At least now adays modern structures are starting to incorporate these sorts of built in cooling solutions (e.g. sun shades) but I think there is a good middle ground to be struck between the 1850s and building structures that require less energy to cool in the first place. A lot of this stuff is just simple physics at work; hot air moves up etc.
Recently in CA in my neighborhood, someone decided to paint their spanish style home dark brown. I can't help but think going from ivory white to dark brown is going to increase their AC bill in the summer. Just using basic physics with consideration to the environment can go a long way.
Recently in CA in my neighborhood, someone decided to paint their spanish style home dark brown. I can't help but think going from ivory white to dark brown is going to increase their AC bill in the summer. Just using basic physics with consideration to the environment can go a long way.