Microclimate Design for Sustainable Thermal Comfort

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, designing buildings that work in harmony with the local climate is one of the most important challenges and opportunities for architects, engineers, and designers. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the creation of microclimates, both inside and around the building, to enhance thermal comfort, reduce energy demand, and make constructions more resilient and sustainable.

What is a microclimate?

A microclimate is a set of local climate conditions that exist in a small area, for example, around a building or inside a room, and that can be influenced by natural elements (vegetation, solar orientation, materials) and design strategies (building form, passive systems, solar shading, etc.).

EXTERNAL MICROCLIMATE IN SUMMER

In summer, the main goal is to limit heat gain and encourage natural ventilation:

Strategies:

• Deciduous trees and vegetation: provide shade in summer while allowing solar gain in winter.
• Solar shading: reduce direct solar radiation on façades and entrances.
• Light-colored and permeable surfaces: absorb less heat than dark, impermeable materials.
• Fountains and water features: cool the surrounding air through evaporation.
• Outdoor spatial orientation: design courtyards and patios to enhance natural airflow.

 EXTERNAL MICROCLIMATE IN WINTER

In winter, the outdoor microclimate should help shield the building and its surroundings from cold and wind:

Strategies:

• Windbreak barriers: hedges, walls, or adjacent buildings that block cold winds.
• Heat-absorbing pavements: materials that retain solar heat and release it gradually.
• Maximized solar exposure: open south-facing areas to benefit from winter sun.

 INTERNAL MICROCLIMATE IN SUMMER

Indoors, the goal is to ensure comfort without overreliance on air conditioning:

Strategies:

• Fixed or movable solar shading: blocks direct sun while maintaining natural light.
• Cross and stuck ventilation: strategically placed openings promote airflow.
• High-reflectance materials and light colors: reduce heat absorption on interior surfaces and improve light reflection..
• Thermal mass: massive materials (like concrete) absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

 INTERNAL MICROCLIMATE IN WINTER

During colder months, the indoor environment should retain heat and maximize solar gain:

Strategies:

• South-facing glazing with low-emissivity double/triple glazing: harness solar gain and minimize heat loss.
• Natural insulation materials: such as cork, hemp, or sheep wool to enhance thermal performance.
• Passive thermal storage systems: dark, high-mass walls or floors that store solar energy.
• Air tightness and heat recovery ventilation: reduce infiltration and recover heat from exhaust air.

Why is this important?

Creating optimized microclimates means reducing a building’s energy demand, improving efficiency, and boosting climate resilience. It is a key strategy to:

• Achieve standards such as NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings)
• Face climate change in increasingly hot or extreme urban environments
• Decrease dependence on mechanical systems
• Enhance the health and well-being of building occupants

Ready to take the next step?

If you are an Architect or an Engineer book a consultation for your project and let’s design together a building that stays comfortable all year round  without the need for traditional heating or cooling systems.

With the right strategies, sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice, it means smarter design, greater efficiency, and harmony with the climate.

Book your first free consultation here