Termite mounds inspire architecture

In Zimbabwe’s extremely hot climate, the building’s primary cooling method is natural ventilation. Engineers sought inspiration for the ventilation design from termite mounds

Termites require their home to remain at an exact temperature of 87F (30.5C) throughout a 24-hour daily temperature range of between 35F at night and 104F during the day (1.6C to 40C).

Cool, man: The solution was a passive-cooling structure with specially designed hooded windows, variable thickness walls and light coloured paints to reduce heat absorption.

Reference: ECOS 129, Feb-Mar 2006, p.28. website: http://www.publish.csiro.au/ecos

Erisk Net, 11/4/2006