Design Strategies for Climatic Region

Climate Zone Map Ref.

Cool Climate:

• use compact forms with the smallest surface area possible relative to the volume
• use large south-facing windows with small windows on the east and west and with minimal or no windows on the north
• use interior materials with high thermal mass
• include summer shading for glazed areas
• use dark or medium-dark colors for the building exterior

Temperate Climates:

• plan rectangular buildings with long direction oriented east-west axis and facing slightly to the east
• provide shade in the summer, and allow the sun to fall on glazing and the building in the winter
• use south facing opening to capture winter sun light
• plan for cooling effects of wind in the summer, block wind in the winter
• use medium colors for the building exterior

Hot-Humid Climates:

• provide shade for all openings
• maximize natural ventilation with large opening, high ceilings, and cross ventilation
• construct buildings using light materials; minimize thermal mass
• use light colors for the building exterior

Hot-Arid Climates:

• use compact forms with the smallest surface area possible relative to the volume
• minimize opening sizes
• provide shade for openings
• maximize thermal mass
• use light colors for the building exterior

References:

California Climate Zones
http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/carbon-aia/strategies.html
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/climate_specific_publications.html