cool architectural alternatives for living without air conditioning

7/29/2019 Cool Architectural Alternatives for Living Without Air Conditioning

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Cool Architectural Alternatives For Living Without AirConditioningJuly 18, 2013

55 Blair RoadbySilver+Ong

With the heatwave sweeping the country, an urban air conditioning addiction is also on the rise. For thoseof us lucky enough to have it at work or at home, the generated air is an easy (if pricey) comfort thatoften leaves us avoiding the foreign realm of the outdoors. However, air conditioning wasnt always therefor us to fall back on so easily. Believe it or not, architecture can help us alleviate some of the heat.

The advent of the air conditioner not only meant less sweat; it also changed the very way that we live,and the buildings we live, work, and play in. Cool porches and deep eaves were unnecessary, walls couldbe thinner, high ceiling and attics were a waste of space, and development could generally spread intoincreasingly hot climates. Such temperature control also allowed for steel and glass towers of greenhouse-level-heat to become a practical notion.

Prior to this luxury though, if you werentsubmerged in water, buildings actually needed to pitch in withthe job of cooling during the summer. Here is acollection of homesthat show features that could help youto build your way out of heatstroke. Oh, and also: climate change.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/watch-how-new-yorkers-cooled-off-during-a-1925-heat-wave-videohttp://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/watch-how-new-yorkers-cooled-off-during-a-1925-heat-wave-videohttp://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/watch-how-new-yorkers-cooled-off-during-a-1925-heat-wave-videohttp://www.architizer.com/blog/dyn/94124/architecture-for-the-heatwave/http://www.architizer.com/blog/dyn/94124/architecture-for-the-heatwave/http://www.architizer.com/blog/dyn/94124/architecture-for-the-heatwave/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94161http://www.architizer.com/blog/dyn/94124/architecture-for-the-heatwave/http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/watch-how-new-yorkers-cooled-off-during-a-1925-heat-wave-videohttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9s


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Cave Dwellings:Chair HousebyIgor Sirotov Architect

There is a reason why people started by living in caves. The thermal mass of the huge volume of earthsurrounding caves helps to stabilize temperature inside. Plus, it looks awesome.

Underground:BCHO Earth HousebyBCHO Architects Associates
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Same goes for buildings that are constructed underground. Not only is the sun stopped from entering theinterior, but the earth that surrounding the building is slow to heat up and cool down, also making itwarmer in the cold months.

Thick Earthen Walls:Sagburgbycontexture studio

Alternatively, thick walls of earth or masonry were used instead of burying the entire building. Greenroofs/walls such as this one on theSagburgproject bycontexture studioare now being praised for theirreduction of theheat island effectwhen used in an urban context. This house is actually fully passive andcontains additional strategies such as triple glazing and geothermal heating and cooling that bring it topassivhausstandards.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://dirt.asla.org/2010/11/02/green-roofs-reduce-the-urban-heat-island-effect/http://dirt.asla.org/2010/11/02/green-roofs-reduce-the-urban-heat-island-effect/http://dirt.asla.org/2010/11/02/green-roofs-reduce-the-urban-heat-island-effect/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94164http://dirt.asla.org/2010/11/02/green-roofs-reduce-the-urban-heat-island-effect/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/contexture-studio/1672/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/sagburg/1210/#.UeRQcmRgZ9t


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Porches:OutsideIN HosebyFernanda Vuilleumier Arquitectura

Believe it or not, this metal-class house also has heavy emphasis on passive strategies, paying particularattention to heating, cooling, and day lighting. However, it is the long-lost element of the porch that isparticularly interesting, seeing as this was often used as a cooling strategy before air conditioning. Correctpositioning of porches not only shade in the summer, but also encourage cross-ventilation through thehouse.

