Day 15 The architecture of staying cool

It's too hot to do anything other than blog at the moment. Here are some of my idle observations, they are given in the hope that no one can accuse this blog of not being educational in some form or fashion :-).

You have to live in a place to appreciate the intricacies that make daily life tolerable. Take for example the need for careful design when building a home to survive in a very hot and humid environment. The temperature is still well in the 40s today.

Our house has two balconies, the upper most one in this weather can only be used during the late evening when the cool breeze from the fields at the back of the house makes it tolerable to sit upstairs. You cannot use this portion of the house during the day unless it is to dry clothes or other items.

The middle balcony has been carefully designed to ensure that it stays in the shade during the day. The open layout allows any breeze to circulate, however if there is no breeze you can use the fan affixed to the roof. The marble floors stay cool because they are out of the sun and if you walk on them bare foot provide a cooling effect for your whole body. In this hot weather there is also the problem of flies. To protect your food and drinks you have to ensure that they are covered all the time.

You really begin to appreciate this type of careful design when it helps you stay cool during the very, very hot weather we are currently experiencing.

Guests come to say hello

The upper floor must provide shade to the lower one

Shade from the floor above

Sitting on a shaded balcony allows access to any breeze

Covers to prevent flies from landing all over the food and drinks

Ceiling fans, a must

Cool marble floors