Europe has seen record temperatures this year, with back-to-back heatwaves since May. Businesses across the continent have been scrambling to find ways to beat the heat, and outdoor hospitality is no exception.
Outdoor assets face unique challenges, from direct solar exposure to off-grid water and power limits. However, natural settings and flexible unit design can also offer distinct advantages.
Here are five ways to build a heat-resilient outdoor hospitality destination:
1. Nature is at the heart of your heat-resilient site design
Outdoor hospitality sites are already at an advantage over urban accommodation, with green environments often feeling considerably cooler than their built-up counterparts.
Leverage this advantage by using elevation, shade and natural air pathways to help decide where units should be placed.
Tree shade, for example, can lower wall surface temperatures by up to 9°C (16°F), so place accommodation beneath mature, high-canopy trees. Natural foliage blocks direct solar radiation far more effectively than artificial shade, just be sure that the locations are safe from falling branches.
Also consider cross ventilation. Map prevailing summer breezes across your land and align structure openings such as windows, zips and doors to create natural airflow.
For solid structures, living roofs can help tackle heat in a natural way. Planted with local flora, green roofs can absorb solar radiation and lower ambient heat while maintaining a natural feel.
2. Choose the right materials for summer-proofing your glamping site
Whether managing safari tents, eco-pods, or timber cabins, keeping units cool is impossible if the structure leaks heat. High R-value insulation is essential.
For canvas or other tented structures, this can mean multi-layer fabrics. For solid pods, cabins and flooring, more traditional rigid foam boards or soft insulation can be used.
For non-traditional units, such as converted vehicles, external reflective films can be used to reduce heat gain by blocking solar radiation. These unit types can also benefit from external shade structures.
3. Architectural additions to naturally cool your outdoor assets
Where mature trees are unavailable, artificial shading structures provide immediate protection.
Permanent or temporary tensioned sail shades are a popular option, using either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric or natural canvas. These can block up to 95 percent of UV rays while remaining permeable enough to let rising hot air escape.
Similarly, wooden pergolas in open shared spaces and along walkways can help offer guests shade throughout the day, keeping them cool across the site while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
4. Improve guest experience at your site with simple solutions
Guests are the heart of any outdoor hospitality operation, and there are plenty of low-cost, high-impact upgrades to improve their experience in the heat.
For example, during check-in, offer cold drinks and chilled towels as part of the welcome experience.
Also install free hydration stations across the site, offering water to refill bottles as well as cups or glasses. Tailor these to meet your guests’ expectations.
If you organise activities in-house, consider adjusting the schedules. Starting out a couple of hours early can make all the difference on a hot day, just ensure that you check local weather reports and recommendations first.
5. Use active climate control to keep your outdoor hospitality site cool
Residents and businesses in Europe are increasingly turning to air conditioning to maintain comfortable temperatures at home and work.
On-grid sites can use traditional compressor units, but they consume large amounts of power, making them unsuitable for off-grid or eco-conscious sites.
However, there are some greener alternatives. Solar-powered evaporative coolers, for example, use photovoltaic panels to run a fan and water pump, which lowers the air temperature through the natural process of evaporation.
Similarly, low-draw ventilation fans can use a fraction of the power of a traditional AC unit while helping to drop the perceived temperature by 2 to 3°C.
Why invest in heat-resilient outdoor assets?
Beyond improving guest experience, investing in heat-resilience can also protect your bottom line.
Standard uninsulated sites can experience drop-offs in occupancy during the summer heat. Thermally regulated units on the other hand can maintain steady year-round occupancy, turning seasonal businesses into 10- or 12-month operations.
Having a heat-resilient site can also protect against last-minute heatwave cancellations as well as heat-related refund disputes or bad reviews.
Every outdoor hospitality site requires a tailored approach to heat resilience. Contact Glamping Advisors today to evaluate your site design and future-proof your assets.
