Tropical Architecture - Essay Example

Running Head: TROPICAL SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE Course: Name: University: Date: Outline Executive Summary Introduction Objectives of Sustainable Architecture Darwin Darwin’s’ architecture Examples of Famous Tropical Architecture Buildings in Darwin Analysis of a Darwinian “Troppo” Houses Thermal Comfort Improvement Sliding Windows Melbourne architecture Tropical Houses in Other Countries Conclusion Executive Summary Modern architects have focused on important factors that they utilize in designing modern buildings. These factors are crucial as they assist in reducing the carbon footprint and also assist in conserving the environment. The geography of a certain area dictates the category of a house that can be erected. Other factors include present ecosystem surrounding the area, hydrology, landscape and last but not least, the lighting that the building in question is intended to enjoy. These factors have so far dictated the designs thought about by scholars and architects al around the world. Modern lifestyles have increased pressure to the world’s natural resources hence placing a great burden to the environment. It was thus the work of modern architects to invent better ways of solving inherent problems while also maintaining aesthetics in their designs (Bay, 2006). Introduction Sustainable Architecture is structured on buildings that reduce the carbon footprint either through the materials used in building the houses or through the design in which the house is planned. This architecture enhances efficiency in both land usage and also through green designs. Architects employ a range of methods in order to achieve sustainability. These methods may include the utilization of energy efficient lighting solutions or implementation of renewable energy as a source of power. Examples of some of these renewable power sources could be in the form of solar panels or wind stations. Other energy efficient solutions can be integrated to allow natural ventilation instead of air conditioners. The world’s energy requirements have been exponentially growing on a yearly basis due to the rise of emerging economies and the increase in industries worldwide. While this happens, we have forgotten to note that this energy is non renewable. This calls for urgent planning, administration and optimization of energy requirements in order to have sufficient energy that will last for future generations. Objectives of Sustainable Architecture 1. Coming up with planning processes and systems that will be used to plan for power and energy requirements for both short and long term 2. Establishing processes, policies and means of sufficiently manage the usage and requirements for power 3. Determining ways to optimally utilize available power 4. Creating a greening road map that may be adopted in providing environmentally friendly energy. 5. Ensuring that the processes, policies, and systems are ‘future-proof’ in terms of future changes and uncertainties (Zendra, 2003). Driven by a need to utilize and explore technological advancements, architects and engineers have collaborated in making sustainable architecture a reality. The Tropical climate that is experienced in Darwin also applies to other parts of the World. The climate may be the same but the architectural styles between varies from one continent to the next. Sustainable architecture seeks to address pertinent issues among the building and the climate in which the building is located. Modern architecture therefore, tries to address this issue by the way the structures are designed. Some of this is done through using the available modern design and building technologies. Modern architecture also tries to reach the peoples aesthetic needs and environmental needs at a midpoint, through the use of designs that ensure maximum utilization of space and material required. Many of the structures seen in the modernist architecture trying to ensure they maintain sustainability borrow their designs and ideas from the older architecture. Most of the ancient sustained architectural styles in this region include, Victorian, Georgian, Tudor, Grecian-Spanish, Neoclassical, Gothic, Palladian, Renaissance and modernist architectural styles. Australian architecture on the other hand, has been known to be “exotic and derivative” and not until recently that influence of weather and climate have been seen to play a major role in designing. Designs by the Australian architects during the nineteenth century were seen to be inspired by the architectural developments in England. Architecture in Australia however, can be classified in two main categories: "Residential" and "Non-Residential" with the residential styles being the most prolific in the buildings made. Darwin The city of Darwin enjoys a tropical savannah climate with distinctive wet and dry seasons. The weather is at all times warm with an annual regular of thirty two degrees Celsius. Residents often express the weather as gentle. This mild weather can be experienced between the months of May up to the month of October. Sultry weather is experienced from November to April. It is the presence tropical weather that brings about the innovativeness in architecture. Often tilted like the Northern capital, Darwin has fast evolved to become one of the trademark areas of tropical architecture. The buildings in Darwin often follow a similar design for moist houses and structures are ancient. The design I often colonial and reflects the past occupants of the city. The houses and structures are low and are mostly influenced by Burnetts designs. Darwins’ architecture Darwin “the capital of the Australian northern territory,” just like the greater Australian region, has ancient designs but many with colonial and post-colonial designs. Darwin however, is mostly characterized by relatively low houses. Among the architectural styles that