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.
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