How climate drives every design decision at +EMA

Koh Tao has two seasons: wet and dry. Both are hot. Designing well here means working with both, not designing for one and tolerating the other.

The dry season (November–April)

Northeast winds are reliable. We orient buildings to capture them. Overhangs are calculated to block high-angle sun while allowing lower morning and afternoon light to enter. Pools are positioned to catch the breeze across the water surface.

The wet season (May–October)

Rainfall can be intense. Drainage paths, roof pitch, overflow channels, and surface grading are all calculated for peak wet-season flow, not average conditions. We have seen poorly designed drainage destroy finishes and foundations within two wet seasons.

Year-round considerations

Salt air, humidity, UV index, and tropical insects affect every material specification we make. There is no off-the-shelf solution here. Every project is a bespoke response to this specific climate.