2. According to the Uniclass classifications,
‘elements’ are: ‘…multi-trade built objects,
made up of several systems, collectively
serving a common purpose.
4. o Foundation
o Plinth
o Walls, columns
o Sills, lintels and
chejjas
o Doors and
windows
o Floors
o Roofs
o Steps, stairs, and
lifts
o Finishing work
o Building services.
o Parapet
5. Foundations main functions and requirements are:
(a) Evenly and safely distribute the superstructure loads to the soil.
(b) it reduces the uneven and unequal settlement of the building.
(c) It minimizes the overturning possibilities of building due to lateral
forces.
(d) It provides a level surface for the construction of a superstructure.
o part of the structure that
transmits loads directly and
safely to the soil or underlying
rock.
o also called a substructure
6. Main functions of the plinth:
• transfer the superstructure load to the foundation.
• acts as a small retaining wall to keep the filling material just below the raised
floor level of the building.
• protect the building from dampness or moisture penetration.enhances the
appearance of the building.
A plinth beam is a structure
between the surface of the
surrounding ground and the
immediate surface of the floor (just
above the ground).
7. (a) It encloses the building area into separate compartments and provides privacy.
(b) It provides safety from insects and theft.
(c) Wall also works as an insulator for the
Vertical member of the building
and transfer the structure loads to
the foundation.
8. • It holds the window or glass in place.
• It protects the wall directly below the window by shedding away from the wall.
Chejja is the projection provided outside the wall to protect the door and windows
from the rainwater.
A window frame does not directly place
over masonry; instead, it is placed over 50
to 75 mm thick plain concrete. This
concrete course is called a sill. A sill serves
two purposes.
9. • Weather resistance
• Sound and thermal insulation
• Damp prevention and termite proof
• Fire resistance and durability
• Privacy and security
The doors are used to give access to
different rooms and to deny access
whenever required. Windows are
provided to get proper light and
ventilation in the building.
10. The primary function of a floor is to
provide a working/functional area and
support of occupants, furniture, and
equipment of a building.
11. Different kinds of roofs fulfil different
requirements such as:
• A sloping roof gives good thermal
protection and provides good air
circulation space.
• A flat roof gives provision for
additional floors and provides extra
comfort to the occupants.
• Roofs must be leaked-proof. The
sloping roof and A.C. sheet roof
provide excellent leak proofing.
The roof is the uppermost portion of
the building, whose primary
function is to enclose the space
12. Functions of the stairs:
• It gives means of communication for a one-
floor level to others on day-to-day use.
• Provide a way of escape in case of an
emergency like a fire.
Stairs are the structural component
consist of steps that gives
convenient access from the ground
floor to other floor levels
13. Function of finishing work is:
a) It gives a protective cover from sun, rain, and snow.
b) Finishing work gives a smooth surface and improves the aesthetic view of
the building.
c) To some extent, rectify the defective workmanship.
d) It cover-up unsound and porous material used in construction.
Some of the building portions like
the bottom of the slab, walls, and
top of the floor need smooth
finishing with plaster.
14. Some built-in movable or
immovable fixture which adds
considerable utility to the building
is called as utility fixtures.
15. Parapets are short walls extended
above the roof slab. Parapets are
installed for flat roofs. It acts as a
safety wall for people using the roof.
16. Tropical architecture is the design that focuses and responds to the
climatic conditions of the tropics. It studies the significant influences
that impact architecture in tropical regions and develops passive
strategies to lessen heat gain. It also encourages air movement
throughout the building, and it can also take various styles and forms.
The main reason for this is its design influence. It is the climatic and
environmental conditions of the tropics and not its appearance.
17. In tropical architecture, every building component like walls, doors,
and windows, can be purposefully located which results in fluidity of
space and light flowing in, out and around the building.
18. Water, exterior courtyards, open floor plans, white surfaces reflecting the
sun and shade are consistent elements of Tropical Design.
• Colorful skies and coastal water
blues reflect in the windows and off
the clean white exteriors
• Make use of the sunny reflections of
day and crystal glows of night
• Light colored walls aid in the
natural lighting as they reflect more
light and better illumination with the
natural light
• Skylights
19. • Verandas, covered walks, lanais and
canopies are incorporated to structures
to offset the heat.
