As Indonesians, it’s important for us to know the best tropical house designs. What are the characteristics? Here are some tips for your tropical home design. One of them is to optimize cross ventilation with granite breezeblocks.

What does tropical mean?

Tropical climate is the area around the earth’s equator. Among them are Indonesia. The hallmark of a tropical climate is the existence of two seasons in one year. The two seasons are summer (dry) and rainy season. Then, the tropics also have more humid air.

Important things to include in tropical homes

1. Ventilation

Good ventilation is the key to a tropical home. Hot air inside the house needs to circulate with cold air from the outside. Otherwise, the room will feel hot and stuffy. Usually, people use air conditioning to cool the room down. However, the use of AC requires a lot of electricity so it is more costly.

2. Natural elements: plants, water, and wood

The best tropical homes combine elements of nature. For example, a garden can be made at home, complete with plants and a pond. Then, wooden furniture is also an option because it gives a cool natural impression.

The greeneries help keeping the atmosphere light and soothing (Source: unsplash)

Tropical house tips

1. Direction of the house

Make sure your house faces north or south. A house facing east will be hot and dazzling in the morning. While the house facing the west is hot in the afternoon.

2. Ceiling height

Elevate the ceiling to maximize air circulation. The more free space, the better the air circulation in your home.

3. Create space in the center of the house

Create as much empty space as possible to place in the center of your home. The space can be in the form of a garden with plants, inner court, or void. Most importantly, this empty space must have direct access to the outside of the house. Thus, air circulation becomes more optimal.

4. As much plants as possible

Plants help cool the air on hot days. So, use as many plants as possible. Of course, make sure the plant has good environment to grow well.

5. Use water

This is the reason some houses have fish ponds and swimming pools. In addition to natural elements, the element of water can cool the temperature down. However, make sure the pool water has a good circulation system.

6. Cross ventilation

Most importantly, cross ventilation should be applied in tropical homes. This system uses openings, such as windows and other holes, with such a shape. Thus, cold air can enter and push hot air out of the room. To optimize cross ventilation, you can use granite breezeblock. Choose a rainscreen design, so that you don’t have to worry about rainwater coming in.

The use of breezeblock to maximize ventilation in tropical homes