Tropical Architecture

University of Batangas – Lipa Campus

College of Engineering and Architecture
Architecture Department

Submitted to: Ar. Joanne Cristabel S. Bernardino

Pamela Anne Ghail Sarmiento

ARCH2B
October 4, 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I
Introduction 3
Purpose 3
Scope 3
CHAPTER II
What is Tropical Architecture? 4
Tropical Architecture and Filipino Architecture 6
What are the Basic Design Principles of Tropical Architecture? 9
What is a Climate Responsive Building? 10
Main Objective of Tropical Architecture 13
Principles of Tropical Architecture - Improving Natural Ventilation 14
and Daylighting
CHAPTER III
Conclusion 16
Recommendation 16
References 17
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CHAPTER I

Background

Many people connect tropical architecture with a certain appearance or

aesthetic. They frequently envision classic tropical architectural types. We
envision large colonial houses or little timber cabins. As a result, we frequently
envision rustic homes immersed in vernacular or resort-style villas with
wraparound verandas. This is hardly unexpected given that many classic
architectural forms perform admirably in tropical conditions. Tropical architecture
may come in a variety of styles and shapes. The primary reason for this is its
design impact. It is the tropics' climatic and environmental circumstances, not
their look.

We live in a globalized world. We are exposed to cultures, attitudes, and

belief systems from all around the world more than ever before. It is easy to
become engrossed in current fashions and trends while ignoring their
functionality or utility. This way of thinking has affected our homes and structures.
Tropical architecture enables us to design structures that react to the
environment.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the need for adequate climatic
design, to study the relationship between architectural design and a tropical
climate, to reflect on, and learn from, local, tropical architecture as a means to
understand solutions to climate whose origin stems from a condition of scarcity,
and familiarize the student with creative architectural solutions to conditions of
the climate and tropical conditions.

Scope

This study includes the meaning and importance of Tropical Architecture

focusing in the Philippines, its basic design principles including improving natural
ventilation and daylighting, and its main objective. This also includes the meaning
and importance of Climate Responsive Building.
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CHAPTER II

What is Tropical Architecture?

Tropical architecture is a subtropical climatic adaptation of architecture.
The primary goal of tropical architecture is for sustainably made structures to
integrate into the tropical environment and adapt to the tropical climate to the
greatest extent. Tropical climate is that which is located within the world's tropical
belt and typically includes areas north and south of the equator. This response to
the tropical climate traditionally means similar strategies to create comfort in very
rainy, hot, and even jungle areas with dense vegetation and humidity. 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.

Tropical architecture first showed up in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom

period (20th century BCE) with the construction of mud brick houses close
together along narrow streets, where architecture includes a variety of issues
related to the design of buildings or low areas characterized by buildings, with the
effect or impact on the environment. American architect and author Robert L.
Morgan introduced the term "Tropical Architecture" in his 1961 book "Architecture
in the Tropics."

Because of its emphasis on natural ventilation and daylighting, as well as

low-energy usage through the use of building massing, orientation, solar shading,
and thermal insulation, tropical architecture has become connected with
sustainable design techniques in modern times.

Moreover, tropical architecture may come in a variety of styles and

shapes. The primary reason for this is its design impact. It is the tropics' climatic
and environmental circumstances, not their look.

The subtropical climate is primarily responsible for the peculiarities of

tropical architecture. Buildings with tropical design must primarily provide shade
to deal with high temperatures and direct sunshine. The tension roof may do this.
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This implies that the roof area is greater than the building area in order to offer
shade. Another typical way of heat dispersion is triangular roofing. The
fundamental reason for this is because they generate very quick thermal
insulation, preventing direct sunlight from entering the room. Building triangular
roofs is frequent, especially in older homes. Natural ventilation must be
considered in tropical climates to deal with not only the heat but also the heavy
humidity. Cross ventilation is commonly utilized in tropical structures for this
purpose, with air fed from one side of the building and vented from the other side.
Wind pressure can be generated naturally in this manner. Also, it is critical to
orient your structure as much as possible to the sunshine, which mostly concerns
the house's windows.

The materials used in tropical architecture must also be carefully chosen.

