7 bioclimatic strategies applied to the facades of tropical architecture

When you mention the word “tropics,” the image that usually comes to mind is of an exotic place, always hot and humid, subject to constant heavy rains that wash away the soil and make the vegetation grow uncontrollably. Driven by idealism, this tropical climate has, throughout history, been synonymous with paradise, and at the same time it has been accused of creating weak people for being too tolerant.

Fortunately, these judgments and associations have remained in the past, giving way to theoretical and practical projects that list the pros and cons of living in a region with a tropical climate, while acknowledging the different strategies applied to enhance human resilience in the midst of these strange conditions. Climatic characteristics.

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Climate is certainly the most important component of the natural environment, affecting all geomorphological processes, from soil formation to plant growth, and it is precisely because of this level of interdependence that climate change is so frightening. In this sense, just as the natural environment responds to climate, architecture must also respond to it.

While in a temperate climate the house must remain “closed” to protect its occupants from inclement weather, retaining as much heat as possible, in a tropical climate, on the contrary, it is necessary to “open” the house to let heat in. Moisture passes through it and dissipates, protecting it from sunlight and heavy rain.

To this end, bioclimatic strategies are crucial, making buildings responsive to the local climate, enhancing energy efficiency and increasing occupant comfort. It refers to design principles and techniques that use natural elements to create buildings that are sustainable in various aspects, reducing the environmental impact of buildings and increasing the well-being of their occupants.

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Since many of them are applied at the interface between the interior and exterior of buildings, we have selected 7 bioclimatic strategies and their applications on the facades of residential projects included in the tropical climate.

Shading elements

The incorporation of shading devices, such as roofs, shutters, cornices, canopies, copogos or other hollow fabric on the facades, allows direct sunlight to be effectively blocked, while allowing diffused light and natural ventilation. These elements help reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Keynes House / Srijit Srinivas Architects

Delta House / Bernardes Arquitetura

Vegetation

Introducing vegetation onto facades, through vertical gardens, living walls or plantings, can provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption and improve air quality. The plants also contribute to shading and evaporative cooling through transpiration, which increases thermal comfort and enhances the image of a tropical environment within the architecture.

Tropical Galpao Architecture / Laurent Troost

Residence among gardens / VTN Architects

Ventilation strategies

Tropical architecture facades often feature operable windows or other strategically located openings to facilitate cross ventilation and promote natural airflow. This helps reduce humidity levels and improve indoor air quality.

Valley Expansion / Haya Studio

Casa Off/Studio Otto Felix

Solar orientation

Proper solar orientation of buildings can improve natural light entry and reduce solar heat gain. In tropical climates, designing buildings with a north-south orientation reduces exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

A Casa do Silêncio / Natura Futura Arquitectura

Country house in Puente Iglesias / Architecture and Landscape Office OAP + MDE studio

Thermal mass

Incorporating materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, stone or adobe, into building facades helps them absorb and store heat during the day and release it gradually during the night. This helps stabilize internal temperatures and reduces reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

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Discreet house / Girao Arquitetura

Earth Farm / Studio Verge

Reflective surfaces

Reflective or light-colored materials used in facades can reduce heat absorption by reflecting solar radiation, reducing the need for cooling and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Nagato House / RASA Architektura

COVE(R) HOUSE / TOUCH ARCHITECT

Adaptability

The integration of responsive facade systems, such as adjustable blinds or dynamic shading elements controlled by sensors, automation or even manually, allows real-time adaptation to changes in environmental conditions, leading to improved energy performance and occupant comfort.

Courtyard of the House / Caio Perseghini Arquitetura

ABK House / Bernardes Arquitetura