Researchers and built-environment experts discuss approaches for redesigning UK homes to cope with hotter conditions as the country faces ongoing heatwave risk. The latest guidance draws on academic testing of two neighbouring homes, where researchers evaluate which design and performance strategies help occupants stay cooler during extreme temperatures. The reporting also notes that the UK has regulatory requirements aimed at preventing overheating in new housing. Under building regulations introduced in 2022, new homes are assessed at the design stage for their likelihood of overheating. If the risk is judged to be high, architects and designers must adjust the building design to lower the likelihood of overheating. Together, the sources present a picture of both evidence-based research and compliance with planning rules. The focus is on improving thermal comfort in homes as heatwaves become more frequent, including through design choices verified before construction, and through real-world-style comparisons in study homes. The aim across accounts is to reduce heat stress indoors during hotter periods.
Experts outline UK home redesign measures to reduce overheating risks
Researchers and built-environment experts discuss approaches for redesigning UK homes to cope with hotter conditions as the country faces ongoing heatwave risk. The latest guidance draws on academic t...
- The UK is preparing for another heatwave in 2026.
- Academics are testing cooling and overheating-mitigation approaches in two neighbouring homes.
- Building regulations introduced in 2022 require overheating risk checks during the design stage for new homes.
- If a design is assessed as having a high overheating risk, architects must make changes to the design.
- The measures described focus on reducing indoor overheating and improving thermal comfort during extreme heat.
As the UK prepares for the third heat wave of 2026, most people will be hoping to keep cool at home. Building regulations to protect homes from overheating were introduced in 2022. These require all new homes to be checked at the design stage to see if they might be at risk of overheating. If the overheating risk is high, the architect has to make changes to the design.
3 hours agoAcademics have been testing out how best to deal with heatwaves in two neighbouring homes to see what works.
15 hours ago
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