can be seen here is the Victorian architecture, in which Burnett’s work is attributed. Some of the famous buildings in the Darwin Northern Territory include the Parliament House, Burnett House and the government House which was the official residence of the Administrator of the Northern Territory which is located on the Esplanade. Parliament was completed in four years time i.e. from the year 1990 to 1994. Examples of Famous Tropical Architecture Buildings in Darwin Historical Burnett house The Burnett House is designed and classed as a type K. This is a design that was innovated and conceptualized by Burnett himself. The building and style illustrates a distinctive match to the approach of colonial houses in East Asia. Countries with structures resembling Burnett’s house include Malaysia and Singapore. Burnett house is a two storey residential building that has its living and dining spots located on the ground level opening which opens into the neighboring verandahs (Zendra, 2003). Another feature within this famous house is the compass inlay. Its location has often been viewed as very unusual, yet it is also celebrated like a masterpiece. The house has received numerous awards for its eco-friendly design. Timber is the major materials used in designing the house and it is lined with cladding. Evidence of Burnett designs can be seen through the decorative timber framed construction with fibro-sheet cladding and preformed louvers. It also uses the characteristic Burnett brackets. The Type K utilizes his innovative architectural principles of cross aeration by natural ways. Type K designs also provides for the extendibility in terms of the areas used for living and resting. This is done through walls that can open. openable walls. A second catastrophe was to hit the building which was again damaged through Cyclone Tracy. The residential building is bordered by tropical gardens. The house is the only house in Darwin that subscribes to the Type K design. Other building in Darwin such as the Magistrates house follows the Type E design. RAAF Base commanding officer's residence (Banksian House) This is the previous house of several higher-ranking RAAF officers. Banksian House is characterized by traverse ventilation, high floors and extensive eaves. This is a god example of is an excellent example of one of Burnett’ design. The house is greatly adapted to the surrounding climate of Darwin. The building is situated on RAAF Base and has been associated with the expansion of military capability across the region. The house is historic and is one of the oldest in the region (Juniors, 2007). The house has become one of the icons of the city as it is still standing despite its old age. Larrakeyah Barracks headquarters building and sergeants' mess Erected in 1940, these buildings are illustrations of Larrakeyah Barracks headquarters. They are also headquarters of the sergeants' mess. These buildings are exceptional models of structures planned in reply to the tropical conditions. Linked to the famous architect, Burnett, Burnett made a significant donation to the city’s architectural scenery. The arrangement played a fundamental role during the war period. Analysis of a Darwinian “Troppo” Houses A “troppo” house design can include a hydroponic garden, that will use recycle scaffolds as the main structure. The hydroponic garden encourages air movement and creates thermal comfort and a social interaction area. The plants grown in this hydroponic garden are grown in planter boxes built into every storey. These plants are used to diffuse the light streaming inside the building. The hydroponic garden has important environmental benefits, as it is designed in such a manner that it only utilizes water and nutrients which can be recycled. Thus, this will result in the utilization of only 10% of the amount of water that usual garden plants utilize. The garden also saves on the issue of space and allow more flexibility with its location, as it can be located anywhere from the basement to the top of the building. The plant also helps to absorb heat and supply fresh air. All the windows are proposed to be replaced with adjustable glass windows which can be open when the temperature inside is high, and let the hot air pass. Thermal Comfort Improvement In Darwin, night air is much cooler than daytime air. At night, windows are open to cool down the internal air. Heat is stored in the concrete ceilings from the activities during the day and is removed by the cool night air (Tzonis, 2003). In the morning, concrete ceilings keep the internal air cool and create a thermally comfortable space for the occupants. During the summer, the concrete acts as a thermal battery, this takes in the heat. In winter, the thermal mass similarly stores the sun’s heat and warms the building. However, at times the building gets too hot during the summer day-time periods, therefore; an alternative cooling system is necessary to keep the building cool during the day (Kendra, 2006). Sliding Windows Sliding windows allow more natural light into the building, this allows the use of fewer bulbs to light up the rooms. Sliding windows also have the advantage of allowing for installation of different shades of tint, on the different sliding panes that can be used during different times of the day or different seasons of the year. They also allow for greater natural ventilation of the rooms hence reducing the load on the air cons. Night Purging/ Cross Ventilations A troppo building utilizes both natural and mechanical ventilation as the strategy for maintaining tolerable room temperatures. The building relies on cross ventilation as a natural means of cooling, whereby windows are opened to reduce the internal temperatures. The mechanical ventilation is provided by the fans. Vertical panels, have been installed which will function in the interception, and direction of cool winds and breezes into the building at