• Incorporating extra-wide overhangs
and deep porches as shelters from the
sun and rain
• Careful selection and placement of
windows and glass doors invite natural
light indoors with the cool comfort of
shade.
• High walls around the property can be
installed to avoid the heat island effect
from non-shaded areas.
• Roof angles can control the amount of
sunlight that gets in the building
20. • Strategically located windows and large
sliding doors facilitate ventilation while
providing transparency, views, and
daylight.
• Expansive windows and sliding glass
doors provide cross-ventilation, promote a
seamless flow from indoors to outdoors,
and frame stunning views of the location
• Rooms separated from the corridor by
sliding doors allows air to circulate freely
when the doors are open.
• Staggered slats allow for ventilation even
when the doors are closed.
21. • Skylights with a sliding glass pane on
the topmost part of all the doors also
allows air movement
• Having vents in the roof cavity to help
draw out heat coming from the rooms
in the building
• Some architectural designs will have
openings on top of clerestory windows
as well as staircases to promote air
change.
• High ceilings to incorporate the
concept that hot air rises and cool air
goes down.
22. • Landscaping with surrounding garden:
Trees, grass and shallow pools are
used to create a cooling effect.
23.
24. Architecture is the expression of the
materials and methods of that time. It is
implied that the architecture of today
appears to be dictated in the
expressiveness of its form by modern
materials and methods. "Essential
truth" suggests an architecture that
results from the state of mind of an era
and that an architecture exists, takes
form, and is expressed only at that
very moment when a general evolution
of mind is accomplished.
25. Building materials form an integral part in
the field of architecture. The site selected
as well as the nature of the surroundings
determine the building type and choice of
building material. The type and form of
structure is determined by the type of
material used. The concept of ‘building
materials’ glorifies the endurance and
visual aspects of design. Not only does it
provide meaning but also enhances the
aesthetic quality of a building—
venustas(beauty) and firmitas(structure).
CARRIOS
26. In designing a tropical structure, the materials play an important role in achieving
the goals and design features of the building as well as the structure and function of
the building. The characteristics of materials are important in expressing design
techniques, the properties of their composition (e.g., structure, weight, durability)
and the way they are used in structure. Their properties may be expressed and
interpreted by the treatment of the surface, and their use may be expressed by
emphasis on the dimensions and joining of the building units into which they are
formed.
27. Heavyweight
or Mass Walls
Heavyweight or mass walls usually consist of solid material. These include
concrete, adobe, rammed earth, or masonry units such as concrete blocks, bricks or
stone. They can be covered with a plaster or render or can be left exposed.
Known for having a high thermal mass. Mass or heavyweight materials such as
concrete, stone and brick can collect and store large amounts of heat energy.
28. Lightweight or Framed Walls
Lightweight or framing wall
construction typically uses wood or
light gauge steel members. The
frame is the structural element and
transfers the loads from the roof
down to the foundation. Cladding
covers the frame and functions as a
skin. EDORIA
29. In addition, exterior claddings
include wood, metal, vinyl, or
cement board sidings. Drywall or
plasterboard is a popular panelling
for inside, where it can avoid
contact with moisture.
Lightweight wall construction
tends to have a low thermal
mass. Hence, framed walls
tend to have a low capacity
for storing heat energy.
EDORIA
30. Lightweight or framed construction using
timber or metal framing is ideal for hot,
humid tropical climates.
Mass or heavyweight
walls are better in
temperate climates or
climates where the
temperature significantly
differs between the day
and night-time. Due to
their thermal massing
properties, they are ideal
for warming up your
home at night.
EDORIA
31. The following insulation materials are
good options in our hot, humid climate:
Spray Foam Insulation
There are two types of spray foam
insulation options to choose from open-
cell and closed-cell.
Open-cell foam is more
breathable and allows moisture
to pass through the building
without causing damage to other
areas. Open-cell spray foam in
humid climates should be used
on attics, walls, and roofs.
Closed-cell spray foam can be
used in basements and under
floorboards where damage is
more likely to occur from
outdoor moisture. Closed-cell
spray foam is also ideal for areas
of your building that could be at
risk of flooding.
