Module 3: Environmental/Climatic Design Introduction

History and Background: Traditional Housing Types in the PH with Focus on

Climatic Design Solutions

Examining past and present dwellings is important because they show

how people have adapted to the climate over time. These structures are
shaped not only by culture and traditions but also by the environment.

“The regional adaptation is an essential principle of architecture.”

-V. Olgyay

 Traditional Housing

1. Bahay-Kubo: The bahay kubo is a traditional rural house made of

light, native materials like bamboo, nipa palm, and cogon grass.

Climatic Design Feature

Elevated Floor: The house is raised on stilts, allowing air to circulate

underneath to cool the interior and protect it from flooding.
Light Materials: Bamboo and nipa allow heat to dissipate quickly,
keeping the house cooler.
Large Windows: Wide, operable windows enable cross-ventilation,
reducing indoor heat.
Steep Roof Pitch: The steep, thatched roof sheds rainwater efficiently
and provides insulation from the sun.

2. Bahay na Bato: A combination of Spanish and Filipino architectural

styles, bahay na bato (stone house) emerged during the Spanish
colonial era, commonly found in urban areas.

Climatic Design Feature:

Stone Ground Floor: Thick stone walls on the ground floor act as
thermal mass, keeping the lower level cool.
Wooden Upper Floor: The upper floor is often made of wood with large
windows and ventanillas (small sliding windows below main windows) to
allow airflow.
Ventilated Roof Eaves: Wide roof overhangs provide shade and keep
rain away from walls.
Capiz Windows: Windows made of capiz shells diffuse sunlight and allow
for privacy and ventilation.

3. Ifugao Houses (Traditional Cordillera Houses): The houses of the

Ifugao people are built in the mountainous regions of the Cordilleras,
designed to suit a cooler and wetter highland climate.
Climatic Design Feature:
Elevated Design: The house is raised on four wooden posts to prevent
dampness and flooding.
Steep Thatched Roof: The steep roof efficiently sheds rainwater and
insulates against cold mountain weather.
Compact Structure: The small, enclosed space retains warmth during
cooler nights.

4. Torogan (Maranao Royal House): This is the traditional house of

Maranao royalty in Mindanao, known for its elaborate carvings and
cultural significance.

Climatic Design Feature:

High-Pitched Roof: The tall, sloped roof facilitates the flow of hot air
upward, keeping the interior cooler.
Wide Openings: Large windows and open spaces promote cross-
ventilation.
Elevated Floor: Like other traditional houses, the elevated floor helps
with airflow and flood protection.

5. Badjao Stilt Houses. Built by the Badjao (sea-dwelling communities),

these houses are constructed over coastal waters.

Climatic Design Feature:

Stilted Design: Elevated above water to avoid high tides and allow sea
breezes to cool the interior.
Open Floor Plan: Encourages air circulation and minimizes heat buildup.
Light Materials: Bamboo and nipa are used for quick heat dissipation
and flexibility against wind forces.

6. Ivatan House. Found in Batanes, this house is built to withstand the

harsh, windy, and stormy conditions of the region. It is made of stone
and thick materials.

Climatic Design Feature:

Thick Stone Walls: Walls made of limestone or coral blocks provide

excellent insulation, keeping the house cool during hot days and warm
during cold nights.
Low, Thick Cogon Roof: The roof is steeply pitched to withstand strong
typhoon winds and is thick enough to provide insulation.
Compact Design: Small windows and a tight structure minimize wind
damage and prevent heat loss during storms.
Wind-Resistant Construction: The sturdy, low-profile design ensures
stability against frequent typhoons.
 Common Themes of Traditional Houses
Adaptation to Heat: Large windows, open layouts, and lightweight
materials maximize ventilation and minimize heat retention.
Rain Protection: Steep, thatched roofs effectively shed heavy rain.
Flood Adaptation: Elevated designs protect against flooding and
dampness.
Natural Materials: Locally sourced materials (bamboo, nipa, cogon) are
breathable, sustainable, and climate-resilient.

Module 4: Climatic Data Analysis

 Climatic data analysis is the process of collecting, interpreting,

and utilizing weather data (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind,
solar radiation, etc.) to make informed decisions in architectural
design.
 Architects rely on climatic data to design buildings that are climate-
responsive, energy-efficient, and comfortable for their occupants.

