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 and 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
