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passive cooling

Skyward Solutions: Chinese Skywells for Cool Comfort

Imagine walking into a traditional Chinese home on a sweltering summer day, greeted by a gentle breeze and diffused sunlight filtering down from above. The secret to this cool haven lies in a simple yet ingenious design element: the skywell, known as a "tian jing" (天井). A Breath of Fresh Air These open spaces carved into the roof structure serve as more than just light shafts. They act as...

Reaching for the Sky: Ancient Domes that Breathe Cool Air

Imagine stepping into a centuries-old structure, bathed in soft light filtering through intricate vents, where a gentle breeze keeps you cool without the hum of electricity. This refreshing experience wasn't a futuristic dream, but the reality offered by ventilated domes, a time-tested architectural feature found across the Middle East, Africa, and India. Harnessing the Power of Heat These elegant...

passive cooling badgir

What’s Your Home’s Cool Factor

Imagine living in a city where summer temperatures routinely soar above 40°C (104°F) – yet enjoying cool, refreshing breezes indoors without relying on energy-guzzling air conditioning. This reality is not a futuristic dream, but the time-tested tradition of the Bâgdir, a windcatcher employed in ancient Iranian architecture, particularly in the historic city of Yazd. A Tower of Freshness The...