Importance of Climatic Data Analysis in Tropical Design

 In tropical regions, such as the Philippines, climatic data helps

mitigate the effects of heat, humidity, and rainfall, ensuring that
buildings remain cool, dry, and resilient to seasonal changes.
 The goal of analyzing climatic data is to reduce the dependency on
artificial cooling systems and improve the overall sustainability of
buildings.

 Key Climatic Data Parameters

1. TEMPERATURE

Importance: Temperature data is critical for understanding how heat

accumulates in buildings and how to design for thermal comfort.

Types of Temperature Data:

Daily Average Temperature: The average of high and low
temperatures recorded during the day.
Max/Min Temperature: The highest and lowest temperatures recorded
at specific times (often during noon and early morning).

Design Considerations:
- High temperatures necessitate passive cooling strategies (e.g.,
natural ventilation, shading, thermal mass).
- Temperature data helps in choosing building materials that can
mitigate heat gain (e.g., reflective surfaces, insulation).

2. HUMIDITY
Importance: Humidity affects comfort levels by influencing the body's
ability to cool down through sweating. High humidity makes it feel warmer
than the actual temperature.

Relative Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air relative to the

maximum amount of moisture air can hold at a given
temperature, expressed as a percentage.

Design Considerations:
- In humid climates, high indoor humidity can lead to mold growth,
discomfort, and higher energy consumption for cooling.
- Design strategies include ventilation, dehumidification, and airflow
control (e.g., open spaces, use of moisture- absorbing materials).

3. RAINFALL

Importance: Rainfall data is essential for understanding water

drainage, flood risk, and material choice (materials must be resistant
to moisture and mold).

Types of Rainfall Data:

Total Precipitation: The total rainfall over a given period, typically
measured in millimeters (mm).
Rainy Season vs. Dry Season: Understanding the seasonal variation in
rainfall helps design for water management (e.g., rainwater
harvesting, stormwater drainage).

Design Considerations:
- Roof designs must be steep and sloped to direct water away from the
building.
- Waterproofing and drainage systems must be integrated into the
building design.
- Landscaping should consider water runoff and flooding.

4. WIND PATTERNS

Importance: Wind data is used to determine natural ventilation

strategies and to orient buildings to harness cooling breezes.

Types of Wind Data:

Wind Speed: The rate at which wind moves through the air, measured in
meters per second (m/s).
Wind Direction: The predominant direction from which the wind blows.
Design Considerations:
Orientation of buildings to take advantage of natural winds (e.g., cross-
ventilation).
Windbreaks (e.g., trees or walls) to reduce wind damage or control wind
flow.
Openings such as windows and vents designed to optimize airflow.
5. SOLAR RADIATION

Importance: Solar radiation influences heat gain inside buildings and

the need for shading or insulation.

Types of Solar Data:

Solar Irradiance: The amount of solar power received per unit area,
typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m2).
Sun Path: The daily movement of the sun across the sky, which
changes with latitude and time of year.

Design Considerations:
- Building orientation to minimize heat gain through strategic use of
shading devices (e.g., overhangs, louvers, shading screens).
- Placement of windows and openings to optimize daylight without
overheating interiors.

 Methods of Climatic Data Collection

WEATHER STATIONS
They provide detailed, real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind
speed/direction, and solar radiation. In the Philippines, data from the
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) is often used.

CLIMATE DATA ARCHIVES

Long-term climate data is available through archives, which are
valuable for studying trends over time (e.g., average temperature
changes, frequency of typhoons).

WEATHER APPS AND ONLINE DATABASES

Apps and online databases like WorldClim and Climatemonitor provide
global climatic data that can be useful for architects designing buildings in
tropical climates.

ON-SITE DATA COLLECTION

For more localized and specific data, architects might use on-site
weather stations or data loggers that measure conditions directly at
the building site.

