Tropical

Design
Week 5
PROCESS OF CLIMATIC
DESIGN
 CLIMATIC DESIGN

SUN AIR NATURAL

CALAMITIES

SITE ANALYSIS

SITE PLAN

ARCHITECTURAL
SOLUTIONS

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
SPACE PLANNING
METHODOLOGY MATERIAL
SUN
Considering the sun's position and movement
is integral to designing a house in a tropical
country to enhance comfort, energy efficiency,
and overall sustainability. It involves a holistic
approach that encompasses solar heat gain,
natural lighting, ventilation, and the specific
climatic conditions of the site.
 Sun
Problems
• Too hot
• Bright
• Dries up surfaces
• Reflecting undesirable
quantities of light
• Transmitting
undesirable quantities
of heat indoors
How to counteract the harsh indoor
effects of the sun
• Reflect
• Baffle
• Intercept
• Absorb
NATURAL CALAMITIES
Considering natural calamities like typhoons in
architectural design is crucial for the safety,
resilience, and sustainability of structures. Typhoons,
hurricanes, or cyclones are powerful tropical storms
characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and
storm surges.
Site Analysis
 The Building Site

Santorini, Greece Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

built by the Ancestral Puebloans (previously known as
the Anasazi) in the late 12th and 13th centuries

www.360parks.com/ancient_dwellings_virtual_tour.shtml
 Site Analysis is the process of surveying
or studying the existing environment and how it
will influence the structure’s design and layout
on the site.

www.arkleg.state.ar.us/data/SustainDesignBuildingPractice/GreenBldgInit_files/frame.htm#slide0235.htm
 •Climate
•Solar orientation
•Prevailing winds
•Topography
•Geographic location
•Plant material
•Water
•Soil

Site Analysis
•Regulatory factors
Zoning Ordinances
Codes
Covenants
Historical Requirements
• Sensory Factors
Views
Sounds
Smells
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA
Site Inventory
Site inventory refers to the comprehensive
assessment and documentation of the existing
conditions and characteristics of a specific site or
location where a new architectural project is
planned. This process involves gathering detailed
information about the site's physical,
environmental, and contextual aspects, which are
essential for the design and planning stages of a
new construction or renovation project.
Physical Features:

This involves documenting the

topography, land contours, soil types,
vegetation, existing buildings, roads,
pathways, utilities, and any other
physical elements on or around the
site.
Environmental Conditions:

This involves documenting the

topography, land contours, soil types,
vegetation, existing buildings, roads,
pathways, utilities, and any other
physical elements on or around the
site.
Cultural and Historical Context:

Understanding the historical

significance and cultural context of the
site can influence design decisions.
It's important to consider any
landmarks, archaeological sites, or
cultural elements that might impact the
project.
Utilities and Infrastructure:

Identifying the availability and

locations of utilities like water supply,
electricity, gas lines, sewage systems,
and telecommunication networks is
crucial for planning and design
considerations.
Natural Resources:
Zoning and Legal Constraints:

Understanding the local zoning

regulations, building codes, land use
restrictions, and legal requirements is
essential to ensure that the proposed
architectural design complies with the
law.
Accessibility and Transportation:

Evaluating the site's accessibility by

various modes of transportation,
including roadways, public
transportation, and pedestrian
pathways, helps inform decisions
about entrances, parking, and
circulation.
Surrounding Context:

Analyzing the surrounding buildings,

neighborhoods, and urban context
provides insights into how the new
architectural project should fit into its
environment aesthetically and
functionally.
Surrounding Context:
Views and Sightlines:

Identifying key views and sightlines

from and towards the site can
influence building orientation,
placement of windows, and overall
design strategies.
Views and Sightlines:
Natural Resources:

Assessing the availability of natural

resources like water bodies,
vegetation, and other ecological
features helps inform sustainable
design decisions.
Social and Cultural Considerations:

