Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?
Fixed horizontal overhangs (south)
Passive
One of 7 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.
Blocks high summer sun while admitting low winter sun; no moving parts.
Build it
Nothing separate is built here: this is a choice about how the home is designed or used.
Cost
Low
Upkeep
None
Skill to build
None
Lifespan
Matches structure/roof lifespan if built as part of the roof structure (a fixed geometry choice, not a separately wearing component)
Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.
Fixed horizontal overhangs (south) (This page) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: None · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want south windows shaded in summer and sunny in winter, with nothing to adjust.
Adjustable brise-soleil / shutters (east-west) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: Daily · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want to stop the low morning or evening sun on east and west windows.
Deciduous vegetation shading Can I use it? Not in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want summer shade and winter sun that cost nothing and grow by themselves.
DIY shade-sail window screen Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want the cheapest outside shade for a window, sewn yourself.
Cool (high-reflectance) roof surface Can I use it? Not in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want cooler rooms under a sunny roof, from a coating you can make yourself and wash off before winter.
Attic radiant barrier Can I use it? Not in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want a cooler top floor for the price of a foil under the roof.
Vented roof / attic assembly Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want the roof space to shed its heat and its damp, and the timbers to stay dry.
We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.