With summers becoming more intense, residential properties that incorporate passive cooling features and ensure a pleasant indoor experience are on the rise.
In 2024, the city witnessed some of the hottest days of the past decade. With temperatures soaring significantly, the question arises — are residential properties equipped to adapt to the changing climate?
“Developers are prioritizing climate-responsive elements to offer a comfortable lifestyle while taking measures to reduce the structure’s carbon footprint, meeting the challenge at the source.”
PLAY IT COOL:
One of the most effective solutions to curb heat is efficient layout planning. “Optimizing a building’s orientation and augmenting cross-ventilation can drastically bring down indoor temperatures. Design considerations like shaded facades and the use of reflective and insulated materials, such as double-glazed windows, can further minimize heat absorption. Also, green inclusions like gardens and rooftop greenery are effective natural cooling solutions.” Additionally, smart home technology like automated blinds, climate-control systems, and energy-efficient air conditioning can enhance comfort during warmer months.
“Air conditioning can only help to a certain extent and that too in limited areas like the bedroom, while escalating power bills.”
Furthermore, passive cooling techniques like the strategic placement of windows can maximize airflow and reduce the reliance on cooling appliances. “There’s a resurgence of traditional elements like jaali screens, shaded courtyards, and extended overhangs that shield homes from direct heat. Natural and breathable materials such as lime plaster, terracotta, and bamboo are also being incorporated into walls and flooring to keep spaces cool.”
TURN DOWN THE HEAT:
How efficiently homes adapt to environmental challenges also depends on the location. It’s best to limit west-facing windows, as the afternoon sun tends to be the most intense from that direction. “However in coastal neighborhoods where residents enjoy ocean views, west-facing windows offer a premium living experience, with balconies facing the ocean. In such cases, high-performance glass with good UV protection ensures minimal heat penetration.” Most prospective projects have measures in place to mitigate heat and humidity, ensuring a pleasant lifestyle.
THE EXTERIOR FACTOR:
While interior reconfigurations render homes more habitable during summer, sustainable urban planning is crucial for a long-term impact. “Residents must take a stand against the loss of tree cover in their neighborhoods, as trees and other vegetation provide shade, reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching the ground and lowering surface temperatures.”
Encourages residential communities to create greener, sustainable ecosystems that include rainwater harvesting, water management, and green landscaping to reduce the heat island effect. “Incentivising green buildings and sustainable development through tax benefits and reducing GST on sustainable construction materials, are some mother steps that can help in this regard.
SIMPLE WAYS TO LOWER HOUSE TEMPERATURE:
- Material selection: Use natural, heat-resistant materials like stone, clay tiles, and rattan that keep your house cool in hot weather.
- Cross- ventilation: Design large openings positioned for optimal airflow and include sun-shading elements like vertical gardens or tinted/double-glazed windows to maintain indoor comfort.
- Insulation techniques: Install thermal insulation in walls and roots, or opt for cool roofing materials to reduce heat absorption.
- Indoor greenery: Add plants, green walls, and water features to enhance humidity control and create a cooling effect.
