Modern Tropical House: Elevating Traditional Tropical House on Thermal Building Performance Due to Environmental Issue

Abstract

Traditional tropical architecture is built using local materials by applying passive design strategies to fix heat problems so the occupants feel comfortable and protected. Over the years, climate change causes rising temperatures and modernization causes the aesthetic element to become important in urban areas. Modern Tropical is a design trend that is now developing after the era of modern minimalist trends which not only tried to solve the heat problem but also the aesthetic problems of tropical architecture. This research aims to evaluate thermal performance in the modern tropical-style house in response to climate change and also how they adapt and modify traditional tropical architectural elements to improve their thermal performance by using the simulation method with the assistance of ECOTECT software. The results showed that houses that adapted and modified elements of traditional modern tropical homes up to 95%, showed better thermal performance. That house can provide thermal comfort for 7 hours and only 31% of percent dissatisfaction. Elements of roofs, openings, sun shading, and local material coatings on traditional architecture are elements that can be adapted and modified in modern architecture. So, tropical architecture no longer looks old fashioned but more stylish while responding to environmental issues.