Paige Green asked:
Climate is starkly different in the tropics than other areas of Australia. Your eco friendly home should reflect the unique elements of this wet and humid environment where average humidity can climb up to 62 per cent and average rainfall is around 1922 mm.
In Tropical Queensland, the wet season takes place between November and May where rainfall can be around 400 mm in February and temperatures rise to well over 30 degrees. But with a carefully considered eco conscious design, even the wet tropics can be comfortable all year round with minimal environmental impact.
Tropical dwellings emphasise passive cooling and waste water management. Here are some elements to consider:
Passive cooling: Maximise the use of shading and ventilation in your design. Make the most of natural breezes and unlike other green building designs – don’t use thermal mass!
Humidity: Ceiling fans and cross ventilation principles will help circulate the air and reduce the discomfort. Active ventilation of the roof space also helps to maintain the internal moisture levels of the house.
Waste water management: Use water efficient toilet and taps to minimise waste water, which can be potentially harmful to the delicate flora and fauna in the area.
Working with the landscape: Place responsive design that takes into account the beautiful tropical surrounds will not only minimise the environmental impact, it will maximise the enjoyment of your home.
Consider your materials: The presence of cyclonic winds means you may be limited in what you can use in your materials but certainly sustainably sourced timbers can be used for elements of the building.
Wildlife: Being a part of such a natural landscape, there’s little doubt that native critters will find their way into your tropical home. Screens will help and, fortunately, mosquitoes become less of an issue if dwellings are constructed at higher elevations. Most importantly, enjoy the natural experience.
For more tips on how to conceive your tropical dwelling or other ideas on sustainable living and eco friendly homes visit your leading sustainability directory and resource for ideas for the eco home.
Gastano
Climate is starkly different in the tropics than other areas of Australia. Your eco friendly home should reflect the unique elements of this wet and humid environment where average humidity can climb up to 62 per cent and average rainfall is around 1922 mm.
In Tropical Queensland, the wet season takes place between November and May where rainfall can be around 400 mm in February and temperatures rise to well over 30 degrees. But with a carefully considered eco conscious design, even the wet tropics can be comfortable all year round with minimal environmental impact.
Tropical dwellings emphasise passive cooling and waste water management. Here are some elements to consider:
Passive cooling: Maximise the use of shading and ventilation in your design. Make the most of natural breezes and unlike other green building designs – don’t use thermal mass!
Humidity: Ceiling fans and cross ventilation principles will help circulate the air and reduce the discomfort. Active ventilation of the roof space also helps to maintain the internal moisture levels of the house.
Waste water management: Use water efficient toilet and taps to minimise waste water, which can be potentially harmful to the delicate flora and fauna in the area.
Working with the landscape: Place responsive design that takes into account the beautiful tropical surrounds will not only minimise the environmental impact, it will maximise the enjoyment of your home.
Consider your materials: The presence of cyclonic winds means you may be limited in what you can use in your materials but certainly sustainably sourced timbers can be used for elements of the building.
Wildlife: Being a part of such a natural landscape, there’s little doubt that native critters will find their way into your tropical home. Screens will help and, fortunately, mosquitoes become less of an issue if dwellings are constructed at higher elevations. Most importantly, enjoy the natural experience.
For more tips on how to conceive your tropical dwelling or other ideas on sustainable living and eco friendly homes visit your leading sustainability directory and resource for ideas for the eco home.
Gastano
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Tags: Conscious Design, Minimal Environmental Impact, Responsive Design
