Response Vernacular Architecture to Hot-Humid in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Southeast Asia lies within a tropical humid zone characterized by persistently high temperatures, high relative humidity, and abundant rainfall caused by monsoon influences. These climatic factors have profoundly shaped dwelling patterns and the evolution of vernacular architecture, which embodies the accumulated environmental wisdom of local communities. This research investigates how vernacular houses adapt to tropical humid climates through a comparative analysis of five case studies from three countries: the Galare Phayawong House in Thailand’s mountainous north, the Nang Somporn House on the upland plateau of Northeastern Thailand, the Central Thai House in the lowland plains, the Tok Su House along the Malaysian coast, and the Batak House in Indonesia’s island region. Together, these cases represent key geographical settings across the region—mountainous, upland, lowland, coastal, and island environments. Findings reveal that Southeast Asian vernacular houses employ fundamental passive strategies for thermal and moisture control, including steeply pitched roofs for heat dissipation, raised floors to minimize ground humidity, and multiple openings for natural cross ventilation. However, the specific applications of these strategies vary according to topography, local materials, and community lifestyles. The synthesis indicates that these architectural features function collectively as an integrated system for managing heat, humidity, and air circulation, thereby promoting thermal comfort and sustainability. This vernacular knowledge provides valuable insights for contemporary architectural design responsive to tropical humid environments.