DURVA SHINDE 1
5C / BS / BVCoA
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS
CHARECTERISTICS: ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES:
• Warm and humid climates are Designing buildings in a warm and
characterised by high humid climate can be challenging due
temperatures and high levels of to the potential for high levels of
humidity throughout the year. moisture and heat gain.
• This climate type is typically High levels of humidity can lead to
found in tropical regions. mould growth, which can cause health
problems for occupants and damage
• Frequent rainfall is also a to building materials.
common characteristic of warm
and humid climates, with some In warm and humid climates, buildings
locations experiencing rainfall can become hot and uncomfortable if
almost daily. they are not designed to manage solar
radiation.
• These conditions create ideal
environments for lush tropical Further, buildings in this climate type
vegetation, including rainforests are at risk of tropical storms that can
and wetlands. cause significant damage to buildings
and infrastructure.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 2
Orientation refers to the placement of a
building on its site in relation to the sun's
path, prevailing winds, and other climate
factors.
As one of the passive design strategies for
warm and humid climates, the ideal building
orientation should be designed to minimise
direct solar radiation during the hottest parts
of the day and maximise natural ventilation.
The building should be oriented to avoid
direct sunlight from the east and west and a
minimal number of windows should be
located on the south facade.
Buildings should be designed with a long
axis running east-west to minimise the
amount of solar radiation entering the
building.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 3
Natural ventilation can be introduced in
buildings with passive design strategies such as
cross-ventilation and stack ventilation.
Cross-ventilation works by placing openings on
opposite sides of the building to create a flow of
air, while stack ventilation involves using
vertical air movement to draw hot air out of the
building and bring cooler air in.
Further, ventilation through the roof can be
achieved by using skylights.
Additionally, courtyards and atriums can create
an open space for natural ventilation and light
penetration.
These strategies can help to cool indoor spaces
and reduce the need for artificial lighting and air
conditioning.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 4
Shading devices can be one of the highly
effective passive design strategies for reducing
the amount of heat gain in buildings located in
warm and humid climates. Overhangs or
chhajjas can be designed to shade walls and
windows.
Louvres are another excellent shading
alternative consisting of slatted devices that can
be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight
that enters the building.
Awnings are a shading device that can be
particularly effective in areas with intense
sunlight. Screens can also be used on windows
and doors to block direct sunlight and reduce
heat gain.
Lastly, planting trees near buildings can provide
shade and reduce heat gain, especially when
planted on the south and west sides of the
building.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 5
Light-coloured and reflective surfaces can be used on walls and ceilings to reflect natural
light into interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Skylights are another option, using specialised glazing to allow natural light in while
blocking unwanted heat.
Light shelves can be installed outside windows to reflect natural light inside while shading
the windows from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Clerestory windows,
located high on walls, can also allow natural light to enter while reducing heat gain.
Lastly, daylight redirection systems can be used to redirect natural light into interior
spaces without causing excessive heat gain.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 6
Effective insulation is essential for minimising heat transfer through the building envelope
in warm and humid climates.
Insulated roofs, walls, and floors help maintain stable indoor temperatures by reducing heat
gain from external sources. Ventilated roof systems, such as roof vents or eaves, facilitate
airflow beneath the roof surface, allowing hot air to escape and reducing thermal stress on
the building's structure.
IN CONCLUSION
Designing buildings for warm and humid climates requires careful consideration of passive
design strategies that can help to reduce energy consumption, enhance thermal comfort,
and improve indoor air quality. With the growing importance of sustainability and energy
efficiency in building design, passive strategies are becoming increasingly important for
creating buildings that are resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to changing environmental
conditions.
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS 7
8
DURVA SHINDE
5C / BVCOA / BS
DURVA SHINDE / 5C/ BS
