What Is Tropical Architecture?

What is Tropical Architecture?

Tropical architecture is the design that focuses and responds to the climatic conditions of the tropics. 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.

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Energy load consumption for cooling buildings in equatorial regions is exceptionally high. Some research suggests cooling consumes more than 50% of all energy consumption.

Hence, using passive strategies for thermal comfort is ideal since this can reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning.

Traditional Tropical Architecture

Many people associate tropical architecture with a specific look or aesthetic. They usually think of traditional styles of tropical architecture. We imagine grand colonial mansions or small timber huts. As such, we often picture primitive houses steeped in vernacular or resort-style villas with wrap-around verandas.

This way of thinking is not surprising since many traditional styles of architecture respond remarkably well to their tropical climates. Despite its sometimes primitive appearance, vernacular architecture has a deep understanding of its climate.

Though the vernacular architecture of each region would carry their peculiarities, they often adopted similar principles. These included steeply pitched roofs with large overhangs, generous window openings and wrap-around verandas. Their appearance and craftsmanship were unique to the skilled artisans of the region. However, the aim was usually to respond to the climate.

Likewise, tropical architecture can take many styles and forms. The main reason for this is its design influence. It is the climatic and environmental conditions of the tropics and not its appearance.

Principles

Generally, good design includes many of the principles that determine tropical architecture. However, they address passive strategies that specifically create buildings that are thermally comfortable in tropical climates. Hence, they do not require mechanical ventilation systems like air conditioning.

Photo: Huynh Tri Dung | Stacking-Roof House | AD+studio

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Passive design strategies for thermal comfort are in two main categories. These are natural or passive ventilation and solar shading.

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A building’s orientation and siting should take advantage of the wind direction while minimising direct sun exposure.  Other design strategies include sun shading devices, window types that maximise natural ventilation and rapidly cooling materials. Utilising exterior spaces is also good because of the mild climate many tropical countries enjoy.

The Value Of Tropical Architecture

We live in a globalised society. More than ever before, we are exposed to cultures, values and belief systems from all over the world.

Similarly, it is easy to implement products, materials and practices from one place to the next. It is easy to get caught up in the styles and trends of the day and disregard their functional or practicality.

Our houses and buildings are victims of this type of thinking.

However, tropical architecture allows us to create buildings that respond to the climate. As a result, they have a lower negative impact on our environment.

In general, buildings that use design strategies for the tropics consume less energy and, by extension, not as much fossil fuels. With the heavy focus on sustainability across the globe, more energy-efficient buildings are taking centre stage.

Furthermore, architecture that responds well to its tropical climate will also have several other sustainable benefits.

Photo: Hiroyuki Oki | Bamboo House | VTN Architects

They often make as little disturbance to the site or terrain as possible. Hence, this incorporates more plants and trees and other natural elements into the design through biophilia. More food-bearing plants and trees are also an excellent way to encourage urban or residential agriculture and food self-sufficiency. Additionally, creating stronger indoor-outdoor connections has long been a vital part of traditional tropical architecture. Most of these features are not only beneficial to our environment but our health and wellbeing.

In addition, tropical architecture can often use some materials and skills that are locally available. Doing this reduces transportation and the associated carbon footprint that leaves. Local products and materials also tend to have a less energy-intensive manufacturing process. The manufacturing process of materials such as concrete and steel has a far greater negative environmental impact than brick, wood and bamboo.

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In many ways, tropical architecture is sustainable.

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Tropical Architecture Today And Beyond

Regardless of the region, all architecture should ideally respond to its climate and environmental conditions. It is more sustainable than using energy-guzzling mechanical heating and cooling strategies.

Hence, tropical architecture has an important role to play today and in the future.

Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat | U38 House | OfficeAT

Tropical Modernism is an excellent contemporary application of this approach. It emulates the minimalist characteristics of Modernism but responds to the climatic conditions of the tropics. This design approach tries to incorporate solar shading and passive ventilation strategies.

However, across the world, as we move closer to the year 2030, we are trying to reach more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of these goals include taking action against climate change, creating resilient infrastructure and building sustainable communities. Therefore, I think we will require even more from our architecture.

Tropical architecture also needs to address climate change issues and the devastating effect it has and will continue to have in the tropics. Hence, building resilience becomes a factor in our designs and how more devastating natural disasters will impact it.

In addition, most of the poorest countries in the world are in the tropics. The other tropical countries, except for a couple, are considered to be developing. It may not be directly related to the climate, but it is a reality in tropical regions.

Materials, construction and housing costs consume a significant part of a homeowner’s income. However, a place to live is an essential need for all. Therefore, our architecture should also consider affordable housing that is accessible to all.

In addition, tropical countries have some of the highest population growth rates. Therefore, providing safe, affordable housing for the rapidly growing population in the tropics is also a concern.

Tropical architecture may need to address all these issues that face our region.

Conclusion

Tropical architecture is far more than a style, trend or aesthetic. Its functionality for the climatic conditions of the tropics makes it a critical part of good design for the region.

We have good examples in traditional or vernacular architecture. These buildings understood and responded to their climate, culture and environment.

Using passive strategies to counteract solar heat gain and promote natural ventilation is paramount for thermal comfort. These strategies also create energy-efficient buildings that are more sustainable. Hence, providing an architecture that is better for the environment. They also become better places for our health and wellbeing.

Architecture in tropical regions also needs to look at the issues facing us. Concerns such as climate change, resilience, and affordable housing need to be highlighted and addressed.

As we get closer to 2030, the construction and manufacturing industries have a significant role in achieving some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Architecture that responds to its climate, environment and culture will be critical in creating and maintaining sustainable and resilient development.

Tropical architecture may be the key to creating a sustainable future in our region.