I was doing some web surfing and came accross these guides to tropical home design. They really spell out the basics for those who are unfamiliar with the climate and required design principles. I'm from Townsville which is up in the Tropics (only been in vic 2yrs), and I kinda forgot how different the buildings were until I started to read these guides. But when I did move to Geelong...it was quite a shock how different everything was.http://www.nt.gov.au/infrastructure/bss/house/index.shtml#SustainTropics
This is an NT govt website to promote smart home design. It covers a wide range of topics… however the best part of the site was regarding air conditioners. In a nutshell, it said – even if you don’t intend to have air conditioners… still design form them. This is funny as in a way its true…there will be an unbearable part of the year, when although you know a conditioners guzzle electricity… you just run out and buy one anyway cause you are soooo uncomfortable. (I’ve lived in the tropics for 18yrs…most of which without an air conditioners… its unbearable!)
http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/cpeople/build4.htm
The bureau of meteorology has given recommendations on different types of constructions for different climatic conditions.
Here are some of the main points raised:
-“Summers in this climatic zone are warm, rainy and uncomfortably humid. The body's natural cooling system (the evaporation of perspiration) does not work well, because the air is already so full of water vapour that it limits drying. Winters are warm, dry and sunny.”
-Maximise cooling through ventilation and minimise building heat gain.
-Pick a block with prevailing winds
-Design for through breezes
-Use ceiling fans
-Use light materials to prevent heat gain
-Include spacious outdoor living areas
-Make sure your garden does not inhibit winds… shade doesn’t really improve comfort due to the humidity… only wind will improve comfort
This is an NT govt website to promote smart home design. It covers a wide range of topics… however the best part of the site was regarding air conditioners. In a nutshell, it said – even if you don’t intend to have air conditioners… still design form them. This is funny as in a way its true…there will be an unbearable part of the year, when although you know a conditioners guzzle electricity… you just run out and buy one anyway cause you are soooo uncomfortable. (I’ve lived in the tropics for 18yrs…most of which without an air conditioners… its unbearable!)
http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/cpeople/build4.htm
The bureau of meteorology has given recommendations on different types of constructions for different climatic conditions.
Here are some of the main points raised:
-“Summers in this climatic zone are warm, rainy and uncomfortably humid. The body's natural cooling system (the evaporation of perspiration) does not work well, because the air is already so full of water vapour that it limits drying. Winters are warm, dry and sunny.”
-Maximise cooling through ventilation and minimise building heat gain.
-Pick a block with prevailing winds
-Design for through breezes
-Use ceiling fans
-Use light materials to prevent heat gain
-Include spacious outdoor living areas
-Make sure your garden does not inhibit winds… shade doesn’t really improve comfort due to the humidity… only wind will improve comfort
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