No air conditioning? Here are seven design lessons we can learn from hot countries

Water has long been used as a natural way to cool interiors in hot climates. As it evaporates, it draws heat from the surrounding air, creating a subtle cooling effect. In a city flat, the principle is easy to borrow. Place terracotta pots or shallow ceramic bowls near an open window, under a fan or in a breeze. the hallwaywhere circulating air will encourage evaporation. Grouped together, they also give the room a relaxed Mediterranean feel. If you don’t have a suitable container on hand, a lightly damp linen cloth also works. As the air passes over the moist surface, it cools before circulating through the room.

Tip: Choose wide, shallow pots rather than deep ones, as the larger surface area allows water to evaporate more quickly.

7. Adapt your routine to the heat

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Traditional cooling methods rely less on maintaining a constant temperature and more on working with the rhythm of the day. Everything from when the window was opened to when the food was prepared determined the heating cycle. The same approach can be useful today. Ventilate early in the morning and after sunset, when the outside air is cool, close curtains before direct sunlight reaches windows, and move work or rest areas to naturally cooler parts of the house. It’s also worth remembering how much heat appliances such as tumble dryers, irons and ovens produce, so try to cook, bake or do housework shortly before opening windows for early day or evening ventilation.

Tip: Pay attention to how sunlight moves through your home during the summer and adapt the way you use different rooms accordingly.

None of these steps will turn your home into an air-conditioned retreat, but together they can make a significant difference, helping interiors stay more comfortable during hot spells while using little extra energy.