Design tips for a hot dry climate

Because of the intense sunshine we need: -

Pale surfaces (especially the roof) to reflect the sun;
Double roof;
Reflective foil insulation in the roof and walls is essential;
Small north-facing windows, set high under wide eaves. The hotter the summer, the smaller the windows and the wider the eaves. There is a tradeoff, however: small windows reduce night ventilation.
No windows on eastern or western side of the house;
Shading for any south-facing windows, if house site is north of 23.5 degrees S;
Vegetation and/or verandahs around the house, if water supply permits, to provide shade;
Earth-sheltered and underground housing are ideally suited to this climate;
This is the perfect climate for solar power.

Because of the low humidity of the air: -

Evaporative coolers work well in the dry atmosphere, and use little energy;
The natural evaporative cooling effect of plants will be specially effective;
Water features such as fountains and little garden pools are beneficial, if water supply permits.

Because of the large day/night temperature swing: -

Considerable heat-storage capacity (bricks, stone, concrete) is needed in living areas, to keep daytime temperatures down;
Bedrooms should be of lighter construction, so they cool quickly at night;
Through ventilation on summer nights is essential (check the prevailing wind direction on warm summer nights). Roof-mounted exhaust fans can cool buildings at night by extracting hot air via grilles in the ceiling and replacing it with cool air drawn in through open windows;

Because blowing dust can be a problem in this dry climate: -

Vegetation around the house is desirable, to filter dust from the air, by impaction. Check with the Bureau of Meteorology office in your state. How common are dust-storms in the district; what is the usual wind direction when blowing dust is reported? Plant trees to block this wind, if blowing dust is a problem in the area.

If you decide to air-condition some or part of your house, the air-conditioned part of your house needs bulk insulation.