Understanding the local community's

needs, preferences, and cultural
practices can help shape a design that
is responsive to the people who will be
using the space.
 EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY SUN PATTERN
VEGETATION

WIND PATTERN VIEW / VISTA SUN PATTERN

NOISE REGULATORY FACTORS

ACCESS
Site Analysis and Site Plans (rendered)
Therefore, a SITE ANALYSIS must be
completed first before design
development can commence.
But to provide a good design, Architects should know sun angles and
siting to be able to:
a. Select which walls shall receive the maximum and minimum of light
and sun
b. Know what depth of projections and what intervals of height are
necessary to intercept direct sun

Subarctic to subtropical Tropical Hot dry

Climatic
Factors
Solar Orientation The Angle of the Sun varies during the
seasons,
this is due to the tilting of the earth’s
axis as it rotates around the sun.
Actually, the earth is closer to the sun in
winter, but the northern hemisphere is
tilting away from the sun.
Building Section

www.tetonscience.org/campus_buildings.shtml&h
www.360parks.com/ancient_dwellings_virtual_tour.shtml
www.360parks.com/ancient_dwellings_virtual_tour.shtml
SITE PLANNING
-Topography
-Type of Soil
-Vegetation
Topography Map

A topographic map is a type of map that represents

the physical features of a landscape or area in a
detailed and accurate manner. These maps use
contour lines to depict the elevation and relief of the
land's surface, providing information about the shape
of the terrain, such as hills, valleys, mountains, and
other natural features. Topographic maps are widely
used for various purposes, including land navigation,
urban planning, resource management, and outdoor
recreation.
Key features in Topographic Map
1.Contour Lines: Contour lines are the primary feature of a topographic map. They are curved lines
that connect points of equal elevation. By following these lines, you can visualize the shape and
steepness of the terrain. The closer the contour lines are, the steeper the slope.
2.Elevation: Topographic maps usually have elevation information indicated along contour lines or
through elevation labels at specific points on the map. This helps users understand the height
differences between different areas.
3.Scale: The scale of the map indicates the relationship between the distances on the map and the
actual distances on the ground. Common scales for topographic maps include 1:24,000, 1:50,000, and
1:100,000, where the first number represents the map distance and the second number represents the
ground distance.
4.Legend: A legend provides an explanation of symbols and colors used on the map to represent
various features, such as roads, rivers, vegetation, and man-made structures.
5.Cultural Features: In addition to the physical landscape, topographic maps may include information
about human-made features like roads, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
6.Orientation and North Arrow: These elements help you understand the direction of the map in
relation to the real world.
7.Coordinates: Many topographic maps include a coordinate system, such as latitude and longitude or
a grid system, to help users locate specific points on the map
 Topography
• Contour lines are imaginary lines in plan view that connect points of equal
height above a datum or benchmark.
• Each contour line represents the form in which the site acquires over a
specified elevation that is why we have surveyors and topographic
surveys vs. metes and bounds surveys
• Contour lines are continuous and never intersect each other. They
change in shape, but never in elevation.

Without the elevation numbers you could not tell these forms apart!
Relationship between 2-D and 3-D representation of site topography (contour lines)
Various ground shapes as represented by contour lines and site sections

• contour lines spaced far apart indicate a flat surface

• contour lines spaced evenly describe a constant slope
• contour lines spaced close together designate a steep rise/fall in elevation
Contours must match existing grades at property
lines.

•Each contour line is placed with an elevation

marker.
states the height of the contour relative to
the site.

•Elevation markers are documented in intervals

depending on the size of the plat.

