There are many factors that can affect how a home is built, and the climate is one of them. Houses need to be able to withstand a lot, and warmer environments present their own unique challenges. Here are just a couple of basics about housing in warmer climates.
Climates
It is important to understand the climate of the location you are living in. For example, the climate in Ghana is tropical, which means there is a dry season and a rainy season, and homes need to be built to withstand both of these; heat and humidity and rainfall. In a warm climate, the priorities of housing include keeping cool, and this can be achieved in various architectural ways. Housing styles vary depending on location, and property websites such as Ghana Property Centre can show you housing options based on your requirements, such as location, size, and your budget, so you can find somewhere that works for you.
Materials
Stone is a very common material to use in housing in warmer climates, as it helps to keep the interior of the home cool. This is due to the density of the stone, meaning heat moves through it very slowly. Not only this, but it is also very strong and hardwearing, fire-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. It can withstand many weather conditions, does not fade in the sun, and does not suffer from the same insect damage as a wooden home would. White tiles on roofs are also a common sight, as white reflects sunlight, keeping the house cool. The roof and interior of a home are the areas that come into contact with the most sunlight and heat, and therefore the choice of material can help a house stay warmer or cooler depending on the climate.
Colours
You may see white houses in very hot countries, such as Greece. This is because white reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, which means the interior of the home is kept cooler. A combination of a stone home and whitewashing is very common in countries with warmer climates, as they work together to reflect sunlight and slow down the warmth that comes into the home. Darker colours tend to absorb more heat, and this applies to many different materials and fixtures, not just the exterior of a home.
Windows
The types of windows a home has can also vary depending on the climate. For example, homes in warmer and tropical climates can benefit from double glazed windows that face north or south, as this can help reduce sun absorption. Furthermore, shading windows with porches or thick overhangs can again help reduce the amount of sunlight that the window lets into a room. You can also use elements such as shades or shutters to help reduce the amount of sunlight, and therefore heat, that enters through the windows. Blackout curtains can also help with this, but some types of curtains and fabric can trap heat in the room, making it warmer.
