Cover An external view of the Baja, California home that's created to withstand climate change (Photo: Rafael Gamo)
An external view of the Baja, California home that's created to withstand climate change (Photo: Rafael Gamo)
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Architect Arturo Ponce de León Gowdy shares the best way to push home design move forward amid climate change
It can be overwhelming for homeowners to navigate the impacts of climate change on their homes. Nonetheless, this is not an issue that they have to tackle alone. Relying on the community for support is key to ensuring that their spaces can withstand extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, floods, hurricanes and droughts. By relying on improved insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and durable materials, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption while keeping their homes safe for future generations.
For Arturo Ponce de León Gowdy, co-founder of Ponce de León Barragán Arquitectos, the key to resilience is balancing aesthetics and sustainability. Tatler sits down with him to gain his insights on building and maintaining climate-resilient homes, as seen in his recent project in Baja, California in collaboration with RN Interior Design.
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Above An aerial view of the Baja, California home
An aerial view of the Baja, California home
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What key architectural elements make a home resilient to extreme weather conditions?
The structural elements matter most. It's important to work closely with a structural engineer who understands the codes and potential seismic forces and climatic events that a home should be able to withstand. They should also consider external material selections that are resilient and respond to all variables of climatic events.
How do you incorporate local climate data when designing a home?
Most of our homes are in the desert. The trajectory of the sun at various times of the year is indispensable to provide a welcoming shade, typically with pronounced overhangs and cross ventilation that take advantage of prevailing winds.
Can you share examples of materials that are particularly effective for homes in tropical climates?
Resilient materials such as formed concretes, stone claddings, local limestones and stuccos do well in both tropical and desert settings.
Above An external view of the Baja, California home
Above An internal view of the Baja, California home
An external view of the Baja, California home
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How do you balance aesthetic design with functional climate adaptation in your projects?
The project should respond to and mediate both. The overhangs mentioned above provide shade. But they also provide an elegant clean line that, alongside heavy vertical walls, create the spatial compositions that we are continually striving to provide alongside the requirements of our clients.
What are the most common misconceptions homeowners have about climate-resilient architecture?
Homes with desirable settings and views are oftentimes at highly exposed vulnerable locations also, there is an increased amount of risk consideration that should be considered when selecting a location to design and build a home. Climate change is only making the consideration for the selection of resilient materials and matters such as storm ratings for windows. Storm protection systems are even more important.
How is smart technology transforming the way homes adapt to changing weather conditions?
Thinking about power consumption, surely a smart home will manage matters such as lighting and heat intrusion in a much more efficient manner.
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A view of the pool in the Baja, California home
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What role do IoT (Internet of Things) devices play in making homes more energy-efficient and climate-responsive?
These devices can foresee climatic events. For example, they can prepare a home to shield and block off direct sunrays to lower operational costs.
Can you discuss any recent innovations in building technology that are helping homes adapt to extreme weather?
Multiple construction systems aim to provide more durable and insulated walls. There are also imitation wood materials that are maintenance-free. Finally, off-grid systems in solar panel and battery technologies are rapidly evolving as well.
What do you foresee as the future of adaptive homes facing climate change?
The main concern will be shifting the marginal communities in both high-risk desert and tropical coastlines in developing countries that, at best, lean on vernacular architecture practices. But these will require adaptation through design to mitigate matters such as seawater rise, stronger winds and a hotter climate.
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Credits
Images: Rafael Gamo
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
