Tropical House & Garden Magazine

17/02/2024

Looking after a cat in the tropics is no different than any other part of the world - with one important difference. In the tropical heat, cats can suffer from dehydration much more easily than in cooler climates. Therefore it's important to know how to recognise the signs of dehydration and be aware of ways to help keep your cat cool and encourage them to drink more water.

Ensuring that a cat doesn’t get dehydrated is the main difference between looking after a cat in the tropics compared to temperate climates.

15/02/2024

An interesting video about rice production in Thailand. Rice is produced in most tropical countries but Thailand has it down to a fine art to the extent that it not only satisfies domestic demand, but is able to export around 30 million tones per year.

06/02/2024

Many home owners in tropical countries like to have an outdoor kitchen. In some countries they are called 'dirty kitchens' because that's where frying and barbecuing is undertaken so as to keep smoke and smells out of the main house. Here are some design ideas for outdoor kitchens collated from various Facebook groups.

20/01/2024

Most Filipino food is not spicy, but this country's iconic pork belly stew known as Bicol Express is an exception. Whilst pork is the usual protein content, it can also be made with chicken, and there are various vegetarian versions as well. For those living in other parts of the world interested to try this dish, here's how prepare it. As is often the case in tropical countries, there are many regional variations of this dish, so try substituting ingredients if any are not locally available.

When it comes to food, I love consuming spicy dishes. My spice tolerance is quite decent, maybe slightly above the norm for a Filipino, so I won’t skip out on having Bicol Express for either lunch or dinner every chance I get. This is a spicy meat dish that takes inspiration from the Philippines.....

11/01/2024

In the face of the expanding and thriving urban developments in Vietnam today, designing houses in limited spaces while meeting diverse functional needs poses a challenging task for architects. SkyGarden House, a townhouse in Nha Trang City, located in Central Vietnam, (a region characterized by a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons) was constructed on a non-square 100 sq m plot of land. This presented a challenge in the design process but the resulting structure is a magnificent and unique tropical home.

Completed in 2023 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Images by Hiroyuki Oki. Naturalizing Living Spaces for Urban Townhouses. In the face of the expanding and thriving urban developments in Vietnam today, designing houses...

05/01/2024

Escaping the hustle and bustle of tropical São Paulo for the weekend is a way of life in the Brazilian megalopolis, not just for the wealthy, but for a large portion of the middle-class too, as many regularly make the two- or three-hour trek to second homes in the rolling countryside outside of the city or on the stunning beaches of the Litoral Paulista. But for Brazilian architect Arthur Casas’ latest project, Pacaembu House, the client wanted something very different to the usual weekend getaway.

Pacaembu House by Arthur Casas is a São Paulo residence that feels like an idyllic escape

03/01/2024

In the serene landscapes of tropical South India, nature often permeates the walls of homes, lending a timeless charm to the space. Courtyard designs, in Kerala especially, morph into living, breathing extensions of the surrounding lush landscapes, becoming a magical architectural feature of contemplation. Here are five enchanting courtyard designs in Kerala homes that transform the indoors.

In these tranquil Kerala abodes, dreamy courtyards take centre stage—transforming the heart of the home to a verdant haven.

30/12/2023

This contemporary tropical home features Zen-inspired landscaping to create an ambiance that is a relaxing and calm sanctuary for the senses. The owners engaged a landscape architect to create an environment that is easy to maintain with a planting plan where native trees take precedence, draped and surrounded by large leaf tropical foliage plants to foster intimacy and connection with the surroundings.

This contemporary tropical home features Zen-inspired landscaping to create an ambiance that is a relaxing and calm sanctuary for the senses.

28/12/2023

Tropical living means having to deal with a range of household pests that thrive in hot and humid climates. Here are some tips to help you cope with these. Many are just commonsense, but it sometimes helps to be reminded about the best way to keep them out of your home so that you can enjoy all the benefits of being a resident of the tropics whilst living in harmony with these more pesky smaller co-residents.

Tropical living means having to deal with a range of household pests that thrive in hot and humid climates. Here are some tips to help cope.

25/12/2023

When the owner of this luxury tropical house inherited a piece of land from his grandfather, he decided to build a home for his family on it. While just a 40-minute commute away from the centre of Bangkok, Thailand, the 1.38-hectare land is a wild, tropical Eden with two aged banyan trees towering over wetlands. Enamoured by the beauty and heritage of the banyan trees, the design team decided to make it the highlight of the home (the project’s name Baan Sakihoo means ‘twin banyan house’ in Thai).

After inheriting a plot of land, the owner of this house created a sanctuary surrounded by nature for his family.

17/12/2023

From the outside, it looks like a typical single-storey suburban house in Kerala, India, but inside there are some surprises. It’s actually spread across two floors and features interior décor that is a blend of western neo-colonial and tropical styles suitable for the region’s hot and humid climate. Lush greenery all around, which acts as a natural shield against heat and dust, is a highlight. A single hall is set apart for family living and dining, and entry is available from both areas to the courtyard where easy-to-grow tropical plants like calathea have been planted.

