Building Orientation; Enhancing Nature with Nature

Abstract

With the increase in energy efficient measures in residential buildings, Architects in the tropics are continually exploring bioclimatic approaches that enhance the efficient passive performance of buildings. A north-south orientation is recommended for buildings in the tropics as this ensures the building takes advantage of windward breeze that aids cooling and shuts out excessive sunlight that causes overheating. Where site constraint makes it difficult to achieve a north-south orientation, extra measures have to be employed to ensure that the building is not over heated. The aim of a building design is to provide comfort for occupants to do their activity at home by considering the macro and microclimate. In this paper, emphasis is laid on vegetation a natural and passive design feature to improve the microclimate. A three (3) bedroom bungalow sited on a piece of land with some constraint, not oriented in the recommended north-south orientation for building in the tropics is studied. In this light, trees, shrubs and vegetal cover were used to improve the microclimate and a comfortable exterior and interior were achieved passively, while the aesthetic appeal of the ambience was enhanced. Buildings can take advantage of the macroclimate of their locations, and the microclimate can be improved upon with vegetation (passively) to achieve comfortable living conditions while attaining naturally, aesthetically pleasing scenery. Nature can be used to enhance nature.