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Outdoor areas under shady pergolas and similar areas should be built and used and so extend our -living rooms- into shady landscaped patios and terraces.
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Correctly face building so that no sun comes into the house. (This is often difficult due to the way the subdivision has been developed)
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Design the home to give a minimum area for heat absorption
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Ensure that windows, doors and non-insulated walls are shaded, by wide roof over hangs.
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If the sun does have to penetrate windows and doors then add plant foliage to absorb the heat.
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This foliage must be given careful consideration due to tree roots, which can adversely effect the foundations.
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Ensure that the roof is well insulated and the roof design allows the heat to escape rather than download it to the rooms below.
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Cooler designs have the floor raised off the ground - minimum 500. Have external sheeting such as Millwood weatherboards, and timber floors. The heat absorbed during the day is minimised and takes a much shorter time to cool down in the evenings unlike Masonry block which absorbs the heat and takes a far greater time to cool.
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Masonry block is a more economical way to build but it is important that the natural coolness of the home is taken into account. It is common for most masonry block and brick veneer homes to have air conditioning installed to counteract the heat.
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