1. TROPICAL
ARCHITECTURE

2. 1. Introduction
2. Design Strategies
i. Sun Shading Devices
ii. Building Orientation
iii. Ventilation
iv. Choice of Material

3. a climate responsive
architecture where the
buildings are specifically
designed to achieve thermal
comfort at the tropical region.

4. High humidity and temperature
High annual precipitation
High solar radiation

5. Solar Control
Air Circulation
Thermal Effects of Material

6. Sun shading devices
Building orientation
Maximum ventilation
Choice of material

7. * reduce amount of radiation *
by reflection and absorption
* improve distribution of light *

8. • retractable
shutters, roller blinds, louvers

9. • fixed redistribution device
overhangs, reveals, fins, light shelves

10. • fixed reduced transmission
devices
perforated sheets, tinted, reflective, fritted glass, brise
soleil, trees

11. • minimize solar gain,
maximize natural ventilation
• avoid facing east & west
maximum sun exposure
• main windows & longer sides face
north or south to catch
prevailing breeze

12. • to better indoor air quality &
achieve thermal comfort
• natural & mechanical
• two principles:
–Cross ventilation
–Stack ventilation

13. • elongated floor plan
• minimum internal partition
• elevate house on stilts
to optimize natural ventilation

14. • high ceilings (to diffuse interior heat)
• high level window/clerestory
• vents in the roof
to optimize natural ventilation

15. • windows on opposite side
• maximize window openings (size and
distribution)
• some shading methods: louvers, trees
to optimize natural ventilation

16. Design Strategies in a Traditional Malay House

17. • thermal mass of
material
– lightweight material:
timber, wood, galvanised
iron
• durability
– concrete, brick
• good insulator of heat
– thatch, terra cotta, build
double walls, etc

18. The End
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