all times when the windows are open. The vertical panels are installed next to the windows. The vertical panels also have the added advantage of modifying the patterns in which the breezes blow to ones that are more convenient. The maintenance and servicing of the building’s exhaust ventilation systems is necessary to ensure that the ventilation system is optimally functioning at all times. Facade The facade of most houses in Darwin are heavily built and this is greatly attributed to offering protection from the cyclone. In 1974, the city was greatly destroyed by Cyclone Tracy. Lives were lost and property lost in the Cyclone. Architects of the time, decided to protect future houses by researching and developing newer and better ways of shielding structures from the strong winds and flying objects that accompany harsh weather conditions. It is noticeable that the structures have a heavy facade in order to break the winds. This will ensure that the structures are only affected by relatively weak forces by the time that the wind hits them. Below is an illustration of the heavy façade. Following the Cyclone, the buildings had to be shielded as investigations showed that maximum damage was attributed to flying objects and harsh winds. Melbourne architecture Melbourne a city re-known for its Victorian architecture is located on the southern region of Australia. The city also has notable landmarks such as the third largest tram network in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Flinders Street Station, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These 1937 tropical houses designed are some of works by B.C.G. Burnett the NT governments’ principal architect. Burnett designed elevated houses with steep-pitched roof and open eaves. These designs by Burnett are some of the few designs adopted with modifications by the modern architecture for structures which are considered environment friendly (Fry, 2007). Influence on the contemporary housing designs in Australia is attributed to Burnett's practical and aesthetic designs that seemed to have interaction with the environment positively. Walter Burley Griffin an American architect also left a legacy of his unique building designs which remain in a small number of Melbourne buildings. Some of the famous structures include the Royal Exhibition Building built in 1880s, Collins Street 19th century that adopted the "boom style” and Federation Square. Some of the modernist architectural style is also seen in the city’s architecture mostly built with an aspect of environment friendliness although with modern modifications (Listers, 2008). Building analysis Surrounding Building 106 are buildings to the north-east, east and south-east. These buildings are not directly adjacent to Building 106, thus are not able to provide the building’s lower levels with protection from the sun. The western facade is the most exposed to the sun. This facade is protected by horizontal steel louvers to reduce daylight penetration into the building. On the northern façade, louvers consist of 600mm perforated steel, are provided to protect the occupants from direct sun exposure during summer. Steel louvers on the north and west facades Tropical Houses in Other Countries Malaysia Malaysia’s architecture has fast evolved and is now one of the prominent models of tropical architecture. Constant demands for a distinctive tropical architecture have been made for the plain grounds that the climate in tropical states, such as Malaysia, is very diverse from that of other nations located in north Europe and Northern America. This is where the bulk of present day architectural modernism and activities start off. Up to the time of air conditioning, most buildings had a design where both traditional and local designs adhered to the present weather conditions at the time. The tropical climate ensured that architectural designs had to follow a certain climatic condition, and this brought about a renewed perspective on the modern Malaysian architecture. It is for this sole reason that architects had to come up with their own solutions to the inherent problems that were present at the time. An example of a famous tropical architectural designed house is the Salinger house. Singapore A significant point of local novelty has entailed research and development of modern forms of tropical architecture that suits the present climatic conditions faced in the country. The colonialists experimented on a wide array of materials and invented other forms of architecture. In the eighties, this modern form led to propagation of what is now known as novel tropical architecture. This architecture engages a revisit to fresh and easy rectilinear modernist forms. The houses attached with importance to the abundant setting and shading in the form of wooden louvers, instead of the glitzy glass design normally found in other cities, which admittedly traps solar heat. Tropical architecture has taken on a new relevance as green initiatives are being implemented. Architects have replaced the costly air conditioning units as they are one of the biggest energy consumers in Singapore. With the introduction of green initiatives the energy requirements have so far reduced, this has enabled the country utilize the extra energy for other uses. Conclusion The paper has discussed on the history of tropical architecture with analysis on the city of Darwin. Tropical architecture designs have also been implemented in other cities. The paper has also illustrated examples of prominent buildings that have acted as good examples of tropical architecture. Most houses in Darwin are built in a green manner. This means that they are built with materials that are energy efficient. Following the destruction of the Cyclone and the historical bombing of the city, Architects have successfully used the city as a good experimental ground in which to try out new concepts and ideas. Read More

