The Dry House Weekly - Week 4

Welcome back to The Dry House Weekly. In the last edition, we explored how the external envelope — cladding and roofing — protects the home while breathing naturally in a tropical climate. This week, we focus on the doors and windows, the vital connectors between indoors and outdoors.

In The Dry House, their design is not just about material choice or installation method — it’s deeply influenced by how the villa is laid out and how it interacts with its climate.

Phase 4: Openings

1. Design Strategy – Shelter First, Seal Second

In many modern homes, doors and windows must be extremely weather-tight because they are the first line of defense against rain, heat, and wind. But the Dry House turns this thinking inside out.

• External ventilated corridors wrap around the villa, creating a buffer zone between interior spaces and the outdoors.

• Fixed and operable louvers provide continuous sun shading while allowing air movement.

• Deep roof overhangs and bamboo lattice panels stop heavy rain from hitting the walls directly.

This means the openings themselves are less exposed, reducing the need for heavy-duty weatherproofing while improving natural ventilation.

2. Doors – Prefabricated & Climate-Smart

Because openings are sheltered, the doors can be lighter in construction and focus more on thermal and visual comfort than extreme sealing.

Types of Doors Used:

• Main Entry Door: Engineered bamboo slab with concealed steel reinforcement, factory-finished with weather-resistant oil.

• Interior Doors: Lightweight bamboo-panel doors for ease of installation.

• Sliding Terrace Doors: Aluminum frame with laminated bamboo infill, connecting living areas to verandas.

Dry Installation Method:

• Frames mechanically anchored to the structure using bolts and screws.

• No grout or adhesives — alignment achieved with adjustable shims and compressible gaskets.

3. Windows – Ventilation as a Design Priority

Because of the shaded perimeter, most windows can be designed to stay open safely during rain, providing constant fresh air.

Types of Windows:

• Louvered Panels (aluminum or bamboo frames) for maximum airflow.

• Casement Windows for bedrooms, oriented to capture breezes.

• Fixed Glazing Panels for key view corridors, still shaded by overhangs.

Dry Installation Method:

• Factory-assembled frames fixed with brackets and screws.

• EPDM gaskets for sealing without wet sealants.

• Frames recessed into the shading zone, extending service life.

4. Performance in a Tropical Climate

By integrating climate-responsive architectural features before choosing door and window specifications, The Dry House:

• Reduces reliance on high-spec, fully weatherproof glazing.

• Improves indoor comfort through cross-ventilation.

• Minimizes maintenance since openings are less exposed to UV and rain.

• Keeps all systems fully demountable and replaceable.

Next Week: Phase 5 – MEP Systems. We’ll explore the off-grid mechanical, electrical, and plumbing strategies — including split-unit cooling for bedrooms, ceiling fans in living spaces, solar power with battery backup, and rain/grey water systems — all designed for dry installation with minimal site impact.