, SITE LAYOUT and SITE PLANNING
Example :
A building can be protected from direct
sunlight by placing it on a location
within the site that utilizes existing
features such as trees, terrain etc.
TROPICAL DESIGN

2. BUILDING ORIENTATION
Example :
In tropical countries such as the
Philippines, it is best to place
service areas in the west and east
facing sides of the building
because these sides are exposed
to direct sunlight.
TROPICAL DESIGN

3. FACADE DESIGN
Use of
Double-
layered
façade
Use Low-
emissivity
glass
(Low-E glass)
Use of Insulation
TROPICAL DESIGN

4. CROSS VENTILATION
The circulation of fresh air through open windows, doors or other openings
on opposite sides of a room
TROPICAL DESIGN

STACK EFFECT / CHIMNEY EFFECT
The tendency of air or gas in

a shaft or other vertical
space to rise when
heated, creating a draft
that draws in cooler air
or gas from below
TROPICAL DESIGN

5. SUNSHADING DEVICES
VERTICAL TYPES
Vertical Sun Shades are generally

used on the East-Facing and
West- Facing Sides
of a building
TROPICAL DESIGN

5. SUNSHADING DEVICES
EGGCRATE TYPES
Combination of Horizontal and

Vertical Shades
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUNSHADE ANALYSIS
1. Solar paths
requiring shade
3. Insolation
4. Sun requirements
during winter
2. Sunshade analysis (vertical and horizontal)

The diagrams show the optimum location of vertical sun shading, shielding
the building from low sun angles in the morning and evening, and
horizontal sun shading blocking the high midday sun. Tropical regions
need both vertical and horizontal shading throughout the year.
TROPICAL DESIGN
WIND ANALYSIS
Wind direction
Desirable and undesirable winds in each
the climatic zones depend largely on
local conditions. Any breeze in the lower
latitude (tropical and arid climates) is
beneficial for most of the year.
Cross ventilation
Cross ventilation is far more important
in the tropics than in temperate zones.
The theoretical strategy for blocking or
inducing wind flow into a building is
based on local prevailing wind
conditions. Generally, for the tropical
zones as much ventilation as possible is
desired.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Influences on Built Form

1. Zoning for transitional spaces
The black areas represent the traditional spaces used for lobbies, stairs, utility
spaces, circulation, balconies and any other areas where movement take place. These
areas do not require total climatic control and natural ventilation is sufficient. For the
tropical and arid zones, the transitional spaces are located on the north and south
sides of the building where the sun's penetration is not as great. An atrium can also
be used a transitional space.
TROPICAL DESIGN

2. Zoning for solar gain
The black areas are spaces that can be used for solar heat gain. They follow
the varying path of the sun in each of the climatic zones: in the tropical and
arid zones the east and west sides
TROPICAL DESIGN

3. Use of atrium
The diagram show the optimum position for atrium spaces in each building form
in each of the climatic zones. in the tropical zone the atrium should be located
so as to provide ventilation within the built form. In the arid zone the atrium
should be located at the centre of the building for cooling and shading
purposes.
TROPICAL DESIGN

4. Potential of roof/ground floor as useable exterior space
The distance of the angled line from the vertical represents the potential of each
zone's roof and ground planes to be used as exterior spaces. In tropical and arid
climates there is a high potential to make use of all external spaces.
TROPICAL DESIGN
1. Form
Optimum building form for each climatic zone. Research has shown that the
preferred length of the sides of the building, where the sides are of length x:y,
are: tropical zone - 1:3
Analysis of these ratios shows that an elongated form to minimize east and west
exposure is needed at the lower latitudes.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Influences on Built
Form
2. Orientation
Orientation as well as directional emphasis changes with latitude in response to
solar angles.
Zone Building's main orientations Directional emphasis
Tropical On an axis 5o north of east north-south
TROPICAL DESIGN
Influences on Built
Form
3. Vertical cores and structure