Modern architecture therefore, tries to address this issue by the way the structures are designed. Some of this is done through using the available modern design and building technologies. Modern architecture also tries to reach the peoples aesthetic needs and environmental needs at a midpoint, through the use of designs that ensure maximum utilization of space and material required. Many of the structures seen in the modernist architecture trying to ensure they maintain sustainability borrow their designs and ideas from the older architecture.

Most of the ancient sustained architectural styles in this region include, Victorian, Georgian, Tudor, Grecian-Spanish, Neoclassical, Gothic, Palladian, Renaissance and modernist architectural styles. Australian architecture on the other hand, has been known to be “exotic and derivative” and not until recently that influence of weather and climate have been seen to play a major role in designing. Designs by the Australian architects during the nineteenth century were seen to be inspired by the architectural developments in England.

Architecture in Australia however, can be classified in two main categories: "Residential" and "Non-Residential" with the residential styles being the most prolific in the buildings made. Darwin The city of Darwin enjoys a tropical savannah climate with distinctive wet and dry seasons. The weather is at all times warm with an annual regular of thirty two degrees Celsius. Residents often express the weather as gentle. This mild weather can be experienced between the months of May up to the month of October.

Sultry weather is experienced from November to April. It is the presence tropical weather that brings about the innovativeness in architecture. Often tilted like the Northern capital, Darwin has fast evolved to become one of the trademark areas of tropical architecture. The buildings in Darwin often follow a similar design for moist houses and structures are ancient. The design I often colonial and reflects the past occupants of the city. The houses and structures are low and are mostly influenced by Burnetts designs.

Darwins’ architecture Darwin “the capital of the Australian northern territory,” just like the greater Australian region, has ancient designs but many with colonial and post-colonial designs. Darwin however, is mostly characterized by relatively low houses. Among the architectural styles that can be seen here is the Victorian architecture, in which Burnett’s work is attributed. Some of the famous buildings in the Darwin Northern Territory include the Parliament House, Burnett House and the government House which was the official residence of the Administrator of the Northern Territory which is located on the Esplanade.

Parliament was completed in four years time i.e. from the year 1990 to 1994. Examples of Famous Tropical Architecture Buildings in Darwin Historical Burnett house The Burnett House is designed and classed as a type K. This is a design that was innovated and conceptualized by Burnett himself. The building and style illustrates a distinctive match to the approach of colonial houses in East Asia. Countries with structures resembling Burnett’s house include Malaysia and Singapore. Burnett house is a two storey residential building that has its living and dining spots located on the ground level opening which opens into the neighboring verandahs (Zendra, 2003).

Another feature within this famous house is the compass inlay. Its location has often been viewed as very unusual, yet it is also celebrated like a masterpiece. The house has received numerous awards for its eco-friendly design. Timber is the major materials used in designing the house and it is lined with cladding. Evidence of Burnett designs can be seen through the decorative timber framed construction with fibro-sheet cladding and preformed louvers. It also uses the characteristic Burnett brackets.

The Type K utilizes his innovative architectural principles of cross aeration by natural ways.

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