CLIMATE IN BUILDING DESIGN

The climate in a given location typically determines whether or not a given species of living thing exists.
The state or process of living in a particular location is called habitation (building or any architectural
structure). Humans need a place inside where all of their activities can take place without being
interrupted, especially by the effects of the climate, in order to protect or benefit from the natural
climate.

The design of the proposed residential building (The Quenz) is under modern tropical climate here in the
Philippines wherein is located at Lolita Heights Subdivision, Brgy. 92 Apitong, Tacloban, Leyte. The
Philippines have a tropical and maritime climate. It has a relatively high temperature, a lot of humidity,
and a lot of rain that has a lot to consider to be discussed in the specific climate characteristics.

SPECIFIC CLIMATE CHARACTERISTICS

In site analysis, both the coexistence and interactions of site factors and forces are thoroughly studied
and documented. It is a pre-design (pre-study) activity that focuses on the building site's surrounding
potential conditions. Before beginning the design and plan process, comprehensive information about
the site's assets and liabilities is provided, which is beneficial. This includes a site's climate, geography,
history, social context, legal context, and infrastructure context. In designing a successful home that
meets the internal responsibilities and external environment by taking into account the site's existing
and future complications and capabilities, it is important to understand and analyze the unique climatic
aspects of the specific site or area (microclimate). Concepts that incorporate meaningful responses to
the site's internal and external conditions can only be developed in this manner. Aesthetic, cultural, and
natural factors are the three groups of factors affecting the site. Feel has to do with what the individual
who will live on the site believes is delightful. The background of the people who live in the area is
cultural, and the background of the environmental elements is natural. Visual representations of the site
in the form of annotated photographs, initial sketches, site mapping, and site analysis diagrams are
typically used to present site analysis.

Before planning and designing an architectural structure, climate is one of the factors examined and
analyzed in site analysis. A building's climate should be comfortable by using building materials and
mechanical systems in a cost-effective way. In order to apply the positive effects of the climate in
building form and eliminate its adversities before achieving the goal, the existing climate conditions
should be used as data and a solution should be obtained. Coming up next are the components of
environment influencing the arrangement and configuration state to be examined that requirements to
consider:

1. Sun

The sun is the primary source of energy utilized in architecture for lighting and heating surfaces and
forms. It is important not only in sunny seasons but also in winter and when it rains. It cuts down on the
cold and serves as artificial lighting so that we can still do things during the day. A further crucial
component in the construction of any architectural structure is an understanding of the sun's
orientation. It is possible to save money and provide users with comfort by appropriately positioning the
building, utilizing windows, lighting fixtures, and building materials.
The sun rises at the east wherein the kitchen and all common T&B is located in order to utilize the sun as
for hygiene purposes. We utilized sun shading devices to minimize the penetration of direct sunlight
especially at the south part to the building.

2. Wind

Air is moved across the surface of the Earth by wind due to variations in atmospheric pressure. It brings
moist air and hot or cold air into a climate, both of which have an impact on weather patterns. Building
structure influences wind by changing its speed and stream designs, and can be used to deliver
advantageous breeze conditions around the structure. Aerodynamic forms and structural systems can
be used to reduce wind load and resist wind load on the building. Wind is most likely to damage building
components like roofs and cladding. Specifically, ridge and hip designs are used in the proposed
residential buildings to withstand wind forces. Also, wind can be used to ventilate the proposed building
properly. Cross ventilation is mainly applied in the proposed building.

3. Temperature

The presence or absence of the sun and wind can have an impact on temperature as a climatic factor. It
is the measurement of hotness or coldness expressed on one of a number of scales, indicating the
spontaneous flow of heat energy. It has a significant impact on the building project's materials. The
location of the proposed building is at 11°13'N, 125°1'E, 3 m (10 ft). Tacloban City has a tropical wet
climate (Köppen-Geiger classification: Af) with no dry or cold season as it is constantly moist (year-round
rainfall).

4. Precipitation

In areas with climates that are either permanently or seasonally hot, precipitation is an important factor
in the planning of buildings and cities. When water vapor condenses into larger water droplets, it occurs
in clouds. For building projects, rainfall is another important factor to think about. In the proposed
building, the total annual precipitation averages 2293 mm (90.3 inches) which is equivalent to 2293
Liters/m² (56.24 Gallons/ft²). It is also helpful in determining whether a specific location or site can or
cannot accommodate a high-rise structure. However, there is a possibility of a positive relationship
between architecture and precipitation, which can be identified in two different directions. To begin,
from precipitation to proposed building: Precipitation can supply the building with water for other
purposes and for human consumption that is why gable or hip roof design type is utilized in the
proposed building. Additionally, it naturally cools the building's fabric, which is advantageous for
buildings in hot environments. To balance buildings' thermal performance and lessen the impact of
extreme heat waves, this is useful. In contrast, from buildings to precipitation: Buildings can help control
and manage precipitation water, lessen the impact of extreme events, and reduce the burden on storm
water infrastructure. Additionally, buildings may play a significant role in systems that restore and
preserve natural water cycles.

5. Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air is called humidity. Since the amount of precipitation influences
stickiness rate; Some measures may need to be taken to prevent discomfort in the building and its
surroundings. Low humidity is preferred in dry climates, whereas it causes discomfort in tropical
climates, according to observations of various climate regions. Condensation, mold growth, mildew,
staining, slip hazards, equipment damage, corrosion and decay of the building fabric, and poor insulation
performance are all consequences of this.