We all have an idea of what our dream house should look like. Yet, some of our design ideas may not turn out practical. When visualizing a house, we come up with home exterior images without factoring in the surrounding environment and climate.
Various regions experience unique weather conditions, which should affect the choice of materials, structures, and layouts. By thinking in this direction, you will be able to figure out the most practical and comfortable design for daily living. Let’s explore how climate differences shape home design choices.
- Colder climates
Much of Canada’s northern areas like Ottawa are known for their harsh winters. Heavy weather conditions force homeowners to take care of insulation and energy efficiency. That’s why residents choose the best providers of reliable Ottawa windows to minimize heat loss.
Even if flat roofs might seem more visually appealing to some people, Canadian residents opt for steep roofs so that snow slides off easily in the winter. It helps to prevent excessive weight and structural damage.
- Hot and arid climates
The Southern United States and British Columbia have entirely different challenges. Homes need to stay cool and provide shade in high temperatures and intense sun exposure.
Property owners prefer materials like concrete or brick which absorb and store heat during the day. They install smaller windows with awnings and shutters to minimize heat gain. For the home exterior, they choose reflective colors that can keep houses cooler. As a matter of fact, people design their roofs with solar panels that bring benefits to homeowners.
- Coastal areas
Widespread challenges across coastal areas are high humidity, salt air, and strong winds. In these areas, home designs must focus on durability and moisture resistance.
You can find houses with elevated foundations in Nova Scotia. It’s not just someone’s wish. Homeowners opt for such a design to protect their houses in flood-prone areas.
Here are some other features of houses in coastal areas:
- Since salt air can corrode most classic materials, home builders recommend using aluminum, stainless steel, or treated wood;
- There can be lots of flying debris due to strong winds. It makes property owners invest in reliable windows reinforced with shatter-resistant glass;
- Constant rain exposes houses to leak damage. That’s why owners make sloped roofs with advanced water drainage.
- Rainy regions
People living in regions with heavy rainfalls make waterproofing and effective drainage a priority. They use well-designed gutters that direct water away from the foundation of the house.
For home exteriors, homeowners choose the following moisture-resistant materials:
- Vinyl siding;
- Non-porous materials;
- Treated Wood.
Anyone living in Vancouver knows what it’s like to see mold and mildew in their houses. It’s not only disgusting but also endangers the health of all the people living in the house. That’s why residents invest in proper ventilation systems and dehumidifiers.
- Four seasons
There are lots of places in the world where people experience all four seasons. What does it mean for homeowners? It means that their houses should be adaptive to significant temperature changes and seasonal weather variations.
Key features:
- Energy-efficient windows. Windows should handle everything from cold and freezing winters to hot and humid summers. Energy-efficient options provide a comfortable climate indoors regardless of the season of the year;
- Adaptable HVAC systems. When a couple of months it’s freezing and the next couple of months it’s hot outside, a flexible HVAC system is a must-have as it can seamlessly switch between cooling and heating;
- Durable materials. Concrete won’t be appropriate for houses in cold climates. Such materials as fiber cement can provide protection against rain, extensive UV exposure, and snow.
- Smart landscaping. Trees that start losing their leaves in autumn allow sunlight to warm houses while providing shade in hot summers.
Emerging trends
In recent years, we have increasingly seen climate change around the world. Trends and designs of the past are no longer effective. People across the globe see the frequency of extreme weather changes like floods, heatwaves, etc. These conditions encourage tech advancements and new trends in home renovations.
Here are some of the emerging trends:
- People try to reduce their dependence on artificial systems by taking advantage of natural heating and cooling when building houses;
- Living roofs aka green roofs provide high-quality insulation and help manage water runoff.
- Homeowners use more tech devices such as climate control systems, weather sensors, and automated window shades in their modern properties.
Final say
Building a house is not just about making it look outstanding. It’s about making your house that can withstand the most critical weather conditions. Depending on the area, you should know about the key features of perfect construction. Home designs should be adaptive to changing climates. That’s why you should opt for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability when building your home. Moreover, reliable materials combined with a gorgeous home facade will make you want to live in the house your whole life.
