If you look at old architecture in rural Georgia and Alabama. Houses are on rocks raised above the ground (air circulates underneath), 10 ft ceilings, a huge attic fan to pull cool air in in the evening, tall trees planted next to the house for shade (we have 4 pecan trees), and reflective tin roofs (if still shiny). This helped significantly to cooling in the summer. Winters aren't cold enough to warrant more than a fireplace in the common area. We have an old farm house built in the 1920's...the old original part of the house doesn't get uncomfortable until the temperatures outside get above 100. A newer part of the house with standard 9ft ceilings built in the 70's gets very warm and uncomfortable.