Living in the tropics is not what a lot of people expect. Firstly its not as hot as you would think. In fact its unusual for summer maximum temperatures to be over 32c and night temperatures are rarely higher than 28c. For two thirds of the year 26-28c days and 19-24c nights are the norm. Humidity is what gets most new comers to the tropics. It seems to cling to you and makes you feel sticky and uncomfortable, yet, this same humidity is what can cool you quite naturally. The trick is air flow. Add a breeze and that same humidity can effectively work like an evaporative air conditioner.

A large part of the Cairns population has come north to the tropics from southern latitudes. Drive around the newer suburbs and you will see their houses. They are the ones the same as you would see anywhere else in Australia. Small windows and doorways, minimal outdoor areas, low ceilings and big expensive air conditioners. These houses are hot and still and stifling in summer. Expensive air conditioning is essential in this type of house.

On the other hand take a drive around the older areas and look at the traditional old Queenslanders. High set for flow through breezes underneath, wide verandahs, lots of louvres and casement windows, french door into most rooms from the verandahs. All designed to direct the constantly blowing trade winds through the house. Add to this the high ceilings and large fans and you have natural cool no cost air conditioning.

Large Silky Oak family home and lush tropical gardens

When we started the design process for our home we listed all of the things that the old timers did to keep their homes cool. Then we went about working them into the design of a modern tropical home.

Firstly by positioning the home in a corner of the creek we were able to take advantage of the breeze blowing through the rainforest and across the cool waters of the creek from both the NE or SE. These are the two directions that the trade winds can come from throughout the year. Green areas around the house help to further cool the air.

Designed to encourage airflow this stylish timber house has one long central hallway open at each end with 5 metre high ceilings and louvre skylights. Almost all windows have louvre panels below timber casement windows positioned to catch the prevailing winds. The living areas and main bedroom have five sets of large timber fully opening double doors leading onto the wide verandahs.

Outdoor living in the tropics is the perfect way to utilise the climate. The large living/ dinning/ kitchen area leads straight onto the rear verandah through the multiple french doors. Combine this with the floor to ceiling glass and 5 metre high ceilings and the effect is to bring the outside inside so to speak.

Ideal tropical living

This quality house has three double size bedrooms with full built-ins plus a study / 4th bedroom. Added to this are the generous bathroom, en suite and laundry. All interior areas are tiled and the verandahs are covered with cool slate.

The entire house is finished with exotic silky oak timber, long regarded by the old timers as one of the best timbers for the tropical conditions because of its great weathering abilities. The house has been build to stringent category 1 rating, the highest strength rating. The concrete slab sits on full 900mm deep foundations with termimesh and full chemical treatment for complete termite protection. Timber wall frames are 125 x 75mm f16 rated hardwood with the wall studs checked into both the top and bottom plates for strength.

This is a house built to stand the test of time and designed to suit the tropical climate. It is an extremely livable home.
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