The tropical environment is very tough on the materials. As a result, they must
bring features that insulate effectively, air well, and can tolerate rain. In addition
to these characteristics, sustainability is quite important. Renewable raw
materials like wood and bamboo are popular here.

Tropical architecture enables us to design structures that are climate-

responsive. As a consequence, their detrimental influence on the environment is
reduced.
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In general, buildings that adopt tropical design methods use less energy
and, as a result, fewer fossil fuels. With a strong emphasis on sustainability
across the world, more energy-efficient buildings are gaining center stage.

Tropical Architecture and Filipino Architecture

The Philippines has a tropical climate, ranging from hot and humid that
could reach a scorching 42.2 degrees Celsius to stormy. With the growing threat
of climate change and the increased purchasing power of the typical Filipino, an
increasing number of homebuyers are looking for sustainability — as well as
beauty and functionality — in the places they call "home." This concept indicates
that different parts of the country have creative answers to houses and buildings.
And the majority of these adjustments, ranging from the use of local materials to
traditional beliefs, have contributed to the formation of Filipino identity via
architecture. However, most structures nowadays are constructed in Western
architectural styles that are inappropriate for our environment or culture.

The term "tropical" brings up ideas of the characteristically Filipino nipa

house or bahay kubo; fact, the nipa hut is undoubtedly the most basic and pure
form of tropical architectural style.

However, in locations like as Metro Manila and its neighboring areas, the
bahay kubo is not a prevalent architectural form. For one thing, its typical
materials are not long-lasting enough to endure strong weather conditions like as
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typhoons, much alone fires, which are prevalent in crowded, stuffy metropolitan
areas. Tropical architectural styles, thankfully, aren't all about green roofs and
beachside views. One does not have to venture far outside Metro Manila to see
dwellings that are functionally, if not aesthetically, influenced by the nipa hut.

Additionally, Philippine "tropical modern" architecture is distinguished by

its use of changeable space, sensuous indigenous materials, and efficient
adaptation of hybrid East-West lifestyles. Areas in these residences demonstrate
imaginative combinations of often-minimal spaces, echoing a pan-Asian trend
and a wider direction for architectural growth in tropical-belt countries. Filipino
architects and designers are also experimenting with new materials and
architectural components to appeal to both the shifting global tastes of an
increasingly discriminating Filipino élite and the ambitions of a progressive,
budget-conscious middle class. Tropical contemporary design is inexpensively
"cool."

Another important component in the design of these tropical contemporary

dwellings is cultural color. Both the interiors and exteriors address spatial and
social issues. The lifestyles that Filipinos (and many other Asians) have come to
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know and appreciate. To conform to cultural norms and social subtleties, modern
Filipinos embrace Western living, work, and leisure patterns. The demands of
extended families, the need to frequently entertain during the Philippines'
numerous festive occasions, the projection of social standing and roles in the
community, and the concept of "hiya" (face) are intertwined with Western or
modern practicalities such as the acceptance of home/office setups, a reduced
reliance on domestic help, and the introduction of two-career households,
multiple-vehicle garages, and modern communications technology.

The single most crucial characteristic that distinguishes one tropical

contemporary Philippine home from another, however, is the setting and the
Filipino architects' response to it. Whether it's a vast suburban lot, a tiny urban
center, or an ideal resort location far from Manila with a romantic name like Punta
Fuego or Calatagan. The location influences the ultimate design of a house: its
size, the constraints imposed by its overall aesthetic effect.
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What are the Basic Design Principles of Tropical Architecture?

According to Cairns Regional Council, below are the sustainable 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.

Water and wastewater

5. Maximise water efficiency and surpass minimum statutory requirements

for water efficiency.

6. Access alternative water sources to reduce consumption of potable

water.

7. Phase out use of potable water in landscaping. Indoor environment

quality.

8. Incorporate materials and fittings that are not harmful to the health,
safety and well being of building users.

9. Use air-handling and temperature control systems that provide a

comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

10. Ensure work areas have access to natural light and external views.

Waste and construction materials

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11. 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
building occupants.

Local environment

14. Restore habitat and improve community spaces surrounding buildings.

15. Minimise the impact during and post development on biodiversity,

water and soil quality, soil erosion and visual amenity.

