Summers in New Zealand bring long, sunny days and warm evenings, but without the right design, your home can quickly become uncomfortably hot. At Location Homes, we understand the importance of building homes that not only look great but also stay cool during those warmer months.

While the nearby ocean helps regulate temperatures, often preventing extreme highs, New Plymouth still enjoys pleasantly warm summer days. Coastal breezes and the ocean's natural cooling effect typically keep the heat manageable.

Whether you're in New Plymouth or rural Taranaki, designing a home to stay cool naturally will not only enhance your comfort but also save on energy bills. If you're thinking about building a new home, we have put together some tips to make your new build a true summer haven.

Orientation for Optimal SunlightO

One of the most effective ways to keep your home cool in summer starts long before construction begins—it’s all about positioning your home correctly on your site. By orienting your house to capture sunlight in winter but limit it during summer, you can maintain a more stable internal temperature year-round.

In New Zealand, a north-facing orientation works well for living spaces, as it allows you to make the most of winter sun while minimising exposure to direct summer heat. In summer, overhangs, eaves, and pergolas can block high sun angles, keeping your home shaded and cool during the hottest part of the day.

Strategic Window Placement and Shading

Windows are essential for bringing in light and fresh air, but they can also be the source of heat gain during summer. Double-glazed windows that have a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating  that helps reflect heat away from your home. Tinting your windows can also assist in heat reflection and has the added bonus of protecting your soft furnishings from UV rays.

Shading your windows with external louvres, shutters, or awnings can prevent the sun from directly entering your home during the hottest part of the day. 

Cross Ventilation for Natural Cooling

Good airflow is key to a naturally cool home. By designing for cross-ventilation, you can create a natural breeze that flows through your home and helps keep it cool without relying on air conditioning. This involves placing windows and doors on opposite sides of the house, allowing air to circulate freely. Installing high windows means you can leave these open at night to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures.

Insulation for Summer Comfort

While insulation is often thought of as a way to keep your home warm in winter, it’s just as important for keeping things cool in summer. Properly insulated walls, floors, and ceilings help regulate internal temperatures, preventing heat from penetrating your home during hot days.

At Location Homes, we use a custom calculation method on your insulation to ensure we get the optimal design that considers both cost and efficiency.  

Cooling Roof and Wall Materials

The materials you choose for your home can significantly impact how it handles heat. Light-coloured roofs and walls reflect more sunlight than dark materials, which absorb and retain heat. Opting for cool roofing materials can make a noticeable difference in how much heat enters your home. 

Additionally, using materials with high thermal mass—such as concrete, brick, or stone—can help regulate temperature by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night when temperatures drop.

Smart Landscaping Choices

Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics—it plays a role in keeping your home cool, too. Smart planting choices around your home can help to shade areas that you want to keep cool. Creating green spaces with lawns, shrubs, and garden beds can also reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your property compared to paved or concrete surfaces, which tend to radiate heat into your home. A well-thought-out landscape can create natural cooling zones around your house.

Energy-Efficient Cooling Solutions

Even with good design, some days may call for a little extra help to keep cool. At Location Homes, we recommend energy-efficient cooling systems that complement your natural cooling strategies. Ceiling fans, for instance, are an excellent option for circulating air, ensure these are set counter clockwise to push the cool air downwards. If you are using a pedestal stand fan, face it towards the window to force the hot air out.

If you do opt for air conditioning, we will talk about your budget and help you find the solution that works best for you. This may be a high wall heat pump or a ducted system, both of these combined with good insulation and other measures will be used less frequently and more efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption.

Build Smart for a Cool, Comfortable Home

Building a home that stays cool in the summer months doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. By incorporating smart design choices, selecting the right materials, and making use of natural ventilation and shading, you can create a home that feels fresh and comfortable even on the hottest days.

At Location Homes, we work closely with our clients to design homes that reflect the New Zealand lifestyle—one that embraces the outdoors while ensuring comfort indoors, no matter the season.

Ready to get started? Contact us today or visit locationhomes.co.nz to learn more about building a home that’s perfect for all seasons, including those hot Taranaki summers.

Build for the future, and enjoy comfort all year round. Let’s make it happen together. 

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