As we approach peak summer, the temperatures are soaring day by day while we struggle to find new ways to keep us cool.
AC seems to be the only respite at this time of the year, but it is coupled with skyrocketing electricity bills and negative ecological impact.
When one Quora user highlighted this concern, architect Smriti Iyer’s detailed response went viral.
“There are a lot of methods to keep your house cool, it all depends upon how far you are willing to go,” she says.
She adds that the roof is the first recipient of the sun’s rays and this heat then radiates onto the lower floors. That’s why, the topmost floor is the hottest, while the ground acts as the insulator.
Smriti further shares that while south‐facing walls absorb maximum heat, north‐facing ones receive the least.
To keep the home cool during summer, she has these tips to offer:
1.Ventilation
When there is no ventilation, the internal air in the room gets heated due to adsorption and radiation, making it unpleasant.
2. Don’t clutter the home
“Heavy furniture kept close to each other can create hot air pockets,” she informs.
3. Pay attention to colours
She adds that dark colours in a home could lead to increased absorption and thus heating. “Instead opt for lighter shades such as white, cream, sky blue, etc.”
4. Have plants around the home
They are a wonderful way to bring down the temperature as the mud acts as an insulator, absorbing the direct heat from the sun.
4. Have plants around the home
They are a wonderful way to bring down the temperature as the mud acts as an insulator, absorbing the direct heat from the sun.
5. Pay attention to the terrace
A white limewash on the terrace too acts as a reflective layer and helps the slab to remain cool throughout summer.
6. Bamboo blinds
Bamboo blinds on the windows too act as insulators against the sun’s harsh rays.
7. Mud plaster on the walls
Smriti suggests applying a coat of mud plaster all over the external walls of an existing building. “This will provide a protective insulating layer against the harshness of the sun.”