Houses In Cold Places . The ideal hanok house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in front. Hanok houses (korea) a hanok is a traditional korean house that originates from the 14th century during the joseon dynasty. Building with Cob is Not Appropriate in a Cold Climate Cold Cob from www.theyearofmud.com Switch ceiling fans (reverse them) spring and fall. As a result, the “physical wood structure of a home becomes drier. Make sure bathroom fans/vents have baffles/draft blockers on the outside so you don't have cold air blowing back into the house.