Tropical Design Handout Ar. Therese

TROPICAL DESIGN
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITIONS:
» is the STRATEGIC arrangement of elements in buildings and
structures to respond to specific conditions of weather, sun and
AR219 climate prevalentin the Tropic Region
» a climate responsive architecture where the buildings are
TROPICAL specifically designed to achieve thermal comfort at the tropical

region.
» Tropical architecture can be regarded as a type of green
DESIGN building applicable specifically for tropical climates, using

design to optimally reduce buildings’ energy consumption,
particularly the cooling load.
PASSIVE COOLING: design with no mechanical equipment used to
AR. THERESE P. ZIPAGAN, UAP •
induce comfort conditions in building interior
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
THREE (3) TYPES OF

INFORMATION:
Natural Environment
1. SITE INFORMATION
HOW TO 2. CLIENT INFORMATION
DEVELOP A 3. TYPOLOGY INFORMATION
The Context of DESIGN
Individual
Architecture CONCEPT?
Human Environment Built Environment INTRODUCTION
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
SITE INFORMATION CLIMATE
 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
I. CLIMATE MACROCLIMATE MESOCLIMATE
» A climate always relates to a particular location » The specific climate of a region of conurbation, a valley,
-defined a region with certain although, on a global level, there are large regions with or other succinct geographic entity. The mesoclimate
similar climate conditions. of a region is affected by the local parameters such as
temperature, dryness, wind, light, etc. vegetation and surface cover, surface form, regional
-an integration in time of the precipitation quantities, as well as human activity.
atmospheric environment of a certain
geographical location MICROCLIMATE
» This refers to the climate of a specific local area such as
-in HOA, would normally add climate as a building complex. The microclimate of the immediate
a factor that affected the designs of the environment of buildings has a direct influence on the
thermal conditions in these buildings.
buildings
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CLIMATIC ELEMENTS CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

» The Climate of the Philippines is tropical
1. SUNLIGHT (SOLAR RADIATION) and maritime • Altitude shows greater contrast in
2. AIR TEMPERATURE • Relatively high temperature temperature.
• High humidity and o Baguio - altitude of 1,500 meters is
3. ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY
• Abundant rainfall 18.3oC.
4. RAINFALL o Comparable with those in the
• Temperature, humidity, and rainfall
5. WIND are the most important elements of temperate climate
the country's weather and climate. o Known as the summer capital of the
» Temperature Philippines.
• Mean annual temperature is 26.6o C. o There is essentially no difference in the
• Coolest months - January (25.5oC) mean annual temperature of places in
Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao measured
• Warmest month – May (28.3oC) at or near sea level.
• Latitude is an insignificant factor in
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the variation of temperature BEST FOR You
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CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES
» Humidity » Rainfall » Seasons » Rainfall

• Philippines has a high relative humidity. • Most important climatic element in the Philippines. » Using temperature and rainfall as bases, the • Most important climatic element in the Philippines.
• Average monthly relative humidty - 71 percent • Varies from one region to another, depending upon climate of the country can be divided into two • Varies from one region to another, depending upon
(March) and 85 percent (September) the direction of the moisture-bearing winds and the major seasons the direction of the moisture-bearing winds and the
• The combination of warm temperature and location of the mountain systems location of the mountain systems
1. The rainy season (June to November)
high relative and absolute humidities give rise • Mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from • Mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from
to high sensible temperature 965 to 4,064 millimeters annually. 2. The dry season (December to May) 965 to 4,064 millimeters annually.
• March to May- Uncomfortable (temperature • Baguio City, eastern Samar, and eastern Surigao • Cool dry season (December to February) • Baguio City, eastern Samar, and eastern Surigao
and humidity at maximum levels.) receive the greatest amount of rainfall • Hot dry season (March to May) receive the greatest amount of rainfall
• the southern portion of Cotabato receives the • the southern portion of Cotabato receives the
least amount of rain. (978 millimeters.) least amount of rain. (978 millimeters.)
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» Prevailing Wind in the Philippines: » Typhoons

• NORTH EAST MONSOON-AMIHAN • Have a great influence on the climate and weather conditions of the Philippines
• It affects the eastern portions of the country from • A great portion of the rainfall, humidity and cloudiness are due to the influence of
October up to late March, starts over Siberia as a typhoons
cold, dry air mass but gathers moisture as it travels • Originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean
across the Pacific Ocean before reaching the eastern (same latitudinal location as Mindanao
sections of the Philippines is characterized by • Northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by majority of the
widespread cloudiness with rains and showers. typhoons that cross the country
• SOUTH WEST MONSOON-HABAGAT • Southern Philippines - very desirable for agriculture and industrial development
• It affects the country from July to September, is very
warm and humid, occurs when warm moist air flows
over the country from the southwest direction, it is
characterized by heavy rainfall that may last for a
week. It brings the rainy season to the western
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» PROBLEMS IN AREAS WITH