EDORIA
32. Fiberglass
Fiberglass is made of small glass
fragments that are woven
together. This is a good
insulation method for humid
climates because it absorbs very
little water.
Mineral Wool
This is made in a similar way as
fiberglass, except it's made out of
volcanic rock, usually basalt.
.
EDORIA
33. Flexible elastomeric
This is a great material to use for
plumbing and ductwork. It keeps
moisture away from the pipes
and vents to prevent any
damage there. It prevents
condensation and is resistant to
dirt.
Cellular glass
This lightweight and durable
insulation is moisture resistant
and doesn't absorb water..
EDORIA
34. Constructing Roofs for
Tropical Climates
• Choosing a roofing contractor
• roofs with Light colours
• Installing reflective insulation under your roofing material.
• Installing vents or whirlybirds to allow hot air to escape
from your ceiling cavity.
• Insulating your ceiling with bulk insulation
35. Metallic Roofing
According to studies, metallic roofing can reflect up to 66
percent of the sun's energy away from the roof. Good quality
metallic roofing will cost more than some other materials.
When properly installed, metallic roofing stands up to extreme
weather conditions better than most other materials.
36. Concrete Roofing
Concrete is heavy and will resist being blown off the roof in
heavy winds. Concrete tiles can withstand winds of up to 193
kilometers per hour. Concrete reflects up to 77 percent of the sun's
energy away from the roof. White "S" shaped concrete tiles are even
more effective at reflecting heat. The best concrete roof tiles for
tropical climates may be flat tiles.
37. Slate Roofing Tiles
Slate is one of the oldest roofing
materials. It is a heavy material and slate tiles
are usually flat, which helps them stay put in
heavy winds. The downside to slate is that it
is an expensive roofing material. Slate comes
in a variety of colours, from greys to earth
tones. A light grey or earth tone will reflect
heat.
38. Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are used in hot
climates around the world. In general, terracotta tiles have low heat
absorption. Both the shape and colour of terracotta roofing tiles can
contribute to keeping your home cooler during the hot months.
Today's terracotta tiles are oven baked and have a protective coating
that helps reflect the sun's rays away from your roof. "S" shaped
terracotta tiles allow air to circulate, which helps prevent heat
capture.
39. Ceramic Roof Tiles
A white ceramic tile will reflect most
of the sun's heat energy away from the house. Ceramic tiles come in a
wide variety of shapes and in dozens of colours, including tiles that
appear aged. White ceramic tiles will reflect about 77 percent of the
sun's heat away from the house.
40. Membrane Roofing
Also called "rubber roofing,"
membrane roofing materials are actually made from Ethylene
Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). It is a relatively new type of
roofing material, but is able to stand up to harsh weather.
Membranes made from thin sheets are also used under conventional
roofing to help reduce heat transfer and shield the roof from water.
41. Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury Vinyl Tile is a good option for a hot climates flooring. It
comes in layers for durability. It holds up well to heat, damp
conditions, and high traffic. It's also versatile and can work for
different areas in your home like kitchens, basements, and even
areas prone to water, like bathrooms.
42. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is a human-made ceramic tile that withstands humid
climates very well. It has a low absorption rate of 0.5 percent,
making it essentially waterproof. In addition to withstanding
temperature changes and humidity with ease, tile floors are
also great for keeping your home cool.
43. Laminate
If you just live in a humid climate and are looking for budget-
friendly, durable floors for your living room, dining room, or
hallway, laminate flooring might be your answer.
Look for high-pressure laminate floors, which are made with a
special type of glue that minimizes moisture absorption.
44. Engineered Wood
Made from layers of different woods that have been glued
together, it is exceptionally strong and can withstand both heat
and humidity. To make it more resistant to scratches and moisture,
the latest engineered wood is impregnated with acrylic.
45. Bamboo
Bamboo is durable, easy to clean and maintain, and resistant to
scratches and humidity. It is as durable as hardwood.
Bamboo is slightly more expensive than other flooring options.
However, if you want something that will withstand pets, children,
and humidity, bamboo flooring is recommended.