• Smaller sites or sites having gradual slopes

may show 1, 2 or 5 feet markers,

• Larger or steeper sites may show markers

in
10’, 20 or 50 feet markers.
existing
new
Topography
http://www.cce.ufl.edu/current/green_building/passive.html
Geographic factors
All buildings rely on soil for their ultimate
support.
The underlying foundation is effected by the
soil’s strength.
• SOIL
• The soil type affects:
• the type and size of a building’s foundation system
• the drainage of ground and surface water
• the types of plant material able to grow on a site
Geographic factors

• VEGETATION
• The types and locations of plant materials affect:
• the site’s micro-climate
• Solar radiation, wind, humidity, air temperature
• the definition or visual screening or exterior spaces
• the absorption or dispersion of sound
Vegetation Map

A vegetation map is a type of map that illustrates the

distribution of different types of vegetation, plant
communities, and land cover across a specific
geographic area. These maps are designed to provide
visual information about the types of plants and
ecosystems present in a region, and they play a
crucial role in understanding the natural environment,
biodiversity, and land use patterns.
Plant Material
Deciduous trees Philippines

Dapdap Katmon
 CLIMATIC DESIGN

SUN AIR NATURAL

CALAMITIES

SITE ANALYSIS

SITE PLANNING /
PLACEMAKING

ARCHITECTURAL
SOLUTIONS

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
SPACE PLANNING
METHODOLOGY MATERIAL
Process
 Site Plan and
Construction Plan
 LOCATION SITE SITE FLOOR PLAN
MAP ANALYSIS DEVELOPMENT
PLAN

Minor Road
Should project Property
Usually 500m-1km Radius Usually 100-200m Radius Should show property line
Line, Major and Minor road
respective from the site respective from the site and building footprint
Shows pedestrian and car
access inside
1:500 – 1:1000 scale 1:200 – 1:500 scale 1:200 scale 1:100 scale
Choose a scale that is readable / Choose a scale that is readable / Choose a scale that is readable / Choose a scale that is readable /
observable adjust if necessary observable observable observable
Design
Problem
Mr. and Mrs. Toledo (OFW Client) has commissioned you to design a House to settle
in. They have three children aged 15, 18, and 22. The client envisions an open plan
for the living area, kitchen, and dining area, spanning two stories.

The site is located in Antipolo, and the client wishes to capitalize on the excellent
view. Therefore, the design should be oriented to make the most of the scenic
surroundings. Considering the client's preference to reduce reliance on mechanical
interventions like air conditioning, the design must be well-thought-out to capture
and utilize natural ventilation effectively.
1.Family Profile: capturing natural air circulation for
1. The client is an OFW. cooling.
2. The family consists of parents and three 6.Additional Spaces:
children aged 15 to 23. 1. Include a dirty kitchen for practical
2.Open Plan and Layout: cooking needs.
1. The living area, kitchen, and dining area 2. Design a family area.
should have an open plan design. 3. Incorporate a large garden and a
2. The house should be two stories. swimming pool.
3.Master Bedroom Orientation: 4. Provide four bedrooms and one
1. The master bedroom should be guestroom.
strategically positioned to receive 5. Include a living area, dining area, and a
morning sun. toilet and bath for each room.
4.Site and View Considerations: 6. Design a foyer for a welcoming entrance.
1. The site is located in Antipolo and offers a 7. Include a maid's room.
good view. 8. Ensure a designated carport.
2. The design should take advantage of the 9. Integrate a viewing balcony to enjoy the
scenic views offered by the location. scenic surroundings.
5.Natural Ventilation:
1. The client aims to minimize the use of
mechanical interventions like air
conditioning.
2. The design should be focused on
Site
Details
Site
Details

25.0M

30.0M

30.0M
25.0M
Prepare for the
following
1. Terrain Map
2. Site analysis (Scrutinize and thoroughly
investigate everything)
3. Site inventory (List down everything)
• Physical Features
• Environmental Conditions
• Cultural and Historical context
• Utilities and Infrastracture
• Zoning and legal constraints
• Accesibility and Transportation
4. Bubble Diagram
Note:

Pretend that this is an actual project, and I will represent the

client. Prepare a presentation thru slides and present it to the
class (by group)
Group 1 Group 5

Group 2 Group 6

Group 3 Group 7

Group 4 Group 8