Orientation
A decision as simple as where on a block of land a house is placed can save its occupants thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the dwelling.
A new or existing home with good orientation for your climatic and regional conditions is more comfortable and cheaper to live in. Whether you're building or renovating, you can maximise the site's potential and achieve the best possible climate orientation for the house's living areas.
Getting the most out of building orientation
In hot humid climates and hot dry climates with few winter heating requirements, orientation should aim to exclude the sun year-round and maximise exposure to cooling breezes.
Placing a house on a block to reduce internal heat and cold, and reduce dependence on energy-using appliances can be achieved by:
- Facing the long axis of a house east-west, so that wall areas receiving hot morning and afternoon sun are minimised.
- Aligning