 Analyzing Climatic Data for Design

1. CLIMATE GRAPHS AND CHARTS

- Temperature and Humidity Graphs: Graphs showing the average
daily temperature or humidity over the year. These can help
identify periods of high discomfort or humidity, guiding decisions on
insulation and ventilation.
- Rainfall Graphs: Rainfall charts show the intensity and duration of
rain throughout the year. This helps in the design of drainage
systems, water harvesting, and roof slopes.
- Wind Rose Diagrams: These diagrams illustrate wind direction and
speed. They are helpful for determining the best building orientation
and window placement to optimize natural ventilation.
- Solar Radiation Charts: These charts depict the amount of solar
radiation received throughout the year, helping to design shading
strategies and reduce solar heat gain.

2. CLIMATE DATA SOFTWARE TOOLS

 Climate Consultant: A free software tool used to analyze climatic

data and produce climate graphs and design recommendations
based on the data.
 Ecotect Analysis: A software that helps architects simulate the
performance of buildings under varying climatic conditions and
optimize energy use.

 Application of Climatic Data for Design

SITE ANALYSIS
Analyzing climatic data helps architects choose the best site
orientation and positioning for buildings to ensure they capture
natural light and cooling breezes, while avoiding excessive heat or
humidity.

BUILDING ENVELOPE
Roof Design: Understanding the rainfall patterns and solar radiation
allows architects to design roofs that handle water efficiently and
reduce heat gain.
Walls and Windows: The choice of materials for walls and windows
depends on temperature and humidity data to reduce heat retention or
enhance natural cooling.

NATURAL VENTILATION AND COOLING

Wind data can guide the placement of ventilation openings (windows,
vents) and the layout of the building to encourage cross-ventilation.
Thermal mass: Use of materials that absorb and store heat, releasing it
at night when temperatures drop, can be designed based on temperature
data.
 Case Study: Climatic Data in Tropical Design
CASE STUDY 1: THE DESIGN OF A TROPICAL HOUSE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
A design solution for a house in Metro Manila (tropical monsoon climate)
would involve analyzing temperature and humidity data to optimize
cooling strategies, like maximizing airflow through natural ventilation, and
selecting materials that are suitable for the wet season (e.g., moisture-
resistant materials).

CASE STUDY 2: CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE COMMERCIAL BUILDING

For a green building in Cebu (tropical savanna climate), data would be
used to minimize heat gain by using reflective roofing materials, placing
windows for daylighting, and harvesting rainwater during the short wet
season.

 Importance of Climatic Data in Sustainable Design

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
 Architects can design buildings that naturally regulate temperature and
humidity, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling and
heating systems.

CASE STUDY: CLIMATIC DATA IN TROPICAL DESIGN

RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY

 Climate data enables architects to design buildings that are resilient
to extreme weather events (e.g., typhoons, heat waves) and
adaptable to changing climate conditions.

Module 05: Comfort: Concepts, Indices and Analysis

 Comfort in Architecture

- Comfort is a state of physical and mental well-being where

environmental factors (temperature, humidity, air movement, etc.)
meet the needs of the occupants without causing discomfort or
stress.
- Thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustic comfort, and air quality are
the primary types of comfort that influence the design of buildings.

THERMAL COMFORT
- In tropical climates like the Philippines, thermal comfort is the most
critical aspect of comfort design. It refers to the condition where a
person feels neither too hot nor too cold in a space.
- Factors influencing thermal comfort include ambient temperature,
humidity, air velocity, clothing, and metabolic rate (physical activity
level).
 Key Concepts of Thermal Comfort

- THERMAL SENSATION
The perception of temperature by the human body. This perception
is influenced by the combination of several environmental factors:
- Air Temperature: Temperature of the surrounding air.
- Radiant Temperature: Heat emitted or absorbed by surrounding
surfaces.
- Air Velocity: The movement of air around the body, which affects
heat dissipation through convection and evaporation.
- Humidity: The moisture content of the air, affecting how the body
regulates temperature through sweating.

HEAT BALANCE
- The concept of thermal comfort is based on maintaining a balance
between the heat the body generates (through metabolism and
physical activity) and the heat the body loses to the environment
- If heat input exceeds heat loss, the body feels hot. If heat loss exceeds
heat input, the body feels cold.

 Indices for Measuring Comfort

Several indices have been developed to

quantify and evaluate thermal comfort
in indoor environments. These indices help designers assess whether
the environmental conditions are suitable for occupants.