The arrangement of primary mass can be used as a factor in climatic design as
its position can help to shade or retain heat within the building form.
For the tropical zone, the cores are located on the east and west sides of the
building form, so as to help shade the building from the low angles of the sun
during the major part of the day.
TROPICAL DESIGN
CLIMATIC ZONES FOR BUILDING
Comfort Zone
The range of conditions under which most people feel comfortable. It is a

function of a number of variables.
Thermal Comfort
Human comfort as determined by the ability of the body to dissipate the heat
and moisture it produces by metabolic action.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Relationship between the centre of the comfort zone and the annual mean
temperature (Carl Mahoney):
Tcc = Tam/4 + 17.2
where Tcc is the center of the comfort zone in E.T. oC
and Tam is the annual mean temperature
*Always correct to the nearest 0.5 upwards
To get the Tam (annual mean temperature):

Tam = (Highest DBT of the Year + Lowest DBT of the Year)
2
TROPICAL DESIGN
A chart relating the wet-bulb and dry-bulb

readings from a psychrometer to relative
Psychrometric Chart humidity, absolute humidity and dew point
TROPICAL DESIGN
COMFORT ZONE
The comfort zone criteria given above are for sedentary
activities:
 discomfort due to slight sweating in sedentary activities may be more
uncomfortable and disturbing as it interrupts concentration.
The comfort zone is compared with the mean maxima (day) and
minima (night) effective temperature for each month to find out
if the climate is comfortable or uncomfortable.
Recommendations to achieve comfort can be made for a great
number of aspects from space between buildings, building
form, down to detail aspects of design.
 consider window size together with other factors such as glazed area,
orientation, shading and building form
 consider thermal characteristic of roofs and walls, i.e., absorption of the
surface and the insulation of the construction.
TROPICAL DESIGN
HEAT TRANSFER
Heat transfer in buildings may take place in four (4) different
ways:
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
• Evaporation and condensation

TROPICAL DESIGN
CONDUCTION
The flow of heat through a material by transfer from warmer to
cooler molecules in contact with each other.
Conductivity is the rate of heat transfer that occurs through a
unit thickness of material for a unit area subjected to a unit
difference in temperature.
Conductivity = per meter (thickness)
(area) * Temp difference (oC)
Conductivity (K value) = W/moC

Example:
If wall thickness is 0.2m, area of wall is 12m2 and temperature difference is 3oC,
then:
Conductivity = 0.2m/(12m2 * 3oC) = 0.0056W/moC
TROPICAL DESIGN
CONDUCTION
Resistance is the ability of a material to resist the flow of heat
and is measured by the resistivity.
Resistivity = 1 For a given thickness of material,

Conductivity resistance to heat transfer is:
= m oC / W Resistance = Resistivity * t(mtrs)

= m 2 oC / W
Example:
If wall thickness is 0.2m, area of wall is Example:
12m2 and temperature difference is If wall thickness is 0.20m, and
3oC, then: resistivity is 180 moC/W, then:
Resistivity = (12m2 * 3oC) / 0.2m Resistance = 180 moC/W * 0.20m
= 180 moC/W = 36 m2 oC/W

TROPICAL DESIGN
CONVECTION
Convection is the transfer of heat from one place to another by
the flow of molecules from one place to another.
Natural Convection is the movement of the molecules as a

result of the heat energy they possess (i.e. hot air rising).
Forced Convection results from the movement of molecules by

pumps, fans, or other movement caused by external forces.
The rate of flow of heat due to natural condition is usually

measured by the conductance of a surface or an air movement
to a building construction.
Units are Watts / m2 oC

TROPICAL DESIGN
CONVECTION
1. Warm air rising from register

(forced convection).
2. Warm air rising from all surfaces
of radiator (after air in contact
with radiator has been heated
by conduction).
3. Warm air rising from (free
convection).
TROPICAL DESIGN
RADIATION
Radiation is the transfer of energy through space by
electromagnetic waves.
Radiation travels through air and the rate of transfer of energy

is independent of the temperature of the air.
The rate of radiation transfer is measured in Watts per m2.
The rate of flow of radiant heat from the sun can be found from
the radiation overlay when it is placed over the sun path
diagram.
TROPICAL DESIGN
RADIATION
There are two terms commonly encountered while
discussing radiant heat transfer:
Emittance (or emissivity), refers to the ability of a
material’s surface to give off radiant energy. All
materials have emissivities ranging from zero to one.
The lower the emittance of a material, the lower the
heat radiated from its surface. Aluminum foil has a
very low emittance which explains its use in
reflective insulation.
Reflectance (or reflectivity) refers to the fraction of
incoming radiant energy that is reflected from the
surface. Reflectivity and emissivity are related and a
low emittance is indicative of a highly reflective
surface. For example, aluminum with an emittance of
0.03 has a reflectance of 0.97.
TROPICAL DESIGN
EVAPORATION AND
CONDENSATION
TROPICAL DESIGN
HEAT TRANSFER
MODE OF HEAT MEASUREMENT UNITS

