How Arizona Changed Home Architecture For Good

One of the biggest changes I noticed when I moved to Arizona from the east coast was the design of homes. The brutal desert climate calls for an entirely different type of architecture than the Appalachian and Tropical climates I was raised around.

Turns out, Arizona's need for change led directly to an architectural innovation that's been adopted by the rest of America.

Natural Cooling

Arizona is hot, I don't need to tell you that. As such, one of the largest expenses for any homeowner is their A/C bills. Heating and cooling take up around 47% of the average energy cost for an Arizona home, leading residents to find new ways to keep themselves cool.

Many residents resort to keeping windows open to at least allow a breeze in, though this still isn't a perfect solution. So, with no surefire way to keep cool in the summers, Arizona contractors came up with a revolutionary new idea.

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What is an "Arizona Room"?

At first glance, Arizona Rooms seem indifferent to screen porches seen across America. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Screen porches are typically a later addition, having a porch or patio screened in. Arizona rooms, on the other hand, are an intentional choice by the contractor as an extra room.

These are built with the house, and include a screened in section in tandem with the rest of the house. These are meant to hold furniture, speakers, televisions, and anything else to help you enjoy your time. The screens and roof keep you cool, even in the summer months, and as such, many states across America have adopted this idea, even though it's not necessary.

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