Home design and British heatwaves: Expert insights 2025

This year’s summer heatwave has made it clear that climate change is here to stay. As rising temperatures and unpredictable weather events become more commonplace, it is increasingly important to design homes that are climate-resilient and energy efficient. 

What factors should be considered to offer protection against heatwaves? According to Oliver Rehm, CEO of Baufritz UK, to manage overheating it is necessary to look at the volume, geometry, and orientation of a building. For example, east and west-facing windows are more likely to cause an uncomfortable level of heat within the building than south-facing windows.

One solution is solar shading that not only enhances comfort but also allows you to benefit from the natural light of the sun. House Brunt is a prime example of how brises soleil can both help to define a building’s architecture while reducing solar gain, keeping interiors cool in summer while delivering excellent energy efficiency.

Smart homes are the future

As homes become digitalised, smart building technology makes it possible to link the different devices in the home to further boost energy efficiency. Oliver recommends a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system that can maintain the quality of the indoor air by managing the airflow inside the house by means of sensors. Other options include smart blinds that monitor internal environmental conditions and provide automated shading.

Photovoltaic panels also present a compelling solution for reducing energy consumption. In a home that is well insulated, solar panels can provide at least half of the energy required for an average household. Battery storage technology means that excess energy can be stored for use later on.

Connecting to nature

Sustainable insulation and the use of greenery are further aspects that help to mitigate the effects of climate change. In our podcast on adapting housebuilding to climate change, Oliver emphasises the need to insulate buildings with renewable materials. Baufritz’s HOIZ insulation material made from wood shavings is a good example of this.

Trees and plants offer natural shade as well as improving the air we breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Having plants inside the house can enhance the quality of air indoors. As Oliver says, “The connection between inside and outside will become much more important.”  

Listen to the podcast here