…on Tropical Architecture

From my perspective as an architect, great Architecture transcends more than just form. The architect uses form, positive and negative space, to manipulate light and air to create experiences.

As a residential architect, tropical homes celebrate the subtleties of the climate. Their forms are used to funnel the breezes, capture the sun and protect from the wind and rain. The outdoors is the home’s principal room. The edges between indoors and outdoors are blurred.

We have studied the history of these regions, to discover the things that have worked over time. Operable louvers, known as jalousies, serve as natural air conditioners. All materials for all surfaces have a function beyond beauty.

This is true of all tropical residences whether it be Florida, the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Done well, it converts what may be looked at as style into a climatic lifestyle.