Summers are hot and humid. Good design can keep a home several degrees cooler before any air-conditioner is switched on.
Orientation matters most: keep the longer walls facing north and south, and protect the west wall with shading, trees or service areas such as staircases and stores.
Ventilation needs a path. Windows on opposite walls, ventilators near the ceiling and a central courtyard or stairwell help hot air escape and pull cooler air in.
Roof insulation is the single best upgrade for top-floor flats, as the roof receives the most sun. Reflective coatings and insulated roofing can make a noticeable difference to indoor temperatures.
Combined, these measures reduce electricity bills and make homes more comfortable during power cuts too.