Stay Cool: Design Tips for Thriving in Austin Heat
It’s April in Austin. Ninety degrees already, and summer hasn’t even officially begun. As our climate warms, longer and hotter summers are becoming our new reality — which makes design strategies for comfort and sustainability more important than ever.
At LSD Studio, we believe design should serve both lifestyle and environment. The right materials, thoughtful architectural moves, and a layered approach can keep your home comfortable — and beautiful — through even the hottest Texas months.
Outdoor Pool Deck in Tarrytown by LSD Studio / Photograph by Kieran Reeves
TL;DR — Our Top 5 Impact Moves
Shade First, Cool Second → Exterior shading on west-facing windows is 3x more effective than interior blinds.
Create the Chimney Effect → Open lower shady-side windows and higher opposite windows to draw hot air out.
Upgrade Your Floors → Limestone, terrazzo, or polished concrete provide naturally cool surfaces underfoot.
Add Strategic Water → Position a small fountain where breezes can carry evaporative cooling indoors.
Plant Powerhouses → Boston ferns and Areca palms release liters of cooling moisture each day.
Shade Like You Mean It
Historically, drapery wasn’t about decoration — it was insulation. In Austin, our focus flips: keep the heat out before it enters.
South-facing windows: horizontal overhangs block high summer sun, allow winter light.
East-facing windows: vertical fins or adjustable exterior blinds help tame intense mornings.
West-facing windows: deep overhangs, exterior shades, or climbing vegetation — essential for harsh afternoons.
North-facing windows: minimal shading needed; reflective surfaces nearby amplify daylight.
At LSD Studio, we integrate shading not just for performance but for architectural beauty. A thoughtfully placed overhang or a pergola dripping with vines can become a design feature.
Harness Air Movement
Long before air conditioning, homes used natural airflow for comfort. The principle still works.
Cross ventilation: windows on opposite sides pull air through.
Transoms: let hot air rise and escape.
Ceiling fans: enhance circulation when windows are open.
The trick: open lower windows on the shady side and higher windows opposite to create a chimney effect. It’s elegant, simple, and sustainable.
Canyon Preserve in Austin exemplifies thoughtful climate-responsive design with its limestone walls providing natural thermal mass, clerestory windows allowing hot air to escape, and deep overhangs creating essential shade. Designed by Lake|Flato. Photography by Casey Dunn.
Material Matters: Craftsmanship + Coolness
The materials you choose don’t just change how your home looks — they change how it feels.
Floors: limestone (a Texas classic), terrazzo, or polished concrete feel naturally cool.
Roofing: light-colored or reflective materials reduce heat gain.
Thermal mass: stone and concrete absorb heat by day and release it at night with ventilation.
At LSD Studio, we emphasize craftsmanship and materiality. A locally quarried limestone floor isn’t just durable — it stays cool, ages beautifully, and grounds a home in place.
Water as Design + Cooling
Water features have always been natural air conditioners. From courtyards in the Alhambra to modern splash pools, evaporation lowers air temps.
Fountains: place near windows so breezes carry cooled air inside.
Pools: when sited correctly, breezes push evaporative cooling toward the home.
Compact solutions: splash pools or recirculating fountains deliver impact without excess water use.
Water, when combined with stone, creates one of the most refreshing sensory pairings in design.
Limestone trough from Provence used as part of a custom water feature in one of outdoor living projects. Design by LSD Studio / Photograph by Liz Swaminatha
Biophilic Cooling
Plants cool as they transpire — releasing water vapor that lowers surrounding temperatures.
Boston ferns → shady, moisture-loving.
Snake plants → low maintenance, perfect for bedrooms.
Areca palms → can release nearly a liter of moisture daily.
Beyond cooling, greenery integrates wellness into design, connecting indoor environments to Austin’s vibrant natural world.
This custom steam shower creates an opportunity for regular exposure to temperature variations that train the body’s thermoregulatory system, potentially improving comfort in Austin’s summer heat. The black Belgian limestone and blush marble tiles provide cooling thermal mass while an integrated aromatherapy system provide help with seasonal allergies and therapeutic treatment. Design by LSD Studio / Photograph by Liz Swaminathan
Wellness & Heat Adaptation
Design can also support how our bodies adapt to heat:
Hydration stations encourage consistent water intake.
Saunas and steam help the body regulate temperature — paradoxically building resilience.
Recovery zones: one room designed as a “cool retreat,” layered with insulation, ceiling fans, and cool-toned materials.
Wellness isn’t an add-on; it’s part of how we shape environments that sustain daily life.
Bringing It All Together
Cooling in Austin isn’t about one solution. It’s layered: shading, airflow, materials, water, plants, and wellness practices. The result is a home that is both climate-responsive and beautiful — a space that feels timeless, crafted, and deeply connected to its environment.
Every degree of comfort designed into your home saves energy, reduces stress, and makes summer more livable. And more than that — it connects us to a tradition of craftsmanship, material intelligence, and design wisdom that has always existed in hot climates.
