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Urban Heat Island
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> In areas with hot days and cold nights, a combination of high thermal mass construction
for daytime rooms and a light-
> Concrete and tile floors, protected from the sun, can leech away much of the daytime heat.
> Reduce the number and size of windows in east and west walls to exclude the radiation of the rising and setting sun.
> Orientate building to make maximum use of prevailing breezes.
> Encourage cross ventilation through open and shaded north and south walls. Ideally the floorplan should be only one room deep and windows should have maximum opening areas.
> Ensure adequate ventilation or the roof spaces.
> Shade all external walls and windows. If winter heating is required, consider removable of adjustable shading devices.
> Reflective insulation and light-
> Landscape to channel summer breezes into the home, use plants to reduce gound temperature, and plant trees for additional shade.
> Provide shaded outdoor living areas.
> In hot and dry climates, use water features near the house to promote evaporative cooling.
The goal is to prevent a heat built-
> Concrete and brick absorb a large amount of heat energy if exposed to the sun.
A low thermal mass or lightweight construction such as brick veneer or timber/fibre-