HOT HUMID (TROPICAL)

The homes are designed to handle climatic conditions in

addition to aesthetics and comfort. Like traditional Thai
houses of former times, Baan Phu Patra, as spacetime
architects’ latest creation is called, rises above the TAI
THUN space below so cooling breezes can blow through,
also a magnificent view of NAKHON RATCHASIMAS
KHAO YAI MOUNTAINS. From outside it has a stylish,
trendy appearance. Clean, straightforward lines, with no
wasted design or anything to make it look out of place with
its surroundings.

 Voids in roof and courtyards provide max. light and cross ventilation
 Houses are tall with large openings to catch breeze
 Light colors and reflective surfaces on roofs will deflect solar radiations and keep the building cool.
 Light materials such as timber are used in construction.

ROOFING PATTERN
- Sloping roof is a characteristic of these regions as it drains off rainwater. Barrel-vaulted roof can also be
seen.
- Dense growth of plantations in the indoors.

ROOFING MATERIALS FOR HOT HUMID CLIMATES

 TERRA-COTTA TILES AND CERAMIC ROOFS - The words
terra-cotta literally translate to “cooked earth” in Italian, and it’s that baking
process — in a kiln at high temperatures — that gives these tiles their
weather-resistant properties. In fact, clay tiles have been known to stand up
to the heat for centuries, regularly lasting if 50 years or more. The curved
shape of the tiles makes a difference, as well, allowing air to circulate below
the surface, which keeps roofs and interiors cooler. 
 CONCRETE TILES AND SLAB ROOFS - The thickness of this material
means it takes longer to heat in the sun — and hence longer to absorb that
heat back into your home. Slab concrete is a cheap — although heavy —
solution for hot-weather roofs.

 EPDM ROOFING MEMBRANES - In field tests, it has been shown to resist

UV radiation without cracking and breakdown. And it’s often praised on life-
cycle analysis for its low energy overhead during manufacturing. The material
is particularly effective at heat reduction when it’s coated with titanium
dioxide, which gives the EPDM a lighter color. his color reflects light and heat
from the roof surface back into the atmosphere.
 METAL ROOFS - Metal roofs are the material of choice these days in
stylish warm-climate cities like Austin and Los Angeles. Aluminum, steel,
and copper roofing products are frequently manufactured from recycled
materials; in fact, aluminum roofing systems often contain recycled soda
cans, which has a natural appeal for environmental-thinking homeowners. 

WALL TREATMENT
 A steel framework was used, with natural wood
flooring except for kitchen and bath, where the cast-in-
place concrete slab floor was topped with smooth-
colored granite. These very disparate materials work
well with each other to add a feeling of authenticity
and define the different functionalities of different
interior areas without the use of separating walls.

WINDOW ORIENTATION AND OPENINGS

- Houses preferably face East direction according to the direction of prevailing winds. Other options are
opened only when there is no access road from the east direction.
- Openings must be provided in the north-east and south-west directions for free flow of air throughout
the year.
- Courtyard spaces to induce continuous air movement
- Openings in opposite walls and internal partitions to allow cross-ventilation
- Use of vertical louvers and large window shutters 
- Install at least two windows per room, even in rooms that have only one exterior wall.
- A strategically placed casement window can scoop up a breeze and direct it indoors.
- Windows made from fiberglass are uniquely suited to withstand extreme heat and blistering sun.

considerations for passive design when the

objective is to provide superlative thermal comfort to the user and protection of both, the living spaces, and the
external areas.

- Besides sun orientation, another factor to look at is the

orientation of the building along with the directions of the
prevailing winds for optimum cross-ventilation and cooling of
the structure.
 Being the determinant of breathability of a building primarily
through the exchange of air, openings are critical in a building but
the location and size of which vary with the geographical targets.

 To limit the heat gain, access to daylight

and its entry through the openings,
shading devices are essential
environmental controls that greatly reduce
the need for mechanical heating
and cooling systems.

PLAN LAYOUT

Design began with an analysis of the 1200 square meter property and its surroundings a steep slope, with the
best view blocked by a neighboring house and the housing projects utility building. Spacetime design called for
the house to be raised old-style, up 3.4meters above a traditional Thai Thun open space.

COMMON MATERIALS FOR HOT HUMID CLIMATE

 ENGINEERED HARDWOOD – Is made in high heat environments and uses pressure-treated

plywood or fiberboard to bond to a thin layer of wood. This makes the material more durable and
watertight.
  NATURAL PLASTER- Has the ability to absorb indoor humidity and release it slowly overtime.

