Preventing Overheating in Eco Homes
We help Maximise Your Rental Income with Eco-homes and Luxury Holiday Homes, provided by RIBA Chartered Architects.
Sustainable architecture harnesses passive environmental elements to keep spaces warm in winter and cool in summer. To prevent overheating, this means integrating strategies such as optimally shaded windows, deciduous trees that provide summer shade, and natural ventilation designed to capture prevailing breezes.
When done correctly, the space becomes enjoyable during all seasons. It is sadly not too uncommon to find spaces that are simply not usable in summer because they overheat from the excess use of glazing.
1. Understand the Site and Orientation
Making the most of the winter sun while protecting against excessive summer heat starts with careful orientation. East- and west-facing glazing can contribute to overheating due to low-angle sun, so we look to minimise these or add effective external shading. South-facing glazing, when sized thoughtfully and paired with well-designed overhangs or shading, can deliver welcome light while limiting summer gains.
One of the simplest and most effective tools for controlling overheating is planting deciduous trees, which provide shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter — a perfect natural complement to any eco-home.
2. Optimise Glazing and Solar Control
Large areas of glazing can create beautiful views and a strong connection to the outdoors, but they must be carefully managed to avoid overheating. Combining high-performance solar-control glass with thoughtful shading strategies — like external shutters or pergolas — can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while still maximising natural light. Well-placed deciduous planting can also work in harmony with these measures, providing dynamic, seasonal shading that adapts naturally over the year.
3. Prioritise Cross Ventilation
Natural cross ventilation is a highly effective — and free — way to manage summer heat. In many cabins and eco-homes, simple window placement and careful planning of opening vents can dramatically improve airflow, reducing reliance on active cooling systems.
4. Incorporate Thermal Mass
Lightweight timber structures can be more prone to overheating, as they respond rapidly to temperature changes. Introducing elements that can absorb and then release thermal mass, such as exposed concrete, stone, or clay-based finishes, helps moderate these swings. By absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it gradually overnight, thermal mass works hand-in-hand with night-time ventilation to maintain a stable and comfortable indoor climate.
5. Future-Proof with Climate Resilience
As UK climate projections suggest hotter, drier summers ahead, it is vital to design with the future in mind. By testing our proposals against climate scenarios 30 to 50 years from now, we help ensure that the eco-homes and cabins built today will remain comfortable, adaptable, and resilient for decades to come.
