These earthen beehive houses have been keeping Syrians naturally cool for centuries.
Built of all natural local materials, the thick walls help naturally cool the interior by keeping out the sun, and acting as a thick insulation for the heat to permeate. The walls are made from mud bricks, stacked in a giant circle. Building height, they close in to a conical shape and capped off by a dome shape.
Read more: Earthen “Beehive Houses”
Note: These domes are effective in hot, dry climates. You’ll want to use different building techniques in hot, humid climates. Use increased ventilation, a roof with good sized protective overhangs, plantings and so on for maximum comfort.