Réunion

Réunion is an overseas department and region of the French Republic in the Indian Ocean. It is a mountainous volcanic island dominated by the Piton des Neiges massif, deep cirques and the active Piton de la Fournaise. Tropical conditions vary sharply between wet windward slopes, drier leeward areas and cooler uplands, with cyclones an important hazard. Local building traditions combine volcanic stone, timber and masonry with Creole houses, verandas and steep roofs designed for shade, ventilation, intense rainfall and storm exposure.