 EAGLE CONCRETE- Can be an effective building material in a humid climate if there is proper
humidity control inside the structure.

 SPRAY FOAM INSULATION- There are two types of spray foam insulation options to choose from
open-cell and closed-cell. The open-cell spray foam in humid climates should be used on attics, walls,
and roofs. It is more breathable and allows moisture to pass through the building without causing
damage to other areas.

 THERMASTAR BY PELLA WINDOWS- Ventilation is ideal to keep internal moisture at a

comfortable level.

 RUST OLEUM ZINSSE PERMAWHITE EXTERIOR PAINT- This paint is an excellent building
material for its ability to prevent mold and mildew.

 THOMPSON WATER SEAL- Moisture sealant is vital to making sure the building is protected
against the moisture found in humid climates.

OTHER INSULATIONS OPTION AVAILABLE FOR HUMID CLIMATE

 FIBERGLASS- It is made of small glass fragments that are woven together. This is a good insulation
method for humid climates because it absorbs very little water.

 MINERAL WOOL- It made in a similar way as Fiberglass

 FLEXIBLE ELASTOMERIC- This is a great material to use for plumbing. It prevents condensation
and is resistant to dirt.

 CELLULAR GLASS- This lightweight and durable insulation is moisture resistant and doesn’t absorb
water.

HOT ARID (RESIDENTIAL)

The form of the two-storey residential house in Saudi is almost
rectangular with its long axis oriented to the East – West axis.
Hot dry summer and a cold dry winter. -Very little rainfall and
vegetation coverage. -High temperature difference between day
and night. -Very low humidity. The main idea in a hot arid zone
is to reduce uncomfortable conditions created by the extremes of
heat and dryness. Houses must remain cool in the hot summers
and warm in the cold winters.  During the summer, sun is the
enemy. It is important to provide maximum shading of direct solar radiation during the day and flush out any
stored heat during the cooler nights.
 
 Place windows to take advantage of cooling breezes in summer
 Have very small well shaded windows on the eastern and western walls
 Include extensive area of wall and windows on the north side
 Shade windows from summer sun but expose winter sun to interior of house
 Use compact floor plan with less external wall area to minimize eastern and western walls
 Maximize nighttime cooling with high level windows or vents to let out the hot air and draw in cooler
air
 Utilize shaded courtyards with water features that draw the cool moist air into the house
 Use vegetation to increase shading
 Paint interior and exterior walls light colors
 For warming at night, capture and store solar energy in solid material such as a concrete floor or brick
walls to release at night.

ROOFING MATERIALS FOR HOT ARID CLIMATE

ASPHALT SHINGLES - Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing
materials due to their price.  As a petroleum-based product, asphalt shingles are
neither energy-efficient nor environmentally friendly. Rather than reflecting heat
away from the home, they absorb heat from the sun and radiate the heat down into the
home long after the sun sets. Worse, asphalt shingles have one of the shortest
lifespans of any roofing material, needing replacement as often as every 12 years.

CLAY TILES - Clay tiles fracture easily and require ongoing maintenance. Just
walking on a clay tile roof can cause extensive damage, making clay tile a
questionable choice for homeowners in regions prone to high winds and wind-driven
debris.
METAL TILE ROOFING - Whether your home requires a barrel-style Spanish tile
or the distinctive scallop of a Mediterranean tile, DECRA Villa Tile and DECRA
Tile provide the classic beauty of tile backed by the industrial strength of stone-
coated steel.

METAL SHINGLE ROOFING - For homes that rely on the look of an asphalt
shingle, DECRA Shingle XD provides the same or better colors and textures while
lasting two to three times longer.

METAL SHAKE ROOFING - Wood shakes and shingles bring a host of

maintenance, performance, and durability issues. Even top-of-the-line cedar roofs
can quickly fade to gray after exposure to the elements.

ROOFING PATTERN
- Roofs have the highest exposure to solar radiation on any given structure, necessitating strategies to
decrease heat gain in homes.
- The roof shape resembles that which is used in Qatar’s first Passivhaus which was tested and showed a
high-performance rating. The second strategy is related to the roof’s color; a white roof is used to help
reflect the solar radiation and to keep it cooler.
- Roofs suffer the most direct contact with the sun receiving solar radiation throughout the year that
affects the ambient temperature. Hence roofs become an essential element to consider while designing
 for a hot and dry climate. A double roof or single white roof is preferred as they reflect heat to the
maximum extent along with a damp roof. 
- Dome roofs join to a container of some sorts surrounding the building helps in storing rainwater that
might help in reducing the interior temperature as well as provide preparedness during the dry summer
season while designing in a hot and dry climate.

