Photo by One Handy Haole

Who knew that design could be adaptable to certain climates on an extreme level? Such is the essence of tropical architecture, a timeless design that focuses on openness, ventilation, and insulation.

Tropical architecture was meant to cater to tropical climates. It uses the design to optimize the temperature and energy consumption. However, tropical architecture is not a new concept compared to the sustainable “green architecture” practices today.

It has been a pre-existing type of construction that primarily focuses on elevating living spaces. This architectural style is predominant in (obviously) tropical countries, especially in the Asia Pacific. People first assumed this style under a particular aesthetic. It’s usually thought of as traditional, primitive houses with vernacular materials.

However, it’s fitting. Traditional housing responds remarkably to its surroundings, especially during extreme weather conditions like typhoons, heavy rain, and hellish heat. Despite the supposed primitive look, we cannot deny that the tropical vernacular construction style boasts a deep understanding of its environment. With tropical architecture being a design staple, you need experts handling home remodeling, house deck installations, and repairs. That is where One Handy Haole comes in.

Elevate the tropical experience with One Handy Haole!

One Handy Haole is a home remodeling contractor in Makawao specializing in home remodeling projects. They are a company that puts the best customer experience as an integral part of the design process. And with Hawaii offering a cyclical environment full of hot and humid weather, they are the best contractors that get any tropical construction job done.

Say less if you want a deck or lanai done in your home. One Handy Haole provides the best materials, resulting in a traditional, time-tested style unique to every homeowner. They will surely deliver with their well-equipped work and expert artisans for your peace of mind.

Outstanding features of tropical design

The hustle and bustle of life made us want a more peaceful and slowed pace of living. The desire to be closer to nature is stronger than ever, and tropical architecture usually responds. Here are some of the outstanding features that make up the free and natural beauty inspired by the tropical lands:

Open space

As the most prominent feature in tropical design, an open space layout equally opens more potential for a sense of connection in the spaciousness of it all. Through an open-plan layout, homes feel more unrestricted and airy due to the absence of excessive divisions like walls, partitions, and columns in-between spaces. Especially in airy rooms like the lanai, an open-plan layout keeps the air flowing.

Having an open space in your home also welcomes the sun into it, so you save more energy by only using artificial lighting at night. Access to natural light also gives more charm to the home, creating a warm atmosphere without the blockages that typically exist in houses full of walls.

Bold accent colors/decorations

In tropical architecture, color is still a significant influence in residential design. Remember that tropical countries’ cultures are bursting with bold and bright colors. That is one of the striking qualities of this architectural style. Such vibrancy can be translated into the home’s designs; they don’t just look like the common brown/white/green combination. Loud colors that are strategically placed are also welcome.

Glass and wood

It wouldn’t be tropical architecture without the dominant wood and glass sprawled as the primary surface of the home. These features are a main priority that blends the interior and exterior spaces. Together, they create a harmonious environment where nothing is a barrier. Other than that, a glass wall and wooden slat system significantly reduce heat from the sun and effectively blocks outside noise.

Glass and wood are commonly used in areas like the lanai to evoke a natural look and feel. The ultimate purpose of adding these materials is to address the surrounding tropical climate. It aims to also make the lanai and the rest of the home as thermally comfortable as possible. With strategic placement, the house will only need a bit of mechanical ventilation, like HVAC systems, to maintain a cool temperature since tropical architecture best keeps the heat at bay.

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