The phrase urban jungle is rarely used positively. When you read those words, chances are you thought of concrete, brick and pavement – in other words, lifeless grey, nothing like an actual jungle, full of life, color and greenery. Could things be different? Absolutely! 

We humans are instinctively drawn to life and nature. There are strong arguments – from environmental, health and well-being perspectives – that we would benefit from bringing our urban environments closer to nature, including our homes, workplaces and schools. 

If you are building your dream home at LAT, you have probably realized there are a set of unique challenges you wouldn’t encounter if you were building in regular circumstances. The terrain, the weather and the humidity may be high-impacting elements 

Here are 4 tips that may make the building process a bit easier: 

Awnings on the windows

The structural awnings or awnings superimposed on the building prevent excess sunlight in the hottest hours, which will make for an overall cooler house. During rainy season, they will also be silent allies, protecting the house from water entering and allowing constant ventilation. 

Indirect sunlight

One of the things that you must take into consideration is humidity. It gets into every inch of the house and can damage articles, clothes and even the structure itself.  Allow indirect sun to enter humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries to naturally remove moisture. The use of ventilated skylights is ideal.

Crossed ventilation

Living in the Caribbean is a beautiful but hot dream. With the sun hitting all year around, houses tend to get hot even with proper AC systems at times. So that’s when smart design comes in: crossed ventilation allows the air to flow and reduces the thermal sensation inside the house. A good ceiling height, starting at 3 meters helps the layers of hot air to be above people.

Open areas

Avoid corners and unused spaces. A house that naturally flows will be a magnet for air currents and fresher rooms. Hidden and dimly lit places are the ideal place for jungle insects to become your domestic companion. Avoid materials that encourage nests, at least indoors. We can’t stress to you enough how much easier things will go if you have a good idea of what you want in your home before you start building.  Once things start moving it is a whirlwind of decisions being thrown at you daily.