What is a Climate Responsive Building?

One of the most important concerns affecting human society in the twenty-
first century is climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions may be reduced to help
battle climate change by changing how buildings are designed, built, maintained,
and used. Buildings make up more than half of all energy consumed in the
United States. Because energy is the leading cause of global warming, designing
low- or no-energy buildings is an apparent strategy to reduce climate change.

To do so, go back to fundamentals and thoroughly examine how a

building's design is adapted to the specific elements of a given site to reduce the
possibility for high energy usage.

The climate responsive design refers to the architecture that reflects the
particular region-specific weather conditions of the peculiar area. It uses data of
weather patterns and factors like sun, wind, rainfall, and humidity. The building
structure is built according to the same.

Climate-responsive architecture aims to enhance building design based

on site-specific characteristics in order to avoid excessive energy use and have a
smaller impact on the natural environment. To design comfortable and energy-
efficient homes, climate responsive architecture considers seasonality, the
direction of the sun (sun path and solar position), natural shade provided by the
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surrounding topography, environmental factors (such as wind, rainfall, humidity),

and climate data (temperature, historical weather patterns, etc.).

With a truly sustainable approach to creating buildings that adapt

immediately to their specific location, the process begins with climatic data rather
than architectural designs. By answering questions like "How can I determine the
sun's location in the sky at a certain time and season?" ", "How much rain does
the place receive per season?" and "What impact will the wind have on the
structure while keeping the occupants' comfort in mind?" "In order to satisfy
functional requirements and give comfort, the structure should be adaptable to
changing environmental circumstances."

One of the examples of climate responsive buildings around the world is

Papertainer Museum in Seoul, South Korea by Architect Shigeru Ban. The finest
example of creativity paired with extremely simple materials is this museum. This
structure is a temporary installation created to commemorate the anniversary of
the Korean publishing design firm. Its structure is made of 166 shipping
containers and 555 paper tubes and is roughly 10 meters tall. It is a lightweight,
climate-responsive construction. The entire edifice is demountable and
transportable to other cities.
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Another example is Ecobulevar De Vallecas in Madrid, Spain. Its

construction is built of recycled materials and plants. The cylinder-shaped
structure depicts a greenhouse-like system that decreases the temperature by up
to 10 degrees. Because this climate-responsive structure is movable, it may be
exported to other regions with comparable climates and put there, or at other
sites where activities need to be reactivated. It has become a focal point for the
surrounding community.
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Last example is Abu Dhabi Central Market in UAE. The three public
squares in Abu Dhabi Central Market are part of a dynamic grid that responds
optimally to sunlight levels; the kinetic pattern of the roof shade recalls a typical
coffered Islamic ceiling. This plan, inspired by traditional Gulf architecture,
proposes to recreate the marketplace as a contemporary mixed-use complex and
provide the city with a new civic core. By offering a distinct modern interpretation
of regional vernacular construction as an alternative to the globalized 'one-size-
fits-all' shopping mall, it offers a distinctive modern interpretation of regional
vernacular construction, and in it, as in the traditional souk, different kinds of
experiences - ranging from luxury goods shops to food markets and craft-based
trade stores - are combined in an interior architecture with a changing rhythm of
squares, courtyards, and alleyways succeeding one another amid vibrant colors.
This climatically sensitive design is especially appealing in Abu Dhabi Central
Market.

Main Objective of Tropical Architecture

Tropical architecture refers to buildings that are expressly constructed for
tropical temperatures, with the goal of providing comfortable living conditions
while decreasing energy use, notably cooling load. It studies the significant
influences that impact architecture in tropical regions and develops passive
strategies to lessen heat gain. It also encourages air movement through a home
or building with the objective of producing pleasant living conditions while
reducing the buildings' energy consumption, particularly the cooling load. Tropical
architecture works to achieve thermal comfort through the use of design
elements, such as sunshades, cavity walls, light shelves, overhangs, roof and
wall insulation and even shading from trees. The proper use of tropical design
principles in the tropics results in a building that is comfortable, energy efficient
and results in substantial savings in running costs of both cooling and lighting.
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Principles of Tropical Architecture - Improving Natural Ventilation and

Daylighting
Natural ventilation has the potential to significantly reduce the energy cost
required for mechanical ventilation of buildings. These natural ventilation systems
may reduce both first and operating costs compared to mechanical ventilation
systems while maintaining ventilation rates that are consistent with acceptable
indoor air quality. Also, some studies have indicated that occupants reported
fewer symptoms in buildings with natural ventilation compared to buildings with
mechanical ventilation. If natural ventilation can improve indoor environmental
conditions, such improvements can also potentially increase occupant
productivity by reducing absenteeism, reducing health care costs, and improving
worker productivity.