1. PREDICTED MEAN VOTE (PMV) AND PREDICTED PERCENTAGE OF

DISSATISFIED (PPD)
PMV (Predicted Mean Vote):
- PMV is a widely used index for predicting the thermal comfort of a
space. It is based on the Fanger’s comfort model, which calculates the
mean vote on a thermal sensation scale from cold (-3) to hot (+3).

PMV takes into account the following variables:

- Air temperature
- Radiant temperature
- Air velocity
- Humidity
- Clothing level (thermal resistance of clothing) Metabolic rate (activity
level)

PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied):

- PPD is used alongside PMV to quantify the percentage of people
likely to be dissatisfied with the thermal environment based on their
thermal comfort.
- A PPD value of 10% means that 10% of people will feel uncomfortable,
while a value of 20% indicates a greater level of dissatisfaction.
- PMV-PPD Relationship: The goal is to maintain PMV within a range
of -0.5 to +0.5 for optimal comfort, with a PPD of less than 20% to
minimize dissatisfaction.
2. OPERATIVE TEMPERATURE
- is the combined effect of air temperature and radiant
temperature on thermal comfort. It is the effective temperature of the
air in a space, combining the effects of air temperature and radiation
from surfaces.
- Operative temperature can be calculated as a weighted average of
air temperature and mean radiant temperature.
- This index is useful for spaces where the radiant temperature has a
significant influence on comfort (e.g., spaces with large windows,
exposed roofs, or heated surfaces).
3. EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURE
- is a simplified measure of thermal comfort that combines air
temperature, humidity, and air velocity into a single value.
- It gives an overall sense of how the environment feels to a person
and is based on empirical data.
- ET is commonly used in historical building design, especially for
areas where modern PMV or PPD indices may not have been available.
4. UNIVERSAL THERMAL CLIMATE INDEX (UTCI)
- is a more recent and internationally recognized index used to evaluate
outdoor thermal comfort. It considers air temperature, humidity,
wind speed, and solar radiation, providing a more comprehensive
evaluation of outdoor comfort.
- UTCI is especially useful in regions with fluctuating outdoor
temperatures, like tropical areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The index is scaled from very cold to very hot, with intermediate
categories for comfortable and slightly uncomfortable conditions.
-
 Analysis of Comfort in the Built Environment

1. MEASURING COMFORT IN DESIGN

Site and Climate Analysis:

- To ensure comfort, architects must analyze the local climate and
microclimate, using data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and
solar radiation.
- Tools such as Climate Consultant and Ecotect can help simulate
comfort conditions in different climates and adjust designs accordingly.

Use of Climate Data:

- Collecting and analyzing climatic data (including wind patterns, solar
exposure, rainfall, etc.) is essential for designing climate-
responsive buildings that enhance comfort.
- The data can inform decisions about building orientation, shading
strategies, and the placement of openings to maximize natural
ventilation.
2. DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING COMFORT

Passive Cooling Strategies:

- Natural Ventilation: Designing openings, vents, and airflow pathways
to take advantage of prevailing winds.
- Shading: Using overhangs, pergolas, and shading devices to block
direct solar radiation.
- Thermal Mass: Using materials that absorb heat during the day
and release it at night, maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
- Green Roofs: These can reduce indoor temperature and provide
insulation while improving air quality.

Building Orientation and Form:

- Proper orientation to maximize daylight and minimize direct
sunlight penetration, reducing solar heat gain.
- The building form should facilitate cross-ventilation and airflow,
ensuring that the indoor temperature remains comfortable.

3. CASE STUDY: THERMAL COMFORT IN TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE

Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut):

- In tropical climates, the Bahay Kubo is an example of architecture that
inherently responds to thermal comfort principles.
- Raised platforms keep the living area above the humid ground,
promoting ventilation.
- Thatched roofs and wide eaves protect from the sun and heavy
rainfall while promoting air circulation.
- The open floor plan and the use of local materials help maintain
comfortable indoor temperatures without the need for mechanical
cooling.
-
 Tools for Comfort Analysis

SOFTWARE TOOLS
- Ecotect Analysis: Provides simulations of building performance,
helping architects predict and improve comfort conditions.
- EnergyPlus: A dynamic building simulation software that can model
thermal comfort and energy consumption based on environmental
conditions.
- Climate Consultant: A user-friendly software tool for climate analysis
and comfort evaluation. It generates graphs, charts, and
recommendations for designing buildings according to climatic data.