While the building may seem single-storeyed from the outside, it has two floors and lush greenery all around, which acts as a natural shield against.House. home. construction. dream home. elegant green house. interiors. pleasant ambiance. layout. exterior. architecture

15/12/2023

Balconies are a space where boundaries between indoor comfort and natural beauty blur. They often end up being a cluttered space, but curated balcony designs can morph into charming retreats, exploring an alluring interplay of textures, colours and furnishings. From compact balcony designs in urban apartments to spacious decks flanking weekend retreats, here are seven balcony designs from tropical India that are worth checking out.

Bookmark these inviting balconies from the archives of AD India for your next redesign.

13/11/2023

You can live your whole life in the tropics and never see a Rafflesia in full bloom. That’s because despite them being the largest flowers in the world, they can only be seen in the wild in a few remote locations. As well, the buds of the Rafflesia plant take months and months to develop and the flowers only last for a few days, so even if you know where to find one, getting there when it’s in bloom is quite a timing challenge. Here are some places where you can see them.

The Giant Padma and the Co**se Flower are two of the most remarkable flowers to discover in the tropical jungles of Sumatra and Borneo.

10/11/2023

These are artists’ renditions of what the perfect wooden tropical house should look like. Common features include raised floors higher than the ground for ventilation and moisture. Balconies or patios for relaxation, and walls and window frames made of wood or other natural materials such as bamboo to enhance the tropical feel. The serene atmosphere is perfect for nature lovers.

09/11/2023

This contemporary tropical home in Nosara, Costa Rica, was built on a site with sweeping ocean views. In order to take full advantage of those views, the architect’s design approach centred on a simple geometric form that frames the views. By reducing architectural elements to their essentials, they focused on emphasising the visual bond between inhabitants and the surrounding natural beauty. The central atrium fosters a natural chimney effect, drawing away the warm air from the upstairs bedrooms, and ensuring continuous air circulation and optimal cross-ventilation in the home's communal spaces.

Completed in 2023 in Nosara, Costa Rica. Images by Andres Garcia Lachner, Sergio Pucci. Overview. In Nosara, Costa Rica, we present a modern tropical home defined by its clean lines that effortlessly frame breathtaking ocean views and...

05/11/2023

Tropical cuisines tend to use a lot of spices and condiments, some of which are quite pungent and may be an acquired taste for many. Here are some of the most common condiments from Southeast Asia where there are hundreds of local and regional variations of the most popular condiments. If you've not tried these before, take it easy on the first taste because they can overpower the flavours of your dish if used too heavily.

The tropical countries of Southeast Asia use a lot of pungent condiments in their cuisines. Here are some of the most flavorful to try.

05/11/2023

A fascinating look at how bamboo culms are turned into hard wearing and sustainable floor boards.

31/10/2023

This beautiful contemporary home in Thailand exudes tropical vibes through the prevalent use of Burmese teakwood. Earthy tones skim-coat the exterior walls, harmonizing with the wooden hues, while a cedar shingle roof crowns the structure. The first floor’s configuration boasts sliding doors for an open connection to the courtyard, fostering a close-to-nature ambiance. In contrast, the second level maintains a more private atmosphere with scaled-down wooden windows, ensuring privacy without compromising ventilation.

29/10/2023

This South Florida family engaged a landscape architect to transform their ordinary-looking suburban garden into a tropical sanctuary for local fauna and flora. As part of the process, an old avocado tree that had an awkward shape and lacked visual appeal was transformed into a landscape feature. The lawn area was reduced and replaced with ground-covers to attract bees and butterflies, and native plants were used wherever possible in the planting design. This type of 'garden rejuvenation' is a way of recognising that we are a part of the tropical ecosystem, and all species including us are in a symbiotic relationship with the environment.

Engaging a professional landscape architect, this Florida family turned their ordinary suburban garden into an attractive tropical sanctuary.

25/10/2023

Ryan and Damo are a young couple who moved from Bali to rural Thailand and built a small house with an outdoor kitchen suited to the tropical climate. It cost them on $22,500. They have no housing debt and their monthly utility bills are about $155. But the biggest challenge of living a rural life for the couple is finding new ways to make income. "You're still going to need money even if you go off-grid and build your own house in the middle of nowhere," Ryan said. He added that living off the land was more difficult than it seemed. So far, they’d only been able to produce about 35 percent of their own food.

Living a rural life taught the couple the importance of tracking all household expenses and finding new ways to generate income, they told Insider.

24/10/2023

This small resort in Bali features villas of an unusual design that raises the living areas of the accommodation to the tree-tops level. Those contemplating building a residence in a rainforest area may find some inspiration from this design. The architects said they wanted to create the feeling of a floating village amongst the trees with the "wild jungle at your doorstep".