TRANSFER
CONDUCTION Conductivity W / m oC
Resistivity m oC / W
CONVECTION Conductivity W / m2 oC
RADIATION
EVAPORATION AND
CONDENSATION
TROPICAL DESIGN
HEAT GAIN AND COMFORT
Heat gain in the tropics is due mainly to solar radiation at the

surface and only a smaller extent the high air temperatures.
Heat gain in hot climates are highest when there are low wind
speeds and less heat is transferred to the air and more to the
building surface.
Since major heat gain is from solar radiation, absorptivity of the

surface to solar radiation is of primary importance.
Absorptivity and the insulation must be chosen to minimize the

proportion of heat from the sun which penetrates the structure
when the air temperatures inside and outside are similar.
TROPICAL DESIGN
HEAT GAIN AND COMFORT

Relative humidities in tropical regions are very high, hence air
movement is the most effective way of increasing comfort by
encouraging the evaporation of sweat from the skin.
Design buildings thru which wind can pass with a minimum of
obstruction.
Comfort in the warm humid tropics is achieved by encouraging
cross ventilation while providing protection from solar radiation.
TROPICAL DESIGN
PRINCIPLES OF SIMPLE HEAT TRANSFER

Insulation is measured as the air to air rate of transmission of
heat per unit area – the “U” value.
The “U” value represents the rate of heat transfer from inside air
per unit area per unit difference in air temperature per unit time.
This is measured in Watts / sqm oC
U = 1
sum of resistances
Sum of resistances include the following:

Outside surface resistance
Inside surface resistance Resistivity x thickness
Resistance of individual layers of the surface of each layer
Resistance of air spaces and cavities
TROPICAL DESIGN

Basics of Heat Transfer.
The purpose of insulation is two-fold:
(1) to retard the flow of heat from one place to.

another, and
(2) to maintain temperatures such that

condensation does not occur on inside.
surfaces.
... Insulation acts to reduce the rate of heat

transfer by these methods
TROPICAL DESIGN

Example:
Calculate the “U” value of a brick wall with the following information:
- External surface resistance = 0.05 m2 oC / W
- Brickwall external sand rendering = 1.2 cm (resistivity 1.88 m oC / W)
- Brickwork = 20.0 cm (resistivity 0.83 m oC / W)
- Plaster (gypsum) = 1.0 cm (resistivity 2.17 m oC / W)
- internal surface resistance = 0.123 m2 oC / W
Resistance
External surface resistance 0.050 m2 oC / W
Sand rendering resistance 0.012 m * 1.88m oC / W 0.025 m2 oC / W
Brickwork resistance 0.200 m * 0.83m oC / W 0.166 m2 oC / W
Plaster resistance 0.010 m * 2.17m oC / W 0.021 m2 oC / W
Internal surface resistance 0.123 m2 oC / W
Sum of resistances 0.385 m2 oC / W
“U” value 1 / sum of resistances 2.6 W / m2 oC
TROPICAL DESIGN

The rate of heat flow through a wall or roof (where the outdoor air
is circulating freely through the building) is given by the formula:
Q = U * A * (t0 – t1)
Where Q = rate of heat flow (in Watts)

U = “U” value
A = superficial area (sqm)
t0-t1 = difference between inside and outside air temperature
From the previous example, if there is a steady temperature difference of 10oC
between the inside and outside of such a wall and the area of the wall is 20sqm,
then the rate of flow through the wall is:
Q = (2.6 W / m2 oC) * (20m2) * (10oC)

= 520 Watts
TROPICAL DESIGN

SOL-AIR TEMPERATURE
The temperature of the outside air in contact with a shaded wall
or roof which would give the same rate of heat transfer and the
same temperature gradient as the combined effect of solar
radiation and air temperature.
tsa = to + (X * I * ro)
Where tsa = sol-air temperature ( oC )

to = outside air temperature ( oC )
X = absorptivity of surface to solar radiation
I = intensity of radiation ( W / m2 )
ro = outside surface resistance ( m2 oC / W )
It is used to find the heating effect of the radiant heat load.

