How about a porch? It keeps summer sun off, allows winter sun in, if planned just high and deep enough.
Casey

Or if a porch is out of budget or incompatible with the style of the house, a removable/retractable awning or even shade sail might be something to consider. A pergola might be compatible with the style of the house, too, and does provide a surprising amount of shade if laid out properly.

If the masonry is already painted, there are heat-reflective paints available too. Have read they're practically standard issue in parts of Australia which make Phx summer weather look downright mild!

I also like the porch idea, as it expands your living space.

The slump block is hollow on the inside and years ago I had a contractor inject foam into the blocks but that did not help much. I feel applying reflective paint will have the same effect.

However, I like the idea of removable/retractable awning, shade sail and pergola. However, for a 28ftx8ft wall does the awning or shade sail come in one large piece?

Regarding the porch, it is not suitable option because of the style of the house.

Thanks very much for your replies!

Awnings can be custom made to wide widths, so you could have just one extra-wide one or have it in sections to make them easier to handle; IIRC in "stock" awnings you would have to go with two 14' units which still looks fine and would almost certainly be cheaper. You would need two shade sails for a 28' width since the largest stock size I've seen is 20' wide. I suppose you could have a single 28' one custom made but I should think that would be an absolute nightmare to handle. (It would be sensible to take the awning/sail down in the winter in order to get solar heat gain on that wall - I know Phx doesn't get that cold like it does up here in the frozen northlands :-) but I've been told by another Phx'er that it can get a tad chilly at night so taking advantage of that heat sink in the winter would be a good idea.)

Aluminum awnings are hideous and don't even think about it. ;-)

James
Do you have insulated shades for the windows? That does a world of good w/keeping heat out during the hot sun