TROPICAL CLIMATES
1. HIGH TEMPERATURE LEVEL (HEAT) 2. High Humidity Levels
Being near the equator is not always beaches Since there is a massive exposure to solar
and happy summers, it is a fact that summer time in the radiation, there is a constant evaporation of
Philippines also implies irritating commute to anywhere water in the environment resulting to high
(a condition that can gravely affect work efficiency to moisture content in the air. At some point this
people labouring in an un-air conditioned area). can also affect the comfort of a typical Filipino.
Heat Gain due to direct Solar Radiation – is the most 3. Slow Wind Velocities
common negative effect of a tropical climate. People
4. High Precipitation during Rainy Days
has a high tendency to experience heat strokes and
dehydration. 5. High Incidence of Typhoons
6. Abundance of insects and rodents due to damp
ground conditions.
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DESIGNING IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT DESIGNING IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
» OBJECTIVES » HEAT TRANSFER
1. Minimize Heat Gain • Four (4) different ways of heat transfer
2. Maximize Ventilation (but protect from
typhoon wind a. CONDUCTION
a. Protect from Direct and Reflected Solar
Radiation within a given urban or interior b. CONVECTION
3. Prevent unnecessary increase in humidity c. RADIATION
space. levels
b. Prevent occurrence of Long Wave Radiation • Avoid use of water element within a given d. EVAPORATION AND CONDENSATION
within a given urban or interior space. urban or interior space
c. Prevent materials from storing heat/Protect 4. Have a good drainage systems to
materials from heat gain accommodate high precipitation during
the year.
5. Protect spaces from insects and rodents
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POSSIBLE DESIGN APPROACH POSSIBLE DESIGN APPROACH

» THE ACTIVE CONCEPT 5. Integrated Lighting Control System- allows
» THE PASSIVE CONCEPT
• Active systems are systems achieved through programming of building lights to conserve on energy • A cooling system using a building’s design and • Some passive cooling methods used in
consumption building design are:
electro-mechanical means. Although these construction to maintain a comfortable
6. The Carbon Monoxide (CO) Monitoring- operates fans
systems require energy to function, they are to flush out Carbon Monoxide when levels exceed 15 temperature within the building 1. Building configuration, site layout and site
designed to cause a general reduction in the ppm • Passive design is essentially low-energy planning
building’s total energy consumption. 7. Integrated Building Management System (BMS)- design achieved by the building’s particular 2. Building orientation
monitors and controls the mechanical and electrical
equipment to optimize their operation of the systems. morphological organization rather than 3. Façade design
1. Daylight sensors- regulates artificial light depending
on amount of natural light entering the building. 8. The Variable Air Volume (VAV) terminal units of the electro-mechanical means. 4. Solar Control devices (sun shading devices)
2. Automatic Blinds- protects interior spaces Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) 5. Wind and natural ventilation
automatically from the afternoon sun System- optimized the volume of air supplied to each
space 6. Others: Passive daylight devices, Building
3. Rain Sensor- automatically deactivated the Automatic
Irrigation System of the gardens to save on water 9. Pressure Sensors on Escalators- detects pressure and envelope color, Vertical Landscaping
consumption operates escalators only when someone uses them
4. Motion Detectors- switches off lights in areas with no
movement to reduce light consumption
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THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT
» BUILDING CONFIGURATION, SITE LAYOUT AND SITE PLANNING » BUILDING ORIENTATION
Various elements and features may exist within a site prior to the construction of a building. Battle In tropical countries such as the Philippines, it is best to place service areas in the west and east facing
McCarthy (1997) notes these factors that can have such effect are: sides of the building because these sides are exposed to direct sunlight.
a. TIME OF DAY
b. VEGETATION AND SOIL TYPE
c. MAN-MADE STRUCTURES
d. TOPOGRAPHY
e. PROXIMITY TO BODIES OF WATER
Example:
A building can be protected from direct sunlight by
placing it on a location within the site that utilizes existing
features such as trees, terrains, etc.
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» FAÇADE DESIGN » FAÇADE DESIGN
A. DOUBLE GLAZED FAÇADE-0perates on the principle B. DYNAMIC LOUVER – can be used externally or
of using a ventilated double “skin” with an internally. Their control can be either manual or power
intermediate shading device. The intermediate assisted and may be automated to respond to
shading device reflects out a majority of the incoming changing conditions such as current radiation levels
solar radiation back through the external glass. and day lighting or thermal requirement.
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C. INNOVATION IN GLASS TECHNOLOGY C. INNOVATION IN GLASS TECHNOLOGY
1. LOW-E GLAZING (LOW-EMISSIVITY GLASS) – glass 2. SPECTRALLY SELECTIVE COATING 3. SMART GLASS
that transmits visible light while selectively reflecting
the longer wavelengths of radiant heat. This type of
glass is produced by depositing a low emissivity coating
either on the glass itself of over a transparent plastic film
suspended in the sealed air space of insulating glass.
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C. INNOVATION IN GLASS TECHNOLOGY D. THERMAL INSULATION– “A material • U-VALUE- is the amount of heat a building
providing high resistance to heat flow” section or material is able to transmit in a given
4. PHOTOCHROMIC GLASS (Ching, 1997) period of time.
5. THERMOCHROMIC GLASS
• R-VALUE - value measures the performance of a
6. ELECTROCHROMIC GLASS Manahan (1981) notes that there are three (3) specific material, such as insulation, based on
7. PHOTOVOLTAIC GLASS basic types of insulation: the material’s ability to reduce the transfer of
1. Surface Insulation heat.
2. Internal Insulation • HEAT STORAGE VALUE (HSV) – the ability to
store heat
3. Air spaces
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» SOLAR CONTROL DEVICES (SUN » SOLAR CONTROL DEVICES (SUN SHADING DEVICES)
SHADING DEVICES)
In tropical climates, penetration of solar
radiation into the interior spaces of a
building cause very significant increase in
the spatial temperature which in turn HORIZONTAL SUNSHADES
increases the demand of mechanical -horizontal sunshades are generally
used on the North-Facing and
cooling. Sun control is thus an important South-Facing Sides of the building
factor I the level of energy efficiency that a
building wants to achieve. (Prowler, 2007)
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» SOLAR CONTROL DEVICES (SUN SHADING DEVICES) » SOLAR CONTROL DEVICES (SUN SHADING DEVICES)
VERTICAL SUNSHADES EGGCRATE TYPES

