Bookmark us!

Global Bioweather

“we forecast your wellbeing”

Building recommendations for hot climates

The goal is to prevent a heat built-up inside the home. In other words, the following recommendations try to keep the indoor temperature below or at least at the same level as the outdoor temperature, thus minimizing the use of mechanical devices for cooling.

> Concrete and brick absorb a large amount of heat energy if exposed to the sun. A low thermal mass/lightweight construction such as brick veneer or timber/fibre-board-clad construction, elevated if possible, is generally the designer’s choice, because it responds quickly to cooling breezes and temperature drops at night.

> In areas with hot days and cold nights, a combination of high thermal mass construction for daytime rooms and a light-weight constuction for bedrooms can be beneficial.

> Concrete and tile floors, protected from the sun, can leech away much of the daytime heat.

> Reduce the number and size of windows in east and west walls to exclude the radiation of the rising and setting sun.

> Orientate building to make maximum use of prevailing breezes.

> Encourage cross ventilation through open and shaded north and south walls. Ideally the floorplan should be only one room deep and windows should have maximum opening areas.

> Ensure adequate ventilation or the roof spaces.

> Shade all external walls and windows. If winter heating is required, consider removable of adjustable shading devices.

> Reflective insulation and light-coloured roofs and walls are effective against solar radiation.

> Landscape to channel summer breezes into the home, use plants to reduce gound temperature, and plant trees for additional shade.

> Provide shaded outdoor living areas.

> In hot and dry climates, use water features near the house to promote evaporative cooling.

Index

Global Bioweather

Building recommendations for hot climates

Heat Island

Urban