TROPICAL DESIGN

SOL-AIR TEMPERATURE
Example:
Wall surface = same as before where outside surface resistance is
0.05 m2 oC / W
Max. radiation = 600 W / m2
Absorptivity = 0.30
Air temperature = 20 oC
Then:
Sol-Air Temp = 20 oC + ( 600 W / m2 * 0.30 * 0.05 m2 oC / W )
= 20 oC + 9 oC
= 29 oC
TROPICAL DESIGN

SOLAR HEAT FACTOR
The percentage of incident solar radiation which is transmitted

through a wall, assuming equal air in temperatures on both
sides.
The solar heat factor is proportional to the inside rise in

temperature and is related to the radiant heat from the ceiling or
walls.
Radiation from the walls can be controlled by controlling the

reflectivity and the “U” value of the construction.
To avoid excessive radiation, the solar heat factor should not

exceed 3% for roofs and 4% or walls in the warm humid tropics.
TROPICAL DESIGN

SOLAR HEAT FACTOR
q / I = 5 U*X %
Where q = heat transfer due to radiation = Q / A (heat flow per unit area)
q = U*A*(tsa-to) / A
q = U*( tsa –to ) from sol-air temp formula tsa = to + (X*I*ro)
q = U*( X*I*ro)
q / I = U*( X*ro ) if ro = 0.05 ----- 5%
Then q / I = 5 U*X %
TROPICAL DESIGN
SOLAR HEAT FACTOR
Example:
From previous example of brickwall, “U” value is 2.6 W / m2 oC.
Absorptivity for external concrete rendering = 0.6
q / I = 5 U*X % = 5 *2.6*0.6% = 7.8% > 4% max for walls
To reduce the solar heat factor to acceptable level;
reduce the absorptivity of rendering by using white wash or lime
wash with an absorptivity of 0.30
q / I = 5 U*X % = 5 *2.6*0.3% = 3.9% < 4% max for walls OK
or reduce the transmittance “U” to 1.6 by adding 1cm of expanded
polystyrene with resistivity of 30 (resistance is 0.01*30=0.30)
“U” = 1 / (0.385+0.30) = 1.46
q / I = 5 U*X % = 5 *1.46*0.6% = 4.38% > 4% max for walls
1.5cm of polystyrene (resistance 0.015*30=0.45), “U”=1/(0.385+0.45)
q / I = 5 U*X % = 5 *1.20*0.6% = 3.60% < 4% max for walls OK
TROPICAL DESIGN

TIME LAG
The time taken per fluctuation in temperature to pass through a

material of unit thickness (hrs/m3oC).
Time lag depends on two properties:
 thermal capacity (amount of heat required per unit volume per degree
rise in temperature)
 Rate of flow of heat
Time lag = thermal capacity / rate of flow of heat
The time constant of a composite temperature is the sum of the

time constants of the individual layers.
TROPICAL DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR WARM HUMID CLIMATES

Walls and Roofs should have:
1. A reflective surface (low absorptivity)

2. Light weight material (low heat capacity)
3. Insulation (low “U” value)
Solar Heat Factor Roofs 3%

Walls 4%
Time Lag 3 hours max.
To achieve this,
 Roof should have a cavity between the roof and ceiling. A reflective
surface together with a cavity will achieve standard.
 Heavy external walls should be restricted to day rooms, and should be as
well shaded as possible.
TROPICAL DESIGN
WIND AND AIR MOVEMENT

TROPICAL DESIGN

Air movement over the skin in warm humid conditions
encourages evaporation of sweat from the skin, causing a
cooling sensation and lowering the effective temperature.
TROPICAL DESIGN
WIND GRADIENT
Variation in wind
speed as wind
speeds increase with
the height above the
ground, and the
smoothness of the
ground surface.
TROPICAL DESIGN

