WALLS – Tropical Patterns

OPEN BLOCK/BRICK WALLS CAN BE USED TO EQUATOR SIDE OF BUILDING IF SHADED. THIS BRINGS IN LIGHT, BUT REDUCES HEAT
Decorative, open blocks and bricks laid with open areas are common in Africa and allow airflow and dappled light while shading out most of the intense heat.

WALLS WITHIN SOLID ANTI TERMITE WALLS CAN BE LIGHTWEIGHT AND REPLACEABLE SUCH AS BAMBOO OR LOCAL MATTING
Light walls using local materials can be sacrificial and be replaceable to keep initial costs down.

MUDBRICK AND RAMMED EARTH CAN BE CONSIDERED IF BASE OF CEMENT BLOCKS IS MADE TO RESIST WATER INGRESS
Mud Bricks and rammed earth erode with rising damp so lower blocks to be water impermeable.

MUDBRICK AND RAMMED EARTH NEED GOOD RAIN SPLASH COVER IN THE TROPICS
Wide eaves are needed to eliminate rain splash on earth walls. Also consider a small percentage cement to rammed earth blocks for stability.

INTERNAL WALLS CAN BE LOUVRES THAT OPEN DURING DAY FOR AIRFLOW AND CLOSE AT NIGHT FOR PRIVACY
Louvres or french folding doors can be used to divide and opened during the day, but closed during the night for privacy. Night time air flow will be restricted though.

INTERNAL WALLS CAN ALSO BE SCREENS FOR SHADING, PRIVACY, BUT MAINTAINING AIR FLOW
Internal dividers of space need not be solid walls. Screens can allow privacy, but still be social, and maintain air flow.

ADD INSULATION TO EXTERNAL LIGHT WEIGHT WALLS EVEN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS
Wall insulation in the tropics is not needed like in temperate climates, but can be added to even out temperatures a little. Slightly less heat is transferred in during the day and less heat lost during the months of cooler tropical nights.