-vertical sunshades are generally -combination of Horizontal and
used on the East-Facing and West- Vertical Shades
Facing Sides of the building
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THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT SOLAR PATH DIAGRAM
SUN PATH
-a graphic depiction of the path of the sun
within the sky vault projected onto a
horizontal plane.
SUMMER SOLSTICE
ALTITUDE -the time of the year, on or about June 21,
-the angular elevation when the sun reaches its northernmost
of a celestial body point on the celestial sphere marking the
above the horizon beginning of summer in the northern
hemisphere
EQUINOX
-either of the two time during the year
when the sun crosses the plane of the
celestial equator and when the length of
day and night are everywhere
approximately equal; occurring about
March 21 (vernal equinox or spring
equinox) and September 21 (autumnal
equinox)
WINTER SOLSTICE
-the time of year, on or about December
AZIMUTH
21 when the sun reaches its southernmost
-position of a celestial Point on the celestial sphere, marking the
body along the horizon beginning of winter in the northern
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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION
» WIND » PREVAILING BREEZES AND AIR MOVEMENT

Wind is the horizontal movement of air across 1. In Warm-Humid Climates, the feeling of discomfort is mainly attributed to high
Earth’s surface. Its speed is measured with an humidity: the presence of more water vapour in the atmosphere.
Anemometer (a device with cups that are pushed by
the wind). Wind direction is detected with a Wind vane 2. One factor that can negate this is the wind factor. To experience comfort during
(a flat blade that is directed by the wind and usually periods of high humidity, it is necessary that the human skin will feel breeze passing
placed on top of structures). through at a certain velocity (approx. 2.5 to 5.0 meters per second).
Wind is a major design factor for architects. It
greatly influences thermal comfort, modifying heat 3. Buildings, therefore must be oriented in such a way that to window side faces the
exchange of a building envelope both in terms of prevailing breezes.
convection and infiltration of air into the building. 4. Corresponding openings in the leeward side must be carefully located to effect
Understanding the nature of wind, and in particular how
site wind conditions will affect a building proposal, is effective cross ventilation of all areas.
crucial of a construction is to be environmentally 5. Wind shadows must be anticipated in order to be assured that other areas are not
successful. deprived of prevailing breezes.
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CROSS VENTILATION
STACK EFFECT/CHIMNEY EFFECT - The circulation of fresh air through open windows, doors or other openings on
- The tendency of air or gas in a shaft or other opposite sides of a room
vertical space to rise when heated, creating a
draft that draws in cooler air or gas from below
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CROSS/ PASSIVE VENTILATION METHODS
 Maximizing breezes
 Orient the building to make the most of prevailing winds in the locality
 Align vents, windows and doors (reasonably straight line) to allow air to flow through the
building
 Minimize internal obstacles or blockages such as internal walls to allow for unimpeded
ventilation
 Raise the building off the ground to catch breezes
 Removing hot air
 Design for convection air flow to remove hot air from the building
 Convection air flow is created by hot air rising and exiting at the highest point, which naturally
draws in cool air from the outside
 This can be achieved by placing low window openings across a space from high window
openings
 This will be even more effective if the incoming air is being drawn from a shaded area where
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CROSS/ PASSIVE VENTILATION
METHODS LANDSCAPING • Urban Heat Island
• A city or metropolitan area that is
 Roof ventilation
significantly warmer than it surrounding rural
 Ventilating the ceiling cavity is an areas due to human activities.
effective way of replacing
accumulated hot air with cool air from
outside using convection
 It also reduces heat radiated from the
ceiling cavity towards the inner parts
of the building
 Example: Ridge vents can let hot air
out while cool air enters through the
eave vents
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LANDSCAPING
a)
b)
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a) As the wind passes over hills. There is an increase in wind speed on the windward side and a
more sheltered area in the leeward side
b) Hills may cause strong draughts and turbulence for some distance in their wake.
a) b) e)
a)
b)
c) d)
c)
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a) Although towns are “rough” and slow down the wind tail, buildings will often deflect strong a) If there are large expanses of hard ground surfaces outside buildings, the air will become heated, and wind will puck up dust, etc,
winds down to a lower level b) Trees and grass will keep the ground partially shaded and cooler
c)Low bushes will restrict air movement at ground level, and will deflect the wind away from openings
b) Permeable wind breaks do not give so much shelter immediately behind them but slow down d) Bushes at low level can be used to deflect the wind into interiors which would otherwise suffer from low wind speeds. If air
