Fighting the Heat

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Long before air conditioning, New Orleans architects had to engineer comfort using only the laws of nature. Take Madame John's Legacy, built in 1788. This home is a masterclass in climate-responsive design.

To beat the brutal Louisiana humidity, the builders incorporated broad shaded galleries to keep the sun off the walls and designed rooms for maximum ventilation. They even included a cooling cellar to provide a sanctuary from the heat. It's a perfect example of early green design, proving that the best way to survive a Southern summer is to work with the wind and the shade rather than against them.

Updated June 2026