'We didn't need air conditioning': the airport cooled by natural ventilation
4 hours ago
- Réunion's Roland Garros airport arrivals terminal relies entirely on natural ventilation instead of air conditioning, using a unique roof design with a 'canyon' shape to funnel wind and create a cooling breeze.
- The terminal reduces perceived temperature by 4-5°C in humid summers, adjusts airflow for dry winters, and closes completely during cyclones, maintaining comfort without mechanical cooling.
- The project, completed in 2024, saved €150,000 annually in energy costs and cut carbon emissions by a factor of eight compared to a conventional air-conditioned building.