From box to pavilion : variable enclosure as a strategy for making dwellings in Florida

Abstract

This thesis explores the design of dwellings which respond to the warm, humid climate of central Florida. The central hypothesis is that a house should change with the seasons; through the use of variable enclosure the house can close up into a mechanically conditioned "box" during uncomfortable weather and open up as a "pavilion" during pleasant conditions. The thesis begins with a brief explanation of some characteristics of Florida's climate. This is followed by a discussion of some dwellings which have also used the "box and pavilion" strategy. The major portion of this work presents a collection of reference patterns for creating dwellings for warm, humid climates; there are examples to show how these patterns were incorporated into my design exploration. Finally, the thesis closes with a brief review of the references and a comparison with the product of my design exploration.