The UK's sweltering heatwaves have left many homeowners scrambling to keep their properties cool – with some resorting to desperate measures like sticking cardboard to windows or using yoghurt as a makeshift sunblock. However, a growing industry is now offering innovative and stylish solutions to combat the soaring temperatures.
Marc Alabaster's graphic design business in West Sussex was transformed by his own experience of battling extreme heat – after installing glass doors that turned his kitchen into an oven, pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Inspired by a trip to Spain, he developed the 'brise-soleil', an angled fin architectural feature designed to break the sun's rays. Alabaster now runs Brise Soleil UK, catering to homeowners looking for bespoke shade solutions over large windows and glass doors.
But it's not just individual homes that are at risk – schools, hospitals, care homes, and critical public infrastructure are also vulnerable due to inadequate cooling measures, according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Ruth Shilston from engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald highlights the need for sustained investment in UK infrastructure to design buildings and public spaces that can withstand future heatwaves.
New regulations on overheating in residential buildings were introduced in England in 2022, but owners of older housing stock must adapt. Aimée Daniels' response was to create an internal, renter-friendly mini awning that clips to sash window frames – priced at £89, these detachable awnings have seen a significant surge in sales.
For those seeking more substantial outdoor solutions, companies are innovating. Dorset-based Kemp Sails has diversified into 'Shade Solutions', using yacht sails expertise to create custom-built shade sails with strong fabrics and techniques typically used for warmer climates – although these can represent a significant investment, potentially costing several thousand pounds.