icon Design tips for a hot dry summer
climate with cool winter

Use design tips for a hot dry summer climate with mild winter, plus

Because of the large difference between summer and winter temperatures:

  • Adjustable shading) to allow entry to winter sun, but keep out sun in summer (use shutters and external awning blinds on windows or hanging from verandahs);
  • Solar pergolas, on the north side of the house - these allow sun penetration in winter but not summer;
  • Deciduous trees and vines around the house, if water supply permits, will provide summer shade and allow solar access in winter.

Because winter is cold:

  • Windows (north-facing) should be larger than for the hot dry climate with mild winter, to allow solar passive heating in winter;
  • Bulk insulation is required to reduce heat loss through walls and ceilings;
  • As in the other hot dry climate zone, bedrooms should be of lighter construction, so they cool quickly at night - the trade-off is that they will be cold on winter nights.
  • Air-tight construction to reduce heat loss via drafts

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