U p w a r d – A i r f l o w V e n t i l a t i o n S y s t e m
763
Figure 1. Typical Panama Canal House – Tropical
weather (Johnson 1995)
Figure 2. Typical First Floor Plan
(Johnson 1995)
Figure 3. Tropical House main architecture features
Figure 4. Typical Second Floor Plan
(Johnson 1995)
The upward natural ventilation system is presented and the interaction between both of
its architectural components, the sawtooth roof geometry and the on-floor air diffuser by
a naturally pressurized plenum is discussed. Finally, the potential to increase ventilation
rates in spaces with limited cross ventilation (see fig. 5), leading the internal air stream to
the zone of occupancy, increases layout flexibility, especially in long and narrow-low rise
buildings, all by natural driving forces is pointed out as one of the advantages of this
system. It will be discussed in more detail in section 3.
1.1. Tropical weather and environmental variables
High humidity near 100% and constant rain, high insulation levels and temperatures
between 23°C and 33°C are some of the environmental forces and figures of the tropical
weather, in regions such as Panama city. The wind is another natural force with an
usually high percentage available for achieving thermal comfort by natural ventilation.
Exploiting the pressure distribution developed at the house envelope is an important
issue in the house design process. Thus, ventilation systems must be designed to
ensure that wind effects and stack action complement each other (Liddament 1996)
(Allard & Santamouris 1998).
