Reminded of this feature of Roman architecture, and 1700s European milk parlour or cheese house architecture that I vaguely recall and am too tired to currently re-look into: The Roman villas would have an open air room inside the walls of the house, shaded by overhanging roofs, and there would also be pools of water. The combination of circulation, shade and water evaporation would keep it one of the coolest rooms in the building.
(Vague recollections, please link a good article if handy!)
