How to Build a Home That Will Stay Cool During a Heatwave — According to an Award-Winning Architect
Beyond just decor, "the most comfortable homes combine orientation, insulation, ventilation, shading, and glazing to minimize heat gain in the first place"
Growing up in humid South Carolina summers, then living through three rounds of heatwaves this year in London without AC, it's safe to say I know what hot feels like. But feeling hot while trying to relax in your home? Going to sleep in your beautifully curated bedding while sweating? It's not ideal, to say the least. So how do you design a home that stays cool throughout the hottest temperatures? Well, it typically starts with clever building features and proper planning. So I asked an architecture and design expert to share her secrets.
"Many older homes, particularly in places that have traditionally had milder summers, simply weren't designed to cope with prolonged periods of heat," Australian-based, award-winning architect and designer Georgina Wilson explains to me. Sure, different countries have different design tricks that keep homes cool, but it's not always obvious which tips and tricks might be best for your home. "As temperatures continue to rise, there are several architectural upgrades that can make a noticeable difference to comfort without relying solely on air conditioning," adds Georgina. The more resourceful, the more effective.
So rather than just giving you a few quick things to buy before a heatwave, below are several ideas to incorporate into the actual design of your home to help reduce heat from the beginning of the building process. From window placement to proper shading and AC, here's what you need to know.
1. Create Opportunities for Cross Ventilation
Think about the placement of your windows to doors, hallways, and windows across the house.
First and foremost, "Cross-ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective passive cooling strategies," says Georgina Wilson. Cross-ventilation is basically the idea of positioning windows and doors across from each other, both in a room and throughout the entire house. "If your floor plan allows, creating openings on opposite sides of the home encourages natural airflow, helping to flush out warm air and draw in cooler breezes."
And this isn't necessarily something that happens solely during construction (although planning heatproof house extensions certainly does help). As Georgina explains, "Even relatively small changes to the layout or window configuration can dramatically improve comfort." Maybe you have a large piece of furniture that is blocking airflow; rearranging your layout can help maximize this kind of cooling airflow.
As an award-winning registered architect and designer with more than 25 years’ experience, Georgina has had the privilege of designing residential and commercial spaces that blend beauty and functionality in meaningful ways. Her passion for architecture runs deep, and she's driven by the idea that a home should not only be visually captivating but should also enhance everyday living.
2. Invest in External Shading and Insulation
Awnings and exterior shade is not only effective, but can look really stylish.
Before you can manage a regulated indoor temperature, you have to make sure that your exterior is up to par. Are you doing everything you can to stop the hot weather from raising the temperature inside your home from the outside?
Georgina says, "Stopping heat before it reaches the glass is far more effective than trying to cool a room after it's already heated up. External shutters, operable louvres and well-designed awnings can significantly reduce solar heat gain while still allowing natural light and ventilation." Fortunately, patio awnings and sun sails prove that even functional design can be stylish.
And don't forget things like exterior paint colors and architectural elements. Lighter colors reflect light and darker ones absorb it. While this might not immediately affect your indoor temperature, if ventilation is poor, then the heat a dark exterior generates will affect indoor temperature, too.
Plus, "The roof is one of the largest sources of heat gain in a home. Upgrading insulation is often one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make, helping to keep interiors cooler during summer while also improving energy efficiency year-round," adds Georgina.
3. Plan Windows Thoughtfully
Lots of windows is both a good and bad thing when it comes to heat, so proper protection and shading is important.
Windows are also going to be a huge factor in managing heat entering and exiting your home. So, if you are dealing with too much heat, taking measures to heat-proof your windows is a great place to start when building.
To that, Georgina says, "Replacing standard glazing with high-performance glass can substantially reduce unwanted heat entering the home. Combined with well-designed shading, it helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without sacrificing daylight or views." Obviously, replacing windows is hard once the home is fully built, but there are plenty of window furnishings that you can apply after the fact that will help — things like blackout curtains and lining, Roman blinds, and even glazes can help deter heat post-build.
And as beautiful as skylights are, they are a tricky inclusion — proper planning is necessary. Georgina says, "Skylights can bring beautiful natural light into a home, but they also introduce significant heat if they're not carefully considered. Where skylights are appropriate, I recommend limiting their number, specifying high-performance glazing, and incorporating external shading or automated blinds."
4. Air Conditioning Should Be Thoughtfully Integrated
Hiding air-con in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom keeps the space open to good design.
Air conditioning is a great element to include, and still one of the fastest, easiest ways to cool down a space. But if you are going to include aircon the Livingetc way (read: design-forward and probably hidden), then thoughtful appliance integration is necessary.
As Georgina explains, "Air conditioning is becoming increasingly necessary in many climates, but it's most effective when it's considered as part of the overall design." You want to feel it, without having to look at a clunky appliance. And, "The placement of units should prioritize the spaces people use most, particularly living areas and bedrooms, while complementing passive cooling measures rather than replacing them."
How to Cool Your House as a Renter
With rentals, you have less control over architectural design, but there are still plenty of clever design ideas to keep your space cool.
"Renters often have fewer options when it comes to making permanent changes, but there are still several ways to improve comfort during hot weather," says Georgina. I get it, I am a renter myself, and building a functional and stylish space is always at the top of the list.
So, first and foremost, if you're moving to a really hot climate, you want to think about the position of your apartment before you sign any leases. "If you're choosing between properties, I'd generally avoid top-floor apartments in older buildings where the roof is poorly insulated. Apartments on lower levels often benefit from the insulation provided by neighboring homes above, making them noticeably cooler during summer," explains Georgina.
Same with the orientation of a home. "West-facing rooms receive intense afternoon sun, while east-facing bedrooms can become uncomfortably warm early in the morning," says Georgina. Understanding how the sun moves across a property can make a significant difference to day-to-day liveability.
However, if you find yourself in a space that struggles with either of the above, you can still try to control sunlight before it heats the room. Window furnishings that keep heat out are one of the easiest upgrades renters can make. Georgina says, "Well-fitted blinds or curtains can help reduce heat gain during the hottest parts of the day while still allowing flexibility with light and privacy."
And if all is lost, get the AC cranking. "Portable air conditioners aren't as quiet or efficient as built-in systems, but they can provide meaningful relief during heatwaves, particularly in bedrooms," says Georgina. If noise is a concern, "many people find using a timer or earplugs overnight helps balance comfort with practicality," she adds.
"Good design isn't about relying on one solution. The most comfortable homes combine orientation, insulation, ventilation, shading, and glazing to minimize heat gain in the first place. The less heat that enters your home, the less energy you'll need to keep it comfortable," says Georgina.
I'm getting a little warm just writing this in my apartment in the middle of August. Luckily, it's almost time over here in London to start thinking about cooling down and decorating for the cozy season.
For more inspiration on your design plans and decorating ideas, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.
