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Plan natural ventilation, courtyards and cool roofs for heat

In hot seasons, the cheapest cooling is shade plus moving air plus a roof that reflects sun. These are layout decisions, not add-ons.

How

1. Place openable windows on opposite walls of main rooms, facing the prevailing summer breeze from design-3, so air can cross the house.
2. Air moving at about 0.5 m/s feels roughly 3 C cooler (Your Home), so plan ceiling fan positions and breeze paths together.
3. In hot arid climates consider courtyard and shared-wall layouts; HUD notes shared walls cut heat gain and loss, and deep porches shade walls.
4. For night cooling, pair exposed internal mass with secure openings that can stay open at night.
5. Choose a cool (high reflectance) roof in hot climates: US DOE reports a reflective roof can stay over 28 C cooler than a conventional one in summer sun.
6. In cold climates weigh the winter heating penalty before choosing a cool roof (DOE).
7. Coordinate fans, vents and any mechanical ventilation with the thermal module.

Sources

1. Thermal mass. Your Home, Australian Government, accessed 2026-11
2. Passive heating. Your Home, Australian Government, accessed 2026-11
3. Cool Roofs. US Department of Energy, Energy Saver, accessed 2026-11
4. Southwest Housing Traditions, Chapter 3: Adobe, Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Wall Systems. US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), accessed 2026-11
5. Orientation. Your Home, Australian Government, accessed 2026-11

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