As Chennai faces the brunt of a relentless summer, with temperatures soaring beyond 40°C, residents are turning to natural, sustainable ways to beat the heat without relying heavily on air conditioners. From traditional techniques to smart modern hacks, the city’s citizens are rediscovering how to keep their homes cool the natural way.“Using thick cotton curtains and keeping the windows open only during early mornings and late evenings has helped reduce the heat inside,” says Meenakshi R, a homemaker from Mylapore. “We also wet the floor twice a day, which brings down the room temperature slightly and adds freshness.” Many residents like Meenakshi are using indoor plants such as aloe vera, areca palm, and money plants to purify the air and bring a touch of greenery that helps lower ambient temperature.
Architect and eco-design advocate Arvind Prabhu suggests reverting to traditional methods. “Terracotta tiles, lime-coated walls, and jaali windows are not just aesthetic—they’re practical. They promote airflow and reflect heat,” he says. He also emphasizes the use of natural fiber mats, bamboo blinds, and white roofing sheets as cost-effective ways to maintain cooler interiors.
In areas like Anna Nagar and Besant Nagar, rooftop gardening is gaining popularity. “Our terrace is now a mini garden with potted vegetables and shade cloths. It has significantly brought down the heat entering our top floor,” shares Vinod Kumar, a techie who began gardening during the pandemic. Meanwhile, using clay water pots for drinking water is making a comeback too—keeping water cool and cutting down on fridge usage.
With Chennai’s heatwave showing no signs of easing, embracing such natural, energy-efficient techniques is not only eco-friendly but also a wise long-term investment. As the city sizzles, it’s clear that the past holds some cool answers for the present.