Elevated walkways connect the treehouse-like bedrooms of the Lost Lindenberg resort in Bali, Indonesia by Alexis Dornier and Studio Jencquel.

21/10/2023

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to your home garden. They are easy to grow and offer a bountiful harvest, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. If you have limited space or poor soil conditions, growing sweet potatoes in soil bags is an excellent solution.

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to your home garden. They are easy to grow and offer a bountiful harvest, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. If you have limited space or poor soil conditions, growing sweet potatoes in soil bags is a…

21/10/2023

A road trip along the Thai side of the Mekong River from Khong Chiam in Ubon Ratchathani province to Chiang Khan in Loei province takes you through parts of Thailand’s Isan region that are not often visited by travellers from overseas. There are many scenic national parks to visit along the way, and a memorable (but somewhat dangerous) mountain climb in Bueng Kan province that can be tackled by travellers who can cope with the hot and humid tropical climate.

This five-day itinerary for a scenic road trip along the Thai side of the Mekong River from Khong Chiam in Ubon Ratchathani province in the south to Chiang Khan in Loei province in the north takes you through parts of Thailand’s Isan region that are not often visited by travellers from overseas.

12/10/2023

The Filipino pork blood stew known as 'dinuguan' is a dish well-liked by most residents of the northern and central regions of the tropical archipelago of the Philippines, but may not be to the taste of many Westerners, and definitely not vegetarians! But if you are into this type of food, here's the recipe for this traditional dish which you can also make with beef or chicken if you do not eat pork.

Dinuguan is the traditional Filipino pork blood stew. It may not be to everyone's taste, but for those who want to try it, here's the recipe.

08/10/2023

The coconut palm is known as the 'Queen of the Tropics' and the 'Tree of Life'. Why the latter name? That's because it can provide basic shelter, food and drink to sustain life if nothing else is available. It's actually quite amazing the many uses that the coconut palm has because there is no part of this majestic plant that can't be used to eat, drink or from which to make a range of practical products. Whilst coconut palms are not suitable for small gardens (because of the danger of falling nuts), they are useful to have on larger rural properties in the tropics.

The coconut palm is ubiquitous to most tropical countries. A popular vision of the tropics is lounging by the beach while drinking from a fresh coconut. But that’s not all a coconut palm is good for. For those living in tropical regions, the entire coconut palm can be indispensable to their lives....

21/08/2023

The Giant Elephant Ear plant (Alocasa macrorrhiza) is a striking and easy-to-grow foliage plant that can create some dramatic effects when landscaping the tropical garden. They are fast growing, so ideal for people landscaping a new garden in the tropics who want to give the garden an immediate tropical feel. Here are some growing tips to get your Giant Elephant Ear plants looking as lush and green as they are in the wild.

The Giant Elephant Ear plant, also known as Giant Taro, is an excellent landscaping plant to provide an instant tropical feel in new gardens.

25/07/2023

Sharing this post of a beautiful tropical home in Bhopal, India.

25/07/2023

Tiles are the most practical and hard-wearing flooring option in tropical homes. If you are about to build a new house or renovate an old house, then this guide to the types of floor tiles available should help you decide which ones to use. Whilst ceramic tiles are the most popular type because there are brands to suit all budgets, there are many other types of tiles ranging from natural stone to luxury vinyl that could be considered too. This guide helps to explain the pros and cons of each type.

Tiles are the best flooring option in the tropics, but how to choose between the many different types. This guide explains the differences.

24/07/2023

Mận hậu is a tropical plum that is grown in the highlands of Vietnam. When the mận hậu season is in full swing, it’s near impossible to stop snacking on these sweet and sour fruits if you’ve been bewitched by their flavours. It’s partly because they can be found at any fruit seller from supermarkets to street corners, but the main factor is probably because mận hậu is just so tasty. Its flesh has a juicy crunch, holding its texture better than other stone fruits. That heady mix of sweet and sour and tannin is so powerful that you might start salivating just looking at them.

There’s a kind of sweet, sour, and slightly tannic fruit that never fails to make our mouths water every summer. ...

16/07/2023

This Indian couple are proud to show off their brand-new tropical home in Payyoli at Kozhikod, Kerala. They built this house as a gift for their parents. The couple, who are settled abroad, wanted a simple yet classy house to make maintenance easier for their aged parents. In order to achieve the beautiful tropical vibe, a galvanised iron truss roof was installed over a flat roof. This helps in reducing the heat inside the house. The interiors are designed in a semi-open style with lots of internal gardens as the parents enjoy tending to plants.

Designed in 3300 sqft, this amazing mansion has a sit-out, formal living area, courtyard, dining area, kitchen and two bedrooms on the ground floor..house. dream home. construction. Tropical house. Payyoli. simple design. green courtyards. Kerala