Our teams (5C) review of team 4C

Team 4C - Hot, Humid Climate
Matt
Design 1 - general form cubic which was successfully broken up by various elements to make it an interesting design.
- canti-levered roof which would protect the building from much of the heat from the suns rays. The canti-levered roof was incororated into the designs aesthetics very well.
- His vents at various heights of his building was a great idea to allow the cooler air flow through the bottom vents and when heated flow out the higher vents.
One thing I was a little sceptical of was his extensive use of glass. I didn't believe it was the most appropriate material in the climate. Despite being covered by the canti-levered roof and being glazed still has poor thernal qualities and would not do anything in terms of lowering the interior humidity which would be a major factor in the comfort of the inhabitants.

Design 2 - here Matt was working on a complex canti-levered roof
- aesthetically, his patterns on the walls created by various different tints of glass was very interesting but its practicallity may be another issue but may be worth developing further.
- his design was raised from the ground via stilts, which I think is probably the best option for the climate. This will allow for a ventilation under the building and will raise the building off the often moist ground.

Colin
Design 3 - Colin researched some of the climatic aspects and designed his building to suite these conditions.
- He placed his windows in appropriate positions to suite the suns path which was good
- He talked about using vines and other plants as a means of protecting the building from the elements which we thought was a pretty good idea possibly worth researching further.

Design 4 - This design was thoughtfully orientated so the sun hits little wall area.
- His curved roof was also a great idea as it is very good in hot climates giving the hot air more height to rise, hence further away from the occupants. As apose to flat roofs which accept most of the suns rays for most of the day the curved roof ensures that different parts of the roof will be shaded throughout the day.

Design 5 - This design had an outdoor, shaded area which we thought was a good idea and the building was raised off the ground which we think is a winner.

Design 6 - Orientated to suite the conditions allowing the SE breezes to keep the interior cool.

Design 7 - Adopted the canti-levered roof with his windows setback in the thick walls. The setback windows were multifunctional and couls be used as a chair or bed which we thought was a good idea.

Design 8 - In this design the whole structure is enwrapped by balconies which allow a good sized space for outdoor activities. This design also provided good shading for the building.

Overall Team C4 showed a good understanding of the climate and their designs were created accordingly. As with all teams our understanding of climate is limited as we have not studied any environmental subjects. Team C4 have made a very good start and it is just a matter of further research to decide the most appropriate solutions. Most of the designs were very rectilinear and it would have been good to see something a bit more out there and organic at this early stage but that's perhaps just my personal preferance.

Anyway a strong start and we are all keen to see the end solution.