More and more people are aware of the need to save resources by building eco friendly houses. In cooler climates there are many eco friendly building methods that are becoming main stream.
Incorporating solar panels into the design of a house is one way of cutting heating bills and reducing carbon emissions.
But what considerations do you need to take into account when building an eco house in a tropical zone? Keeping the house cool, rather than warming it up, is one of the main considerations. Air conditioning is as expensive, if not more so, to run than heating and greatly increases a house's carbon foot print.
An architect with knowledge of airflows can design a house that takes full advantage of natural breezes to keep the house cool and uses light and shaded areas to full advantage.
The late, great architect Laurie Baker enshrined a set of principles which included the advise to "study and know local materials" and know how they perform and where to find workmen that understand their use. He also advised - "don't rob national resources" - they should not be used extravagantly or unnecessarily.
One of his main eco principles was the need to "study and know energy" used both in the transportation and the manufacture of materials and the need to reduce this wherever possible. You are also advised to "get your conscience out of the deep freeze" when designing and building.
If you have decided to build an eco friendly house in a tropical climate, you will want to find a set of house plans that conform to the principles of this revered architect. As the cost of land is generally high, you will also want to find a set of plans that maximize the use of the space available to give you a light, airy, naturally cool and easy to run home.
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