I found these useful tips on Energy efficient house design for the tropics
http://www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/ems/h ... opics.html
Energy saving tips for designing homes in the tropics
Thanks for that egeefay, there are some simple ideas there that I would not have thought of, for instance the position and height of trees to shade different portions of the house from different directions and also allow breeze through. I think next time I go up to our house in Nong Ki, I will have to take a compass and pruning saw with me!