WALL TREATMENT
 SUN – DRIED EARTH BRICKS IN EXTERIOR
Sun-dried bricks are well Known to be the poorest conductors of heat
hence they make a great choice for the exteriors of the buildings designed
in a hot and dry climate.

 THICK AND HIGH EXTERIOR WALLS

Another great feature to be used in these regions is the usage of thick and
high walls with insulation. Two sides of concrete walls with the
insulation material in the middle is a smart solution to both temperature-
related issues as it helps in keeping the interiors cool during summer and
warm during winter.

 THICK WALLS – thick walls made of adobe, concrete or masonry are used in arid floor plans to help
keep the interior of the building cool by providing insulation from the heat.

WINDOW ORIENTATIONS AND OPENINGS

- Windows and large openings in walls with heavy shutters should be provided on northern and western
faces as light coming from north is always diffused and indirect.

- East-West orientation to ensure constant air flows from these directions. Where the climate is hot and
dry, it is necessary to prevent sunlight from reflecting on walls and floors, multiplying radiation and
overheating. Installing north-facing windows can prevent this from happening.

- Internal courtyard caters for cross ventilation & thermal buffer.

Suitable radiation barriers in the form of canopies, Chajjas, long
 verandahs etc. should be provided on the West side of the building. Enough ventilators close to the
bottom of slab should be provided for hot air to escape the room.

- SMALL WINDOW OPENINGS - As much as it is vital to provide ventilation it is also necessary to

keep the size of the windows small and minimal in number as to reduce heat when designing in a
hot and dry climate.

- SHADING - While designing in a hot and dry climate, it is important to place shading devices such as
awning, shutters, or pergolas to prevent the excessive heat directly penetrating the façade.

PLAN LAYOUT
The fenestration system in this house can be seen in windows, doors, and shading devices. Windows are the
most critical and active element of the fenestration system, so they were placed in very appropriate positions.
As is illustrated in the plans, there are no windows in both the East and West facades. The decision to forsake
windows in the design of the eastern and western facades is due to their exposure to extremely high amounts of
solar radiation in summer and their lack of exposure to solar radiation in winter.

COMMON MATERIALS FOR HOT ARID CLIMATE

 CEMENT - This is a suitable material if you have a hot home in a dry area
because a cement wall needs to be protected from moisture. However, it has a
high thermal resistance and is pest-proof.

 CLAY - This is another durable building material that resists moisture and
pests. It’s also easy to clean and easy to work with since it doesn’t require a
lot of preparation before you can use it.

 CONCRETE - It’s impractical to make major structural changes to cool

an existing home in a hot, humid climate. It’s easier to cool your home by
replacing the roof, floors, and surrounding outside area.

 ADOBE – Mud brick made from clay, sand, water, provides good insulation
against heat.

 RAMMED EARTH – soil compacted into walls, strong, durable, fire

resistant and thermally efficient.

 STONE – durable and long-lasting, can regulate temperature through

thermal mass.

 NATURAL MATERIALS – such as stone, clay, and wood are used in arid floor plans to create a
connection with the natural surrounding and to provide a sense of warmth and comfort.
 COLD CLIMATE
A cold climate is defined by a combination of factors that
create a unique set of building design challenges. These
factors include temperature, frozen precipitation, wind,
humidity, thermal comfort, thermal envelope/enclosure,
maintainability, permafrost and frozen ground and remote
building locations. Building oriented along an east-west
axis is more efficient for both winter and summer cooling.
This orientation allows for maximum solar glazing
(windows) to the south for solar capture for heating.

 Orientation - By positioning the home in a way that

allows it to get as much sunlight as possible throughout the day, it’s possible to use it to heat the home
and reduce your energy consumption.

 A building’s envelope can be thought of as the physical barrier between the conditioned (inside) and
unconditioned (outside) spaces. A well-sealed envelope will make it easier to keep the home warm in
the cooler months while reducing energy consumption and the risk of drafts.

 Heating - we often leverage radiant heating, when possible, as it is both energy efficient and
comfortable in the home.

 Furnishings - Large heavy furniture such as cabinetry or shelving placed around the perimeter of the
home can, for example, act as an additional layer of insulation. 

ROOFING PATTERN FOR COLD CLIMATE

A SIMPLE GABLE IS BEST - Complicated roof designs invite problems — pine needles, snow and ice can
accumulate in nooks and crannies, causing major damage. A simple gable roof is strong and sturdy, and sheds
snow easily.

