It’s come into stark focus recently that heatwaves will be the new norm for the UK. This raises huge concerns about how vulnerable properties are to heat, including homes and businesses. However, the biggest worries are about key public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, and the vulnerable occupants. We want to have a closer look at this here, then if you need help from outstanding architects in London, you can trust us.

Hotting up

The evidence was already there that heatwaves will be a yearly problem in the UK. For example, we’ve had four consecutive years of high temperatures and 2025 setting a new record as the hottest year in history. In 2026 we’ve just had the hottest May ever.

June could also smash records this week, with estimates temperatures could reach 37 or 38 degrees Celsius. If that happens, thousands of schools across the UK may have to close. The conditions are simply too dangerous, especially in school buildings unable to cope with the heat. This could have an impact on the children’s education and will also have an economic impact for parents who need to take extra time off work.

Problems

School buildings are some of the most vulnerable to heat in the UK. As top architects in London, we can see the various issues. Children are also in more danger here because they physically absorb heat faster, can’t cool down as effectively, and have a higher risk of dehydration. Add to that the fact they can be in classrooms with dozens of other people, and it is even more dangerous.

The big issue is most buildings in general are not built to withstand such high temperatures. New schools from the last few years are better, but are barely able to cope. If temperatures continue to rise, they will be in trouble too. Interestingly, some older buildings are resilient too because thicker walls provide better insulation against solar gain. The most vulnerable schools are from the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. They suffer for having thinner walls, more glazing, windows that can only open a fraction, and low ceilings.

What to do?

The scale of the issue shows how crucial it is to address it as soon as possible. But what is the best way to do it? Some recommend air conditioning, but the operating costs and impact on the environment are a concern.

The best option is likely to be a combination of different methods of passive cooling. This includes using higher performance glazing to reduce solar gain, solar shading, and mechanical ventilation. Ground source heat pumps could be fantastic, able to circulate cold water through pipes to cool properties. Plus, light colour facades and reducing the amount of hard landscaping, including paving and tarmac, could help.

Tackle problems with top architects in London

The most important takeaway from all of this is that overheating is a serious problem in the UK. To protect children and ensure they get a good education, it is vital to make sure the buildings are able to cope with the conditions. Changes are needed, and new buildings should be designed to a higher standard, ensuring they can withstand the kind of high temperatures that could become typical in summers.

Coffey Architects would love to help if you’re thinking about any kind of architecture project. We have a fantastic team, bringing together different passions, skills, and perspectives. We’ll find the best solutions for any challenges, including dealing with heat.

So, get in touch and start working with leading architects in London.