wind for some distance. movement is needed and the prevailing breeze is from the west, buildings should not be oriented to catch both sun and wind. The
c) Solid wind breaks give more local shelter but also cause strong down draughts and five higher discomfort due to solar radiation will almost always exceed the comfort due to air movement.
wind speeds at low level than areas behind permeable ones e) A traditional solution to these problems is to raise the building off the ground to avoid dust, etc. and to reach the faster wind
speeds at the higher level
a) b) a) b) c)
d) e) f)
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a) There are number of ways in which air movement affects the buildings. Air movement over the skin in warm humid conditions
a) When the wind strikes the face to a building at more than 45 degrees to the normal, the internal encourages evaporation of sweat from the skin, causing a cooling sensation and lowering the effective temperature.
wind velocities will drop sharply. (if the windows are protected by mosquito nets this will be 40%) b) Air movement through a building can also prevent an increase in internal air temperature due to internal heat sources: people, lighting,
b) If vertical fins, mullions, projecting cross walls are used, internal velocities and distribution are equipment.
improved up to about 60% c) Air movement across the surfaces and in the air spaces can reduce a heat build-up due to solar radiation. The radiation will be greatest
when wind speed in slowest, and air movement though cavities does not affect heat transfer due to radiation.
d) If the inlet and outlet are at a high level, then the stream of air passing across the room will be at high level.
e) If the outlet is lowered, then the stream of air is only altered at the back of the room.
f) Air movement at the required height in the room can only be achieved by positioning the inlet correctly.
a) b) c)
a) b) c)
d) e)
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a) If partitions are used which give visual privacy, they will also prevent good air movement at low a) When an opening is placed centrally on a façade and the wind blows straight onto the face of the building, the
level air stream inside the opening is in the same direction as the wind.
b) If the inlet is larger than the outlet, the fastest wind speeds will occur at just outside the outlet. b) If the openings is not placed centrally, the areas of positive pressure will be unequal on different sides of the
c) If the inlet is smaller than the outlet, the fastest wind speeds will occur in most areas inside the opening and the wind stream is deflected.
room c) A central opening with a projection to one side will also have a deflected air stream.
d) A slot between the wall and projection will allow the areas of positive pressure on both sides of the opening to
act on the wind stream.
e) Louvers, open windows may also deflect air stream.
WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION
a) b)
c)
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a) High slab buildings cause a strong down draught on the windward face. This causes high wind
speeds at low level. The wind streams separate, the top third blowing upwards and the bottom two
thirds downwards.
b) A low building in front of the tall block causes even stronger winds at low level.
c) Spaces under the building if it is on columns are likely to experience high velocities. Rain can be
blown up the face of the building.

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TROPICAL DESIGN

TROPICAL specifically designed to achieve thermal comfort at the tropical

DESIGN building applicable specifically for tropical climates, using

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THREE (3) TYPES OF

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CLIMATIC ELEMENTS CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

» Humidity » Rainfall » Seasons » Rainfall

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CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

» Prevailing Wind in the Philippines: » Typhoons

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CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES CLIMATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

» PROBLEMS IN AREAS WITH

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POSSIBLE DESIGN APPROACH POSSIBLE DESIGN APPROACH

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THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT

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THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT

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THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT THE PASSIVE COOLING CONCEPT

VERTICAL SUNSHADES EGGCRATE TYPES

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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION

» WIND » PREVAILING BREEZES AND AIR MOVEMENT

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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION

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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION

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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION

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WIND AND NATURAL VENTILATION

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