When you think of architects, you most probably think of the appearance of buildings which they are working on.
However, apart from designing a building that will look good, an architect’s job is primarily to make it functional, and therefore, habitable – that’s what all those detailed building schematics and blueprints are for. After all, buildings are meant to serve people first and foremost.
One of the integral parts of building design is temperature control, which allows maintaining a comfortable indoor climate on the premises if implemented correctly. But how do architects regulate and establish the optimal temperature of the building? First of all, it is essential to realise that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, considering that not all buildings are designed equal and are used for different purposes.
However, in this article, we will go over the measures which architects take to regulate and maintain the inner temperature of the buildings. They include but are not limited to traditional methods and modern ones. Continue reading to find more information on the subject.
Modern Ways of Controlling the Temperature in a Building
Central Heating Systems
As you’ve probably already realised, temperature control in modern buildings is a more complex matter than it was in historical residences as people live in larger spaces, and modern architecture allows for larger windows and more light to enter the property. The main reason for this lies in the fact that central heating systems are used instead of natural methods of temperature control.
Air Conditioning Units
The same goes for air conditioning units which are also an indispensable fixture in contemporary architecture. The way they work is very simple – they cool the air inside the building through fans, filters, coils, and other mechanisms, which helps people enjoy their indoor climate without problems. If you notice that the air conditioning unit in your home is malfunctioning, you should not hesitate to contact plumbing and heating experts, as failure to do so could result in higher electricity bills.
Smart Thermostats
Nowadays, smart thermostats are also being used to regulate the temperature in buildings. They are considered to be an ideal choice due to many reasons. Firstly, they can be controlled remotely. Secondly, they can provide you with time-based temperature control, like when you want your house to be cool when you wake up or when you leave for work. And lastly, they can make use of the weather forecast in order to automatically regulate the temperature inside your home.
Traditional Ways of Controlling the Temperature in a Building
Painting the Exterior and the Roof
If you’ve ever wondered why some buildings’ facades and roofs are painted white and others, especially those of churches and other religious buildings, are painted bright colours, then your question is answered. Basically, it is to reflect the sunlight which makes the temperature inside more bearable on hot summer days. A white building reflects the sunlight and keeps its surfaces cool.
Solutions like painting the building’s exterior and roof white may in fact be a more environmentally friendly way of regulating the temperature in a building. It is worth mentioning that when it comes to painting the building’s exterior and camouflaging its windows to prevent the insulation from being damaged by sunlight, there is a fine line between efficient and visually unpleasant results.
Small Windows
If you’ve ever taken a stroll in the historic center of any European city, you might be familiar with this method – there are many buildings there with small windows to help reduce the amount of heat entering a property’s interior.
Another famous example of such architecture solutions used depending on the climate is the Gothic style of building which makes use of pointed arches and large windows. While most people assume that these windows allow more light to enter the building than regular ones do, they also allow for more air circulation inside it. That way, people living in this type of architecture were able to maintain their desired indoor temperatures without problems.
Planting Trees
Another measure architects take to regulate the temperature in buildings is planting trees close to them. Of course, the trees usually need to be tall enough to provide shade over the building and its inhabitants. As a result, this method is used on buildings like houses and larger public buildings.
Final Word
These are some of the ways architects try to maintain the optimal temperature of buildings. However, it is worth mentioning that no two buildings are alike, which means that each one has its own needs when it comes to temperature regulation. As a result, you can’t use the same solutions for every building, even if the buildings are similar in terms of their sizes and shapes because you also need to consider factors like climate, location, and the primary purpose for the building.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use some of the solutions mentioned in the article. For example, smart thermostats are very handy no matter what kind of building they are used in. And if you prefer traditional ways over modern ones, there are many buildings which are designed with the latter in mind, too.
As an example, traditional architecture is often used in historic buildings and in the construction of large commercial and public buildings. As a result, they can be fitted with modern solutions like air conditioning units and central heating systems. That way, architects can provide people with the best possible indoor climate without compromising the building’s design and its appearance.