As wind passes over hills, there is an increase in wind speed
on the windward side and a more sheltered area on the leeward
side.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Although towns are “rough” and slow down the wind tail, tall
buildings will often deflect strong winds down to a lower level.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Corresponding openings on the leeward side must be carefully
located to effect effective cross-ventilation of all areas.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Wind shadows must be anticipated in order to be assured that
other areas are not deprived of prevailing breezes.
Buildings should be spaced so

that openings do not occur within
the wind shadow of the building in
front.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Average wind speed in the room will relate to the size of the
opening, expressed as a percentage of the wall area, taking
either the outlet or inlet, whichever is the smaller.
TROPICAL DESIGN

Wind speed increases
rapidly as the percentage
opening area increases
from 0 to 20%.
Above 30% increase in

area, the windspeed does
not increase so fast.
TROPICAL DESIGN

TROPICAL DESIGN
The variation in wind direction will alter the direction of the

wind shadow, and allowance must be made for these variations.
As a rough guide, the wind shadow will be 5 times the height of

the building including the pitched roof.
The length of wind shadow for various shapes of buildings is

given in the table, i.e., wind shadow length chart.
TROPICAL DESIGN
WIND BEHAVIOR WITHIN A ROOM

TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADING
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADING
Azimuth
Sun angle along the horizon, measured
to the east or west from true south
Altitude
Solar angle above the horizon, measured
from the horizon
time
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN PATH
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN PATH
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADING
OCTOBER 1: 3:40pm
OCTOBER 1: 9:50am
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADOW CASTING
June 22; 9:00am

Azimuth = 71o
Altitude = 46o
TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADOW CASTING

TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADOW CASTING

TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADOW CASTING

TROPICAL DESIGN
SUN SHADOW CASTING

TROPICAL DESIGN
THANK YOU AND

GOOD LUCK TO THE
EXAMS!!!

Tropical Architecture

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Tropical Architecture

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TROPICAL DESIGN

Arch./EnP. Rey S. Gabitan

Climate Responsive Architecture is a must in Building Design.

The building envelope serves as a climatic mesh that filters the

In the Philippines, hot humid conditions

Proper fenestrations and building

Opening fenestrations such as

Good building orientation must

"Climate" can be defined as the integration in time of weather

At the global level climates are formed by the differential solar

The movement of air masses and of moisture-bearing clouds is

Composite (Tropical Uplands)

Ground Lesser vegetation Sparse and often bare. Very

Humidity Levels - 50% - 100% Relative Humidity

Wind Conditions – Slow Wind Flow

Prevailing Wind in the Philippines :

Sky Conditions – Overcast Sky most of the time;

Precipitation – high during the year – average of 1000mm/yr

Some micro-climate phenomena are:

Elements of Climate Needed in Design

 Wind – direction, frequency and force of the wind throughout the

Elements of Climate Needed in Design

Elements of Climate Needed in Design

 Precipitation – mainly rainfall but could also be dew.

Cloud cover - based on visual observation and expressed as a

Sunshine duration - the period of clear sunshine (when a sharp

Four environmental variables directly affecting thermal comfort are

Tropical Design is applicable to Tropical and Sub-tropical climates

Importance of Climatic Design

The process of identifying, understanding and controlling climatic

The key objectives of climatic design include:

To reduce energy cost of a building

To use "natural energy" instead of mechanical system and power

To provide comfortable and healthy environment for people

Factors Affecting Climatic Design

The important site-related factors should be considered when

Topography - elevation, slopes, hills and valleys,

Vegetation - height, mass, silhouette, texture,

Built forms - nearby buildings, surface conditions.

Factors Affecting Climatic Design

The design variables in architectural expression that are important

Design Variables in Architectural Expression

Design Variables in Architectural Expression

Design Variables in Architectural Expression

Design Variables in Architectural Expression

Passive Cooling Techniques

Passive Cooling Techniques

Passive Cooling Techniques

Passive Cooling Techniques

Passive Cooling Techniques

The tendency of air or gas in

Passive Cooling Techniques

Vertical Sun Shades are generally

Passive Cooling Techniques

Combination of Horizontal and

2. Sunshade analysis (vertical and horizontal)

Influences on Built Form

Influences on Built Form

Influences on Built Form

Influences on Built Form

Influences on Built Form

3. Vertical cores and structure

The range of conditions under which most people feel comfortable. It is a

q = U( tsa –to ) from sol-air temp formula tsa = to + (XI*ro)

q / I = U( Xro ) if ro = 0.05 ----- 5%