TROPICAL HOME

There are many moments where you find yourself dreaming about a/your home; you
envisage the lifestyle you would enjoy within it and how you imagine yourself interacting
with the beach, the ocean view or mountain scape. Life in the tropics has evoked some of
the most incredible Architecture in the world, from Balinese villas to flavors of Latin
Haciendas, tree house escapes and traditional huts.

Tropical Architecture has several fundamental objectives, primarily focusing on the

climatic conditions of the area, the levels of humidity and temperature, sunlight direction
and intensity and most importantly the natural features surrounding the site.

The key to successfully building on any site is good planning, and where both client and
architect come to an understanding on how to maximize the potential of the environment,
the use of materials, the blend of modern styles within traditional features and the
elements of structural sustainability and friendliness towards the environment.

One of the early steps homebuilders make with an Architect is to work out how best to
exploit the potential of the property. Architects will undertake a site analysis and
determine the most suitable design direction to take. Open plan homes are popular,
allowing interiors to merge with one another and seeks to bring the landscape into your
home environment. The key to an enjoyable experience of the interior often relies on
passive air circulation and allowing tropical breezes to flow through louvered windows as
well as the use of high level ceilings; both traditional and practical methods of staying
cool. Most high ceilings feature exposed trusses, which provide a sense of space and
magnificence and harnessed with woven magi magi (coconut sinnet) for rich cultural
detail. Installing traditional materials such as soga thatching (Sago Palm leaves) on 45
degree pitched roofs, both internally and externally; is not only impressive but also
provides natural insulation.

A design in the Pacific should have a strong connection to its place

and culture. By establishing a connection with the tropical vernacular,
you can enjoy the benefits of modern living while still creating forms
that will sit well in the landscape. Architect Peter Rankin

Water can play an integral part in the design of many tropical homes, with water features
and infinity pools that welcome a refreshment from humid air. Moreover, its interaction
with landscaping will create a natural soothing of the senses and often a yoga deck or spa
pool presents well as a private area to relieve ones stress.

Having a tropical home neednt be expensive; in fact the ability to intertwine traditional
local materials into modern forms of construction gives you an opportunity to be creative.
A successful tropical design solution should reflect the unique needs and behavior of the
home-owner. It is with the right knowledge and sensitivity to the environment, that a
tropical home can enhance work and play, and become a place of escape and relaxation.