Tommy L

Im designing some houses in the tropics and have been informed i need a roof pitch of 22 degrees minimum because of the monsoon. Ive done it at 18 degrees at the mo' and really dont want to change it. I know theres a few architects that use this forum that will have designed in the tropics (this ones in Goa, India) and i just wondered what their opinion is.The eaves have massive overhangs so i dont see the problem. Help would be very much appreciated.
Cheers, Tom.

edri

Just something to share,

Massive Overhangs is not the issue. If you are using roof tiles or slade, rain water might slip through between the overlapping tiles at a low pitch angle. 18 is considered low. Moreover, high angle pitch provides bigger volume roof space, hence, natural cooling. In Malaysia, 22 -23 degree is acceptable since high density rain comes in at an angle at high speed.If you are not using tiles, say metal sheet roofing, then theres no problem, i guess.

Videha

hi tommy

i lived and build 20 years in india
first overhang is not the mayor issue
ventilation / and rain are. you have 100 % humitity
and rains of 50 mm/hour and more, so to get rid of the water
and have good crossventilation is most important
i have seen many working flat roofs. metal as in australia is rarely used tiles are not of very good Quality.I would very carefully listen to the local Architect and follow their local experience. also think about condensation if the houses are
Aircontitioned 100 % Humitity at 35 degrees exteriore
and inside 22 d is a mayor proplem dampness condensation on the inside of the walls and windows

hope its of some help

Sawyer

You are very lucky. I traveled in Goa & it is one of the neatest places I have been. I hope you get site visits. Post pictures if you can.

Do keep in mind that the monsoons are very severe. Design to them and the worst case conditions but do seek local experiance it will trump everything else.

Tommy L

Much appreciated guys. Its a long time since i was at school and i wasnt considering wind driven moisture (thqnks edri). Cross ventilation is all sorted, minimum ceiling heights are 3m, going up to about 6.5m max. Have used modelling all through the design process so will post some images in WIP.
PS, yep, site visits and progress visits included