Analysis for the Design of a Sustainable Housing Complex in Haiti

Abstract

This paper presents sustainable strategies for the design of a prototype sustainable housing complex in tropical climate that applies specifically to Haiti. The tropical climate zone is hot and humid with abundant rainfall and luxuriant vegetation growth. Despite its beautiful environment most of the countries in this zone are undeveloped and poverty manifests itself in different faces especially in poor housing condition. In this study, the history, geography, and culture of Haiti are analyzed in the context of family unit, community, and economic aspects. The climate conditions are also investigated in the context of residents’ comfort and energy savings. The construction materials appropriate for Haiti climate are explored. Rainwater harvesting and gray water reuses are discussed. Finally, sustainable design principles are proposed. Sustainable housing design refers to a strategy to plan and build a housing complex that uses efficient energy and water management while minimizing the overall adverse health and environmental problems. This means keeping the conventional comfort and environment conditions in housing by using natural sources of energy, like sun and wind, to provide natural heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and water management while contributing to a responsible natural resources use. The proposed guiding principles target to be utilized for the design of sustainable housing complex in Haiti located in a tropical climate.