Because of these potential advantages, natural ventilation is increasingly

being recommended as a technique of conserving energy and improving indoor
air quality in commercial buildings, notably in the hospitality industry. Community
of "green buildings" These ideas are frequently presented without conducting any
technical study to back up the stated benefits, such as estimating projected
ventilation rates or air distribution patterns. Furthermore, no proven design
methodologies for incorporating natural ventilation into commercial building
system designs are known in this nation. Natural ventilation techniques are
unlikely to enter the US market unless design tools are made accessible and
solutions are researched and shown for a wide range of climates and structure
types.
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Natural lighting, often known as daylighting, is a technique for bringing

natural light into your home through outside glass (windows, skylights, etc.),
lowering the need for artificial lighting and conserving energy. Natural illumination
has been shown to improve the health and comfort of building inhabitants. The
majority of daylighting components are included into the original design;
however, tubular daylighting devices, skylights, electric lighting controls, and
optimal interior design may be considered in retrofit projects.

Even the best light bulbs for a home can never match the strength of
natural light. Natural light is required for people to function, according to decades
of studies. It has an impact on our circadian rhythm or our daily biological
functions. We alter our circadian rhythm and jeopardize our health and well-being
if we do not get enough natural light. Sad to say, prolonged exposure to artificial
lighting is unavoidable nowadays because people spend so much time indoors.

The science of daylighting design is more complicated than just

introducing light into a room. When installing a daylighting fixture, keep heat
gains and losses, glare management, and fluctuations in daylight availability in
mind. Window size and spacing, glass choices, the reflectance of interior
surfaces, and the position of internal walls must all be taken into account.
Furthermore, there are several varieties of daylight lights, each with its own set of
design concerns.
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CHAPTER III

Conclusion
Every structure should be useful, safe, healthy, beautiful, have aesthetic
value, be ecologically friendly, and be comfortable. The problem of importing
tropical architecture is to adapt it to modern lifestyles - to turn indigenous cultures
into modern cities. Architecture in tropical settings must consider the difficulties
we face. Climate change, resilience, and affordable housing are all issues that
must be addressed.

The design of a building is more than just styles and trends. It is about
how architecture should complement its environment, culture, and way of life. To
better adapt to changing climates in the future, we need structures designed with
our environment, culture, and lifestyle in mind. While it is feasible to incorporate
enough of the vernacular lifestyle into residential structures, other types of
buildings, such as offices and shopping malls, have not. Modern architecture that
is in sync with modern technologies includes: the degree of the roof's slant when
using tile roof covering materials, extensive overhangs, a ventilation strategy to
minimize humidity and hot air temperatures, and the right direction of the
building's orientation.

As we discovered during the epidemic, there are significant benefits to

restoring open, airy places and sunlight in our houses and community spaces.
More significantly, we retain our conventional capabilities and, ideally, represent
a greater understanding for Philippine heritage and national identity.

Recommendation
A tropical house is the result of combining traditional concepts with
modern sensibility. These houses provide gorgeous, pleasant living spaces while
still being mindful of their environmental impact. Consider buying a house that is
all of the above, whether your focus is a home that is pleasant to look at, a
location that gives a shelter from the Philippines' severe environment, or a
chance to make a difference in the world.
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References
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Cairns Regional Council (2011), Sustainable Tropical Building Design, page 5

Dolas, S. (2022), 15 examples of climate responsive buildings around the

world,

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/designing-for-typologies/a2180-15-
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%20climate%20responsive%20design%20refers,built%20according%20to
%20the%20same.
Evan, M. (2019), 10 Steps to Designing Climate-Responsive Architecture,
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3157812
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