What is Subtropical Design?
The subtropical climate allows people to enjoy being outdoors all year round. Subtropical design is a way of embracing this condition in the urban environment, to achieve sustainable urbanism and maintain a sense of place. Openness and permeability and a strong engagement with the natural environment are the main characteristics of well-designed subtropical places.
Good subtropical design uses less electricity and less potable water. It aims to provide a higher degree of environmental sustainability.
Well-designed subtropical places:
- Promote local character and identity
- Have a strong connection between indoors and outdoors
- Are ecologically sustainable
- Treat water and vegetation as if they really matter
- Use very little greenhouse gas producing energy or precious potable water
- Are cost-effective over time
When designing for a subtropical environment, the following rules of thumb apply to buildings, large and small, and to outdoor places:
Rule of thumb 1 – temperature control
- use elongated or segmented floor plans
- isolate heat–generating functions
- shade outdoor living areas
- let the heat escape at the highest part of the roof
- capitalise on cool night-time temperatures
Rule of thumb 2 – sun control
- reduce radiation of heat into covered or enclosed spaces
- control the entry of direct sun
- exclude summer sun
- welcome warm sunshine in the cooler period of the year
Rule of thumb 3 – air movement and humidity
- air movement is essential
- provide cooling paths for breezes by keeping external surfaces shaded or use grass instead of hard materials