Tropical Architecture reimagined

with just enough spaces between to allow natural air to enter through the floor.

Despite the fact that there was no architecture course available in that era, our ancestors have created a perfect example of Tropical Architecture. This is true of all our vernacular architecture, such as the Ifugao houses in the Cordillera region and the Ivatan houses in Batanes, among others. The reason for such is that our indigenous tribes respect nature and treat is as part of their everyday lives, designing their houses and other structures in accordance with how nature works.

Modern- day Tropical Architecture

Nowada y s , many of our buildings and structures have forgotten the principles of Tropical Architecture, and have lost their local characteristics, leaving our cities vulnerable to disasters and

There is a growing trend for a Modern Tropical Architecture, as newer technology creates opportunity for better materials and durable structures. It retains its Asian characters with a hint of Western influences that people have adopted nowadays. While it still incorporates the use of natural materials, newer ones such as the use of reinforced concrete is added to the building design, the structure. Vernacular materials are processed in newer ways to become more affordable, and to allow people of this age to better appreciate our heritage.

Passive and active design

The most practical approach for Filipinos is to make use of the passive design, because it does not incur the extra cost pf buying technology and saves money for future home and building extension projects. The first passive design starts with the blueprint of the structure. One must already designate areas for future expansions and the orientation of windows and vents for wind circulation should be studied in detail.

One of the biggest costs for extension projects comes from the need to re-route or add additional plumbing, sewage, and water pressure. Oftentimes, if not done properly, the sewage clogs or there is a leak. That is why it important from the start to know how many bathrooms a home or building would need, and that the utilities are ready to accommodate extensions. The water line should be accessible, and the “ not be enclosed.

Next are the orientation and morning, the sun rises in the east, that is why most rooms are oriented in this direction so that you wake up. Then, the next most used room during the afternoon is oriented to the movement of natural light. On the other hand, if the windows are too wide, the tendency is the increase of heat. The objective is to give an ample amount of natural light but not at the expense of uncomfortable room temperature.

be proportionate to the number of dedicated light bulbs. Too many bulbs are unnecessarily costly. Too little light would be uncomfortable for reading and for work. According to a study by the US Green Building Council, research suggests that increased natural light exposure and air utility improves performance by 6 to 26 percent. Green buildings can boost employee activity.

Proper lighting and management of heat actually decreases the amount of energy that airconditioning units need to regulate the temperature of the room. The active approach of buying inverter type air- conditioning can further decrease energy cost. The usual energy cost of airconditioning per hour is about P15 to P30. An inverter decreases energy cost by 40 percent.

Tropical Architecture need not times call for newer technology applied to our buildings and structures, using the same principles. As planners and architects, we should remember the principles of the Tropical Architecture of our ancestors and create innovative solutions to relate these principles to a modern context for more green and sustainable architecture.