Trees:Hayes ResidencebyTravis Price Architects

Although all that (single-glazed) glass may not be the best move in terms of thermal conduction, the trees

that surround (and are surrounded by) the Hayes Residence help to keep out the sun from the house inthe summer. As deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, this natural brise-soleil lets in plenty of light(and, one hopes, heat) in the winter. We also hope there is secret insulation in this house.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/outsidein-house/18804/?sr=1#.UeRMU2RgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/outsidein-house/18804/?sr=1#.UeRMU2RgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/outsidein-house/18804/?sr=1#.UeRMU2RgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/fernanda-vuilleumier-arquitectura/15010/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/fernanda-vuilleumier-arquitectura/15010/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/fernanda-vuilleumier-arquitectura/15010/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/hayes-residence/49249/?sr=1#.UeRK8GRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/hayes-residence/49249/?sr=1#.UeRK8GRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/hayes-residence/49249/?sr=1#.UeRK8GRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/travis-price-architects/10835/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/travis-price-architects/10835/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/travis-price-architects/10835/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94166http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94168http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94166http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94168http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/travis-price-architects/10835/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/hayes-residence/49249/?sr=1#.UeRK8GRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/fernanda-vuilleumier-arquitectura/15010/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/outsidein-house/18804/?sr=1#.UeRMU2RgZ9t


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Ventilation Strategy:Axis AdministrationbyKrishna Chaitanya Dommu

Cross ventilation can help to quickly push unwanted hot air out of house interiors without the aid of fans.TheAxis AdministrationbyKrishna Chaitanya Dommudoes this by using a double-facade system that usesthe buffer zone in-between to encourage the circulation of cool, fresh air through the building.

High Ceilings and Attics:House in YorobyAirhouse Design Office

Hot air rises. Buildings like theHouse in YorobyAirhouse Design Officemake use of this stack effect bygiving inhabitable spaces really tall ceilings.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94169http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/airhouse-design-office/34328/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/house-in-yoro/53862/#.UeRIumRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/people/profile/krishna_chaitanya_dommu/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/axis-administration/29997/#.UeRJzGRgZ9u


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Towers: Tower House byAndersson Wise Architects

Towers were often incorporated into buildings to catch breezes and increase air circulation. Not sure howwell this works if the whole building itself is the tower, but we think thisTower House byAndersson Wise

Architectslooks cool either way.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94539http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9uhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/andersson-wise-architects/21093/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/tower-house/28287/#.UeRPHmRgZ9u


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Water:55 Blair RoadbySilver+Ong

The romans were especially good at keeping away summer heat using water in their buildings. Not onlywould they channel water from aqueducts through the walls of their homes (like under-floor heating butthe complete opposite), but the typical house layout would also always include a pool of water within thecourtyard. Evaporating water helps to remove heat (although not in all climates), and the placement inbetween the main rooms of the house disperses the cool air through the entire interior.
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94161http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/silverong/11921/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/pictures/55-blair-road/23015/195562/#.UeRIEWRgZ9s


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Passive:Passivhaus VogelbyDiethelm & Spillmann Architects

The contemporary attempt at combining all these elements is the passivhaus, which uses a specific set ofguideline to dictate construction. Ideally active heating and cooling is minimized, and the house itself iswhat stabilizes temperatures. Have a look at some of theother passive housesthat can be found on ourdatabase!
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/passivhaus-vogel-mostelberg/13608/#.UeRSRmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/passivhaus-vogel-mostelberg/13608/#.UeRSRmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/passivhaus-vogel-mostelberg/13608/#.UeRSRmRgZ9thttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/diethelm-spillmann-architects/11186/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/diethelm-spillmann-architects/11186/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/diethelm-spillmann-architects/11186/http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/?search%5Ball%5D=passive#.UeRl6GRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/?search%5Ball%5D=passive#.UeRl6GRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/?search%5Ball%5D=passive#.UeRl6GRgZ9shttp://www.architizer.com/blog/?attachment_id=94162http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/?search%5Ball%5D=passive#.UeRl6GRgZ9shttp://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.htmlhttp://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/diethelm-spillmann-architects/11186/http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/passivhaus-vogel-mostelberg/13608/#.UeRSRmRgZ9t

cool architectural alternatives for living without air conditioning

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