The small windows thing is real here in Aus as well, we lived in a new build for a while 4 years or so back, that was built like a fortress. Small, high windows

The small windows thing is real here in Aus as well, we lived in a new build for a while 4 years or so back, that was built like a fortress. Small, high windows in the main rooms and some of the bedrooms, so you couldn't see out, so the builder can meet their energy-efficiency targets. Really oppressive to live in. And in part it's because - get this - double glazing is considered an expensive luxury, and a new, European invention, rather than just the absolute bare minimum. There are even Australians who believe it's a bad idea all round because it would keep the heat in and make their houses harder to cool.