Designing a Home For Warm Humid Climates Where Germane
I discussed the hot arid climate in my last blog and how we can accomplish a more comfortable living environment within our homes by following a few design guidelines. Next, I want to talk about Warm Humid Climates and what we can do to address this specific zone.
The main characteristics for a warm humid climate include:
-High rainfall and high humidity
-Temperature is relatively high and fairly even throughout the day and throughout the year
-Winds are light and even non-existent at times
-Heavy precipitation and storms occur frequently
The main objective with a warm humid climate is to reduce the impact of sun and to provide cooling with wind as much as possible.
Here are some design ideas:
-Provide maximum shading of solar radiation with large overhanging roofs on the north and south sides
-Try to shade every window if possible
-Minimize east/west exposure as much as possible
-Orient house on north/south axis to provide maximum ventilation and free air movement.
-Use large openings on north/south for cross ventilation
-Avoid heat storage and use reflective outer surfaces
-Use tiled floors and not carpeting
-Use vegetation to moderate solar impact by creating shade
These are some important ideas to consider as you begin the process of designing your new home in a warm humid climate. Shade and ventilation are really the key and by thinking about this in the beginning you will have a superior finished product in the end.