Preferential natural convection heat transfer in highly-permeable rock embankments and pads is a technique which can be used to generate a passive cooling effect. Such an effect is usually desirable in permafrost areas in order to counteract the warming influence that often accompanies construction activity. Left unchecked, this warming may result in permafrost thaw and failure of the foundation due to of thaw settlement. In non-permafrost areas convective cooling in rock layers and embankments can lead to problems with frost heave due to enhanced winter-time cooling. The current work discusses the characteristics of these rock layers, including techniques for predicting the thermal and fluid mechanical properties. Sample applications are described and experimental and numerical results are discussed.