The tropical modern home is one of the most popular residential architectural styles in many tropical regions. Tropical modern homes are designed to be more responsive to the climate. However, the design reflects the times and current construction technologies. If you admire a beautiful, clean home that has a tropical charm, a modern tropical house can be your choice.
What is Tropical Modernism?
Tropical Modernism combines the sleek lines of modernist architecture with the cultural and climate specifics of the locale. This style is known for wide open spaces, increased ventilation, and a focus on materials with cooling properties. Like modernism, it focuses on functionality and avoids ornamental forms. Tropical modern homes combine contemporary aesthetics with the ability to respond to the surrounding climate.
This is especially true for island homes where the architecture focuses on seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Large openings in multiple walls help to promote natural ventilation and also provide an opportunity to showcase the stunning tropical surroundings. Courtyards are another way to incorporate the environment and allow for cooling breezes to pass through the interior of the home.
As we see a shift towards sustainable building practices, Tropical Modernism could become more mainstream. With its emphasis on cooling and integration with the surrounding environment, it’s an architecture trend that’s here to stay.
Blending the clean-line aesthetic of modern architecture with tropical principles can create a high-performance house that’s perfectly suited to the warm and humid climate. Here are some characteristics of a tropical modern home:
Natural Materials
In tropical modern architecture, natural materials are used for the exterior and interior of homes. They are often combined with steel frames to explore a modern geometries. The colors used are inspired by nature like a white for clean beaches and green for rainforest and tropical gardens.
Using materials like stone, terracotta clay and wood for the ceilings, walls, doors and furnishings adds warmth to the interior and ties the home into its natural environment. These materials are also more sustainable than those made from synthetic substances, as they are typically locally sourced and don’t require the use of fossil fuels.
Open Space Layout
Open space layout is another key feature of tropical houses. Partitions are minimized and doors replaced by large glazed windows, connecting family members with the outdoors through glass walls. This also allows more sunlight into the indoor areas of the house, which reduces the need for artificial light sources.
High Ceilings
A high ceiling allows for air circulation and light, which help to cool the house. This is especially useful in a tropical climate where the sun shines brightly all year round, as it provides shade and natural ventilation. High ceiling acts as passive cooling. Since hot air rises, open spaces with high ceilings can allow breezes to circulate and cool all areas of the house.
Vibrant Colours
Typically, tropical modern homes use light shades for walls and ceilings with a deep, rich mahogany or jungle-inspired print accent. Ocean-themed artwork and landscape views of the tropics are also common where wall space is available. Incorporating vibrant colors like pinks and reds into a room or home will help create a more tropical feel. Natural or organic materials with a unique texture are also used in these designs, such as textured carpets and wicker furniture.
Large Roof Overhang
The large roof overhangs are also beneficial as they shield walls and windows from the sun’s direct glare. In addition, the use of reinforced concrete flat roofs reduces maintenance costs, allows for additional outdoor living space and withstands stronger storms like hurricanes.
Outdoor Space
In tropical modern homes, open living areas extend outside into porches, gardens and breezeways that connect interior and exterior spaces. This creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space. These uncovered spaces help to cool the house by drawing in prevailing tropical breezes and provide a sheltered retreat from direct sunlight and summer rains. This landscape design that blends with architecture to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Shading
Shade is also a priority in tropical homes. Deep porches, verandas, and covered walks are designed to shield against the sun. You can also add timber screens like brise soleil (slatted or louvred) are commonly used for shading as they allow indirect light and natural breezes to pass through. Tall tropical trees are also incorporated to provide additional shade and shelter from wind.