4 secrets to 'cool down' the house in the summer

The building has an open space, planting trees, using friendly and energy-saving materials to make the house airy.

In the design and construction of houses, the following factors should be noted to keep the living space cool in the summer:

Open space

The indoor spaces always ensure ventilation. Skylights and atriums are effective measures applied to urban houses, helping to regulate and circulate air. Between the living space and the bedrooms, there should be cushions directly connected to the outside space.

The amount of light in the house needs to be distributed scientifically, in which direct light is valuable for walkways and gardens. Note the reasonable arrangement of skylights so as not to have the opposite effect when forming holes to absorb sunlight and heat for the house.

A building is arranged with vegetation in the facade and terrace.  Photo: T-architects
Plant a tree

Trees have the ability to filter the air, create oxygen, block radiation from electronic devices, and help you relax. Growing plants in the house is something that many families want, especially for urban houses where there is limited land. If the area is enough, you can choose to make a small garden in front or behind the house, balcony, terrace.

Green plants need natural light and enough moisture to grow well. While in the indoor environment, especially the stairwell area, skylights often limit natural light, lack of humidity, and the influence of electric lights in the evening can make plants grow poorly.

Note, the homeowner needs to consider the planting area, the expected number and type of plants, the method of care, hygiene, and insect prevention... so that it is reasonable. If you have economic conditions, you can install an automatic watering system.

Small garden at the apartment balcony. Photo: TANA

Energy saving

A green house cannot ignore the energy saving factor. In particular, in order to reduce the cost of air conditioning, the house needs to be insulated for the roof and outer walls to limit the penetration of heat in the hot season and the loss of warm heat in the cold season. Natural ventilation is also important to keep the air fresh, reducing the temperature and frequency of using electrical cooling devices.

To save electricity for lighting, the house needs to take advantage of natural light through a reasonable door system, accompanied by roof doors, skylights, and windows.

Decorative lamp made of bamboo material. Photo: TANA

Prioritize natural materials

Instead of iron and steel, cement, fired bricks, green buildings often use alternative materials such as unburnt bricks, lightweight concrete, ecological roofing sheets, insulation foam... Indoor space has an appearance. of furniture made from wood, natural stone, rattan, bamboo...

In terms of advantages, these materials are safe for the environment and human health, have high durability but still ensure aesthetics and reasonable costs. However, some furniture needs special cleaning methods, such as rattan, bamboo...

Currently, many homeowners want to own an airy living space that is beneficial for physical and mental health. But if only giving general topics like "want to live close to nature", "house must look green", or even contradictory like "likes light but doesn't want sunlight to enter the house"... will lead to inappropriate and unrealistic design and construction solutions.

According to the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), green buildings must achieve high efficiency in using energy and materials, reducing adverse impacts between the environment and human health. For housing, the criteria will be changed depending on the current status, actual conditions and preferences of the owner.