AVOID OPENINGS IN THE ROOF - Know that each hole you cut into your roof,
whether for a skylight, chimney, or gable, creates a potential spot for leaks and ice
accumulation. 

MANSARD ROOF – a mansard roof is a four-sided roof that has two pitches, with
the lower pitch being much steeper than the upper pitch. It allows snow to slide off
easily and can provide additional living space.
EXTERIOR
 Install a snow-melting system beneath frequently used path - This technology can greatly reduce the
time and money you spend shoveling and plowing your paths and driveway and make them safer to
boot.

 Easy-to-shovel paths - Gravel paths may look beautiful, but they are nearly impossible to shovel.

 Position railings at every stairway - Even short stairways can become treacherous when they’re
covered in ice and snow. 

 Provide cover over entrances - A sheltered entrance makes is safer and more comfortable for you —
and for visitors waiting for you to answer your door. 

HEATING
 Active solar - Live in a region with chilly winters but plenty of sunlight? Harness that energy by
installing solar panels on your roof, and you may be able to cut way down on your heating bill. 

 An efficient woodstove - Some of the newest woodstoves and pellet stoves are extremely efficient and
clean-burning, making a woodstove an appealing option for heating a cold-climate home — especially if
you have easy access to firewood.

 Radiant heat - This heating system is installed below the floors of a home, providing an efficient heat
source — and making toes nice and warm.

WINDOWS AND DOORS ORIENTATION AND OPENINGS

 South-facing windows - Maximize sunlight with banks of windows positioned on the south-facing side
of your home to take in the lightest and warmth each day. On the north side, windows should be
minimal. Each position has different requirements in terms of glazing.

 The right window style - Classic single- and double-hung windows, as well as sliding windows, tend to
leak more air. Choose awning, casement, or fixed windows for a tighter seal.

 Orienting windows and doors to the south to take advantage of passive solar heating.

 Installing storm windows and doors to increase insulation and reduce drafts.

 Choosing window and door materials that are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

 Avoiding large windows on the north side of the building, as they can cause heat loss.

 Placing windows on the east and west sides of the building to allow for natural light and some solar heat
gain.
 Using shading devices such as overhangs, awnings, or shading screens on south facing windows to
block direct sunlight in the summer and allow it in the winter.

WALL
TREATMENT FOR COLD CLIMATE
  MINERAL WOOL INSULATION – this type of insulation is made from fibers and is available in
batts or loose-fill form.

 CELLULOSE INSULATION – this type of insulation is made from recycled paper products and is
available in loose-fill form. Known for being eco-friendly and fire resistant.

 REFLECTED INSULATION – this type of insulation consists of a reflective surface that helps to
reflect heat back into the building, rather than allowing it to scape through the walls.

 SPRAY FOAM INSULATIOON – this type of insulation can be applied as a liquid and then expands
to fill the wall cavity.

PLAN LAYOUT

 A whole-house or integrated truss method – the Buckland prototype has floor, walls and roof all combined into
a single structural piece. The form has a roof ridge, which runs from corner to corner; the low East-West
corners present small wedges into prevailing winds, while the high North-South corners contain storage space
and tall windows for solar gain.

DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR COLD-CLIMATE HOMES

COMMON MATERIALS FOR COLD CLIMATE

Bricks
Bricks are a solid and durable building material that is also affordable. In colder climates, bricks can absorb heat
during the day and stay warm at night. In this way, they are an excellent insulator for your home or structure.
Stone
Like brick, stone is also good building material. It is also a good insulator. Stone can be more
expensive than brick, but it often lasts longer.
Concrete
Concrete is an incredibly durable building material. It can even withstand extreme conditions
like fire and flood damage. 
Plastic
Polycarbonate is used as an alternative to glass because it possesses several properties that make
it more practical than traditional glass, such as impact resistance, high tensile strength, excellent
transparency, and low thermal conductivity. 
Wood
Wood is a versatile and affordable building material. In cold climates, it is essential to use
woods that are resistant to rot and decay. Wood can be used for both the framing and finish of a
structure.
Metal
Metal is a durable and robust building material. Like wood, metal can be used for both the
framing and finish of a structure. In cold climates, it is vital to use a metal that is resistant to rust
and corrosion.

ROOFING MATERIALS

WOOD SHINGLE ROOF

This material is very energy-efficient too, providing insulation that’s twice as good as
asphalt shingle roofs.

WOOD SHAKE ROOFS

Wood shakes are thicker than wooden shingles, meaning they’re even more resistant to
strong winds, heavy rain, or hailstones.

