Which building feature can enhance the effectiveness of natural ventilation?

High ceilings can significantly enhance the effectiveness of natural ventilation by promoting better airflow and temperature regulation within a space. When the ceiling is elevated, warmer air—being lighter—naturally rises, creating a vacuum effect that allows cooler air from lower areas to draw in and circulate. This movement of air can help cool a building more efficiently, especially in warm climates, by facilitating the natural rising and falling of air.

In contrast, while large overhangs can provide shade and protect windows from direct sun, they do not directly influence the airflow characteristics necessary for enhanced ventilation. Air-tight seals are designed to minimize airflow, which can restrict natural ventilation, and multiple stories can potentially complicate airflow patterns if not designed with proper attention to ventilation pathways. Therefore, high ceilings play a critical role in maximizing the benefits of natural ventilation by encouraging the optimal movement of air within a building.