The ancient method that replaces air conditioning in Chinese homes and provides “natural freshness”

For many people, the heat can be a practically unbearable element . Even more so if it still lasts when you get home after an exhausting day.

Although options such as Fans and systems air conditioning can be useful to combat high temperatures there are other alternatives that promise to be more effective in terms of air flow.

Ru Ling, a resident of China who spent many years working and living in air-conditioned spaces.

However, between 2014 and 2021, had the opportunity to live in an old house and with architecture traditional of his country, which had interior patios which provided ventilation, freshness and shade.

“The natural cool feeling in summer was very refreshing and hard to find in the modern world. (…) This also gave the residence an atmosphere Zen and relaxing,” assured the Asian woman at BBC .

According to a study published in Hindui , temperatures inside the courtyards of some houses in southern China are considerably lower than outside up to 4.3°C.

Even though the majority of the territory’s population lives in urban buildings, The points mentioned by Ru Ling are just some of those that are attracting more and more interest in old houses. .

And to this is added that The Chinese government encourages low-carbon innovations in the construction sector local architects therefore look for inspiration in patios and other aspects that contribute with their structure to the cooling of residences.

Although residences may vary in size and design, One aspect that tends to be common is that interior patios are rectangular and centrally located in homes. .

That Allows wind to enter through opening . SO, The breeze travels down through the walls to the lower floors and creates flows in which cooler air (coming from outside) replaces warmer air (that was inside). .

“It works like a fireplace” explained to the aforementioned media the restorer specializing in this type of house, Yu Youhong.

A couple who used their services, composed of the British Edward Gawne and his Chinese wife Liao Minxin, asked him to work in a residence built 300 years ago and abandoned until 2015 .

This house is located in Yan Village, Wuyuan District. AND With the help of the specialist, they were able to transform it into a charming hotel with 14 rooms .

Although they installed air conditioning in the rooms, They kept the common spaces in their original state, in order to take advantage of the air flows of this traditional architecture. .

In this sense, Gawne told the BBC that They can be cool even in summer, without using air conditioning systems. .

“Everyone realizes, upon entering the house, how naturally cool it is” he pointed out.

To this is added that These older designs also feature natural lighting and are more environmentally friendly. .

That’s why Yu Youhong believes these items will become “more and more popular” .

Furthermore, explained that most of the cooling effect occurs when there are spaces with water inside the enclosure, since when said liquid evaporates it cools the hot air .