 Importance of Comfort in Tropical Design

- Enhancing Quality of Life: In tropical climates, thermal comfort is
critical for the well-being of occupants. It influences health,
productivity, and overall comfort in a space.
- Sustainability: By understanding and applying comfort indices,
architects can design buildings that are energy-efficient and reduce
the reliance on mechanical cooling systems, contributing to
sustainable and resilient architecture.
- Adaptation to Climate: Understanding comfort indices and their
application allows architects to create designs that are adaptable
to varying tropical climates and their associated challenges (e.g.,
heat, humidity, rainfall).

Module 06: Thermal Stress

Thermal Stress

Thermal stress is related to thermal comfort, which looks at how solar

radiation, air movement, and humidity affect people, such as
military personnel in training or athletes during competitions.

Solar Control

“...utilizes beneficial sunshine for passive heating, day lighting and

minimizes liabilities of overheating through sun shading, orientation
and related fenestration designs.” (Szokolay 1980)

Sunlight

the total spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the

Sun. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through the atmosphere, and the solar
radiation is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon.

 Ways on How Energy Flow Can Be Transferred

1. CONDUCTION

- occurs when the material absorbed heat from the sun and the
materials transferred the heat to the materials in contact with it. It is
the transmission of heat through a medium from a region of
higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.

2. CONVECTION

- is the transfer of heat from one place to another by the flow of

molecules from one place to another. The flow of heat in fluids
 (liquid or gasses) can either be by natural convection, that is
movement of the molecules as a result of the heat energy they possess
(i.e. hot air rising) or forced convection which results from the
movement of fluids by pumps, fans or other movement caused by
external forces.

- occurs when heat transfer from hot material to the surrounding

air film. Another example for this process is the heat from the roof to
the ceiling cavities and the heat from the walls to the interior of the
building. the units are Watts/m Sq. deg C

3. RADIATION

- is the transfer of energy through space by electromagnetic

waves. Radiation travels through air and the rate of transfer of energy
is independent of the temperature of the air. The rate of radiation
transfer is measured in Watts/ sq. m.

- the rate of flow of radiant heat from the sun can be found from the
radiation overlay when it is placed over the sun path diagram.

- another heat process when hot object have a direct view of each other.
The sun usually emits solar radiation and thermal radiation.

4. EVAPORATION AND CONDENSATION

- is a change of phase of liquid materials to gaseous state. It can

be observed through surface evaporation of material by the help of
airflow and high temperature.

Solar Radiation Spectrum

- The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation striking the Earth's

atmosphere is 100 to 106nanometer (nm). This can be divided into five
regions in increasing order of wavelengths:

ULTRAVIOLET C OR (UVC) RANGE

- spans a range of 100 to 280 nm. The term ultraviolet refers to the
fact that the radiation is at higher frequency than violet light (and,
hence also invisible to the human eye). Owing to absorption by the
atmosphere very little reaches the Earth's surface (Lithosphere). This
spectrum of radiation has germicidal properties, and is used in
germicidal lamps.
ULTRAVIOLET B OR (UVB) RANGE

- spans 280 to 315 nm. It is also greatly absorbed by the atmosphere,

and along with UVC is responsible for the photochemical reaction
leading to the production of the Ozone layer.

ULTRAVIOLET A OR (UVA)

- spans 315 to 400 nm. It has been traditionally held as less damaging
to the DNA, and hence used in tanning and PUVA therapy for psoriasis.

VISIBLE RANGE OR LIGHT

- spans 400 to 700 nm. As the name suggests, it is this range that is
visible to the naked eye.

INFRARED RANGE

- spans 700 nm to 106 nm [1 millimeter (mm)]. It is largely

responsible for the warmth or heat that the sunlight carries. It is also
divided into three types on the basis of wavelength:

 Infrared-A: 700 nm to 1400 nm

 Infrared-B: 1400 nm to 3000 nm

 Infrared-C: 3000 nm to 1 mm.