Resilient & Climate-Responsive Design to Create Comfortable & Functional Spaces

In South Africa, spring has sprung and around us, it is all about change, new beginnings, colour and greenery. It is therefore an excellent season to focus on climate change and what we as local architects can do to help address the issue.

It is no secret that the building and construction industry is a major contributor to the greenhouse gasses in the air. However, over the past few years, new ideas and developments within the industry are bringing about positive change. A great strategy to highlight in this regard is resilient and climate-responsive design.

At its core, this approach is about adopting energy-efficient and sustainable building practices and materials that have been specifically tailored to the local climate. No two geographical locations – not even direct neighbours – will have exactly the same exposure to the sun, wind, and rain from every angle. However, by really examining a site and carefully considering the climate, topography, vegetation, and orientation, architects can implement Passive Design that works with and adapts to the elements.

The goal of resilient and climate-responsive design is to create comfortable and highly functional spaces that can sustainably withstand the test of time.

It can be achieved by integrating strategies that tick the boxes for durability, flexibility, and sustainability.

1. Durability: To stand the test of time

Durability is crucial for creating spaces that can withstand varying weather conditions and maintain their functionality over time.

Materials like rammed earth or adobe bricks are naturally resistant to temperature fluctuations and can be sourced locally, reducing transportation costs and its environmental impact.
Apply weather-resistant paints and coatings to protect buildings from rain and UV radiation.
In the Highveld region including Johannesburg and Pretoria, heavy rains and hailstorms are common which means we need to design roofs that can handle it. Did you know that a curved concrete roof is highly durable against wind and rain?

2. Flexibility: To adapt to the changing climate

Seasons change. Heatwaves and cold fronts come and go. And as the sun revolves around the earth, the need for shading changes as well. Flexibility in design allows spaces to adapt to the natural transformation taking place outside.

We therefore need to look at modular or movable elements that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different uses or respond to changing weather conditions like retractable roofs, opening skylights etc.
We can look at creating spaces that can function as both indoor and outdoor areas.
And when it comes to shading, architects can make modifications like adjustable louvers to control sunlight and heat gain throughout the year.
Added to this, we can work with landscape architects to design outdoor spaces with plant species that can thrive in various weather conditions and provide changing levels of shade and cooling throughout the year.

3. Sustainability: To make an on-going difference

The point of resilient and climate-responsive design is not only to protect buildings against climate change but to actively fight the problem.

Orienting buildings to maximise natural light and warmth during cooler months while minimising heat gain in the afternoons is an absolute must. But that’s just the beginning.
We have to collect and store rainwater for use during drier periods.
We need to choose native plant species that require less water and maintenance.
By incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens we can provide buildings with natural insulation but also help manage stormwater.
The inclusion of large overhangs or light shelves is also multi-functional. Apart from providing shade it also allows natural light to penetrate deeper into a building.
Natural ventilation through cross ventilation or stacking can bring down energy costs and greatly improve indoor air quality.
We need to lower energy consumption, increase natural light and natural cooling/heating by making use of advancements in solar heating, daylighting, thermal mass, insulation, smart shading and evaporative cooling.

At Veld Architects, we believe a thorough site analysis is crucial to the success of each and every project we take on. We become scientists, biologists, and even fortune tellers for a period of time. And then we focus on making energy-efficient design choices that are durable, flexible, and sustainable.

Join the VELD Lifestyle.

Make your next design a VELD design.

xxx

Love,

Gill

FAQs

What is resilient and climate-responsive design, and why is it important in South Africa?

Resilient and climate-responsive design refers to architectural and engineering approaches that create buildings and spaces capable of withstanding and adapting to environmental challenges while maintaining comfort and functionality. This is particularly important in South Africa due to its diverse climate zones, ranging from Mediterranean in the Western Cape to subtropical in KwaZulu-Natal, and semi-arid in the Karoo. With climate change intensifying weather extremes, such design strategies help create sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that can adapt to varying conditions, reduce resource consumption, and provide comfortable living and working environments year-round.

How can natural ventilation be effectively implemented in South African buildings?

Natural ventilation can be effectively implemented in South African buildings through strategies such as cross-ventilation and stack effect. Cross-ventilation involves designing openings on opposite sides of a building to allow air to flow through, which is particularly effective in coastal areas like Cape Town or Durban. Stack effect ventilation uses temperature differences to create air movement, often employed in multi-story buildings or those with central atriums. In hot, dry areas like the Northern Cape, wind towers or wind catchers can be used to capture and direct cooler air into buildings. The key is to design these systems considering local wind patterns, building orientation, and seasonal temperature variations.

What role does thermal mass play in climate responsive design for South Africa’s varied climate?

Thermal mass plays a crucial role in climate responsive design across South Africa’s varied climate zones. In regions with high diurnal temperature swings, like the Karoo or Highveld, materials with high thermal mass (such as concrete, stone, or rammed earth) can absorb heat during hot days and release it during cool nights, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures. In coastal areas with more moderate climates, thermal mass can help prevent rapid temperature fluctuations. The effective use of thermal mass can significantly reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, leading to more energy-efficient buildings. However, it’s important to carefully consider the climate zone and building use to determine the appropriate amount and placement of thermal mass.

How can South African buildings be designed to maximise natural daylighting while minimising heat gain?

Maximising natural daylighting while minimising heat gain in South African buildings requires a balanced approach. Strategies include the use of light shelves, which reflect sunlight deep into interiors while shading lower windows, and clerestory windows, which allow light in from high angles. In hot regions like Limpopo or Mpumalanga, exterior shading devices such as brise-soleil or deep overhangs can block direct sunlight while still allowing diffused light to enter. Spectrally selective glazing can also be used to allow visible light while reflecting infrared radiation. Additionally, dynamic shading systems that adjust based on sun position and intensity can provide optimal daylighting throughout the year. The key is to design these features based on the building’s orientation and local sun paths to achieve the right balance of light and heat control.

What are some cost-effective ways to implement climate-responsive design in existing South African buildings?

There are several cost-effective ways to implement climate-responsive design in existing South African buildings. Adding insulation to roofs and walls can significantly improve thermal performance, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures like the Highveld. Installing adjustable shading devices, such as exterior blinds or awnings, can help control solar gain. Replacing single-pane windows with double-glazed units can improve insulation and reduce heat transfer. In warmer areas, painting roofs with reflective white paint can reduce heat absorption. Implementing water-efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems can address water scarcity issues. For natural ventilation, simply modifying window openings or adding vents can improve air circulation. These retrofits, while varying in cost, can lead to significant improvements in comfort and energy efficiency, often paying for themselves through reduced utility bills over time.