LYCEUM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
TROPICAL
DESIGN
(AR_18, FRIDAY 10:00AM-12:00PM)
LORRAINE JOYCE L. DOMINGO
student
ARCHITECT CAMILLE ALFONSO
professor
BENEFITS OF
TROPICAL
DESIGN
(RSW NO.3)
TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE
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.
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.
TROPICAL DESIGN
Tropical Design is the STRATEGIC arrangement of elements in buildings and structures to
respond to specific conditions of weather, sun and climate prevalent in the Tropic Region.
BENEFITS OF TROPICAL DESIGN
Architectural designs in residential areas are being tailored to the Philippines’ hot and
humid climate.
But first, what is a tropical house design? It means the strategic arrangement of elements in
buildings so they can provide defense against the specific conditions of weather in the
tropics. Keep in mind that Filipino design style emphasizes having an airy, bright, and open
living space. It would be best to pick a neutral color scheme for a soft and balanced feel
inside the home.
The goal of tropical architecture is to achieve thermal comfort through the use of passive
design elements. These houses would then be designed with sunshades, overhangs, cavity
walls, and light shelves in order to block the sun. Roof and wall insulation would also be
installed as added protection.
The word “tropical” often conjures up images of the quintessentially Filipino nipa hut
or Bahay Kubo; indeed, the nipa hut is arguably the simplest and purest example of tropical
architectural design.
However, the Bahay Kubo is not a common architectural style in areas like Metro Manila
and its surrounding regions. For one, its usual materials are not durable enough to
withstand extreme weather conditions like typhoons—not to mention fires that are a
common occurrence in cramped, stuffy places in the city.
However, there is no single aesthetic that can be unequivocally considered “tropical.” A
tropical house design can be traditional (like the nipa hut), modern or even cutting-edge.
Nonetheless, homes with a tropical architectural design do have some functional elements
in common.
A tropical home is what happens when traditional ideas and modern sensibilities combine.
These kinds of houses offer beautiful, comfortable places to live, while also being conscious
of their environmental footprint. Whether your priority is a home that is nice to look at, a
place that offers a refuge from the Philippines’ unforgiving climate, or a way to make a
difference in the world, consider buying a house that’s all of the above.
Conclusion
Architecture across the world needs to become more sustainable. Tropical
architecture methods are intrinsically sustainable. They respond to climatic, social and
economic conditions of their regions.
Using passive design strategies are energy efficient and less harmful to the
environment. Minimizing the impact of the site is also suitable for creating more
comfortable and beautiful surroundings.
In addition, creating outdoor spaces and strong connections with nature promotes
good sustainable design.
Issues of water scarcity is a primary concern and have a significant impact on our
region.
Addressing this as a fundamental part of our design is essential. Sourcing local materials and
skills also minimizes the need for importing materials from foreign regions.
Tropical architecture design strategies can create a beautiful, comfortable, and
sustainable home for you and your family to enjoy.
SOURCES:
https://architropics.com/what-is-tropical-architecture/#:~:text=However%2C%20tropical
%20architecture%20allows%20us,not%20as%20much%20fossil%20fuels .
https://archian.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/tropical-design-lecture-1-global-climate-and-solar-
architecture/#:~:text=Tropical%20Design%20is%20the%20STRATEGIC,above%20or%20below%20the
%20Equator.
https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/tropical-architecture-and-design-the-anatomy-of-a-modern-
filipino-home/
