Low energy architecture in the tropics: from design to building construction

TL;DR

This paper discusses a passive construction approach in Reunion, demonstrating climate-adaptive architecture that is cost-effective and recognized for its environmental design in a tropical wet climate.

Contribution

It presents a practical implementation of passive architecture in a tropical setting, integrating climate considerations from design to construction without added costs.

Findings

Passive design was successfully integrated at the design stage.

The project received an architecture climate award.

Cost remained comparable to traditional construction.

Abstract

This paper presents a realization of passive construction in Reunion, French Department in the Indian Ocean (southern hemisphere) submitted to a wet tropical climate. Aspects of passive construction were integrated at the design stage and this house does not present additional costs towards classical ones. This project was awarded a prize for architecture climate.