As UK households face repeated heatwaves this summer, growing numbers of homeowners are looking beyond air conditioning for ways to keep their properties cool. Some are turning to traditional Japanese cooling techniques, which have been used for generations in hot, humid climates without relying on mechanical air con units.
The approach, sometimes referred to as Ryō Wo Toru, centres on natural methods of creating a sense of coolness in the home, combining shading, ventilation, scent and material choices. While many traditional Japanese products are not readily available in the UK, experts say the underlying principles can be adapted using materials already sold by UK retailers.
One widely used method in Japan is the Yoshizu screen, a woven reed or bamboo screen hung outside windows to stop heat entering the home before it reaches the glass. Steve Jenkins, DIY expert at Homebuilding & Renovating, said UK homeowners could recreate a similar effect using bamboo screening products sold by UK retailers, though sizing can be an issue.
"A quick option is to unravel a bamboo screen and place it against the window with the bamboo slats vertical," Mr Jenkins said. He noted that standard UK window heights of around 2.5 to 3 metres can make it difficult to find screens tall enough, suggesting blocks can be used to raise a screen to the required height as a temporary fix.
For a more permanent solution, Mr Jenkins recommended hanging bamboo screening from the eaves of single-storey properties using screw-in hooks fixed into the fascia board, with three hooks generally sufficient for support. For those comfortable with DIY, he also suggested building a simple wooden frame from CLS timber to hold a bamboo screen upright in front of a ground-floor window, using additional timber lengths as stabilising feet.
Homeowners who prefer an indoor solution rather than layering screens outside could consider bamboo blinds, according to Ian Rowell, head of product development at Blinds2Go. He said bamboo blinds are generally suitable for use during heatwaves provided they are kept dry, as uneven heat and moisture can cause natural fibres to warp over time.
"Moisture amplifies this and could cause the blinds to distort," Mr Rowell said, adding that a lacquer coating used on some bamboo blinds helps protect them from absorbing excess heat and moisture. He cautioned that bamboo blinds are intended for internal use only and are not suitable for consistently damp areas such as shower rooms or windows close to kitchen sinks.
Mr Rowell added that bamboo's main advantage is its combination of strength and light weight compared with timber, making larger blinds easier to operate, although the processing required to prepare bamboo for slats makes it somewhat more expensive than PVC or standard timber alternatives.
Another traditional Japanese method involves growing plants on nets or trellises outside windows to reduce direct sunlight. Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, said a similar "green curtain" effect could be achieved in UK gardens using movable planters and trellis, particularly on south or west-facing walls that receive strong afternoon sun.
"A dense screen of leaves on a trellis cuts the heat hitting the glass and, as the plants release moisture, it makes the area right next to the window feel a bit cooler too," Mr Palphramand said, while noting that UK conditions would not replicate the intensity of a Japanese summer.
For a fast-growing seasonal option, he suggested runner beans or climbing beans grown in a deep planter with trellis or netting, which are quick to establish and also produce edible crops. For longer-term coverage, he recommended container-friendly climbers such as clematis, jasmine, star jasmine in milder areas, honeysuckle or common hop, planted in free-draining containers around 30 to 50cm deep and positioned slightly away from walls to avoid dry soil conditions.
Beyond shading methods, the Japanese approach also incorporates scent and sound to create a psychological sense of coolness. Traditional wind chimes, known as fūrin, are commonly hung both indoors and outdoors, with their sound intended to reinforce awareness of moving air. Experts note that heavier chimes can be noisy and may not be suitable for densely populated residential streets.
Lightweight, pale-coloured fabrics that reflect rather than absorb heat are also recommended as part of a wider strategy to stay comfortable during warm weather, alongside the use of light, natural-smelling scents such as mint or sea-inspired fragrances to support a cooler overall impression of the home.
Taken together, the methods highlight a growing interest among UK households in low-cost, non-mechanical approaches to managing heat, as adapted versions of long-standing Japanese techniques become more accessible through mainstream retailers.