CLAY TILE ROOF

This type of roof, also known as a ‘Spanish tile roof,’ are more common in South
America than they are in the United States, but it’s common to see these roofs last for
more than a century.

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF

Metal roofs are a lot more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs, but it provides improved
insulation, plus an expected lifespan of up to 50 years.
SLATE ROOF - This is arguably the most durable roofing material. Some slate roofs
from the 17th century are still going strong.

TEMPERATE CLIMATE
Temperate climates are generally defined as environments with
moderate rainfall spread across the year or portion of the year
with sporadic drought, mild to warm summers and cool to cold
winters.
ROOF MATERIALS FOR TEMPERATE CLIMATE
- Your roof is your home’s primary defense against the outdoor climate, and whether it’s rain, snow, or
heat, you must take the proper steps to care for and protect your roof. 

 Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is easy to care for, it provides excellent

protection against the sun’s rays, and it can withstand Santa Ana winds.
Metal roofs also help keep your home cool using reflection.

 Slate Roof Tile: Slate roofing materials are

made of rock, so they are durable and able to withstand various weather
conditions.

 Clay Roof Shingles: Clay tiles are beautiful

and great for temperate and warmer climates. They are heat and fire-
resistant, which is very beneficial in our region.

PLAN LAYOUT

The primary intention of passive design is to create a thermally comfortable building with reduced demand on
mechanical (active) forms of heating, air conditioning and ventilation. It provides design practitioners with a general
overview of the techniques for maximizing thermal performance of a house. 

COMMON MATERIAL FOR TEMPERATE CLIMATE

CONCRETE- Concrete is an incredibly durable building material. It can even withstand

extreme conditions like fire and flood damage. 

BRICKS - Bricks are a solid and durable building material that is also
affordable. In colder climates, bricks can absorb heat during the day and stay warm at night.
In this way, they are an excellent insulator for your home or structure.
 BLOCKS - They're good for creating walls that provide protection against the elements,
such as strong winds. They can also be used for projects such as garden walls and planters,
retaining walls, foundations, steps, and firepits. Solid concrete blocks are usually heavier
than hollow blocks, but they can be less expensive.

RAMMED EARTH - soil compacted into walls, strong, durable, fire resistant and thermally
efficient.

STONE - Like brick, stone is also good building material. It is also a good insulator. Stone
can be more expensive than brick, but it often lasts longer.

WALL TREATMENT FOR TEMPERATE CLIMATE

Insulation - Thermal mass must be insulated externally to protect it from outside temperature changes. In very
cold climates, or where in-slab heating is installed, the underside of floors must also be insulated. If retrofitting
a building with thermally massive walls that do not receive adequate winter sun, insulate them on the inside

Ventilation - In summer, the heat stored in thermal mass will be released back into the space in the cooler
evenings.

Blow-In / Loose - Fill Cellulose - insulation is made from treated paper or mineral fibres. It was very
commonly used through the 70s and 80s in housing. The loose fill is blown into the wall or ceiling cavity and
the air trapped within it creates the insulative barrier.

Insulative Paint - Insulative paint is a relatively new product and was developed by NASA’s Ames Research
Center. The ceramic-based paint creates a tight, thin vacuum layer that reduces heat transfer.

Batts - Batts can be made from many materials including glass wool, wool, polyester and even recycled plastic
bags.

Reflective Foil - Reflective foils work by reflecting heat away and by emitting only a small amount of radiant
heat, thus reducing heat flows across an air cavity.

Extruded Foam Extruded - foam insulation (a.k.a. Styrofoam insulation board) is a rigid board product that has a high R
Value compared to its thickness. This makes it particularly useful for underfloor insulation (as it requires less support) or
in narrow wall cavities

WINDOWS ORIENTATION
 - Where the climate is temperate, as in our country, temperatures are generally mild, with moderately cold
winters and not excessively hot summers.

- the general lines suggest installing large windows to the East and West, enhancing the insulation to
the North and South.

- To prevent sunlight from reflecting on walls and floors, multiplying radiation and overheating. Installing
north-facing windows can prevent this from happening.

- Designing with the path of the sun is an easy way to maximize a home’s window investment. Here is
a breakdown on the cardinal directions and how they affect window’s influences on architecture.

- South-facing windows are the most desired orientation for heating performance. Choose or design a site
for good views on the south.

REFERECES:

https://livingasean.com/house/modern-tropical-house-2/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/temperate-climate

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/designing-for-typologies/a3125-10-things-to-remember-while-
designing-in-hot-dry-climate/

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/15-smart-design-choices-for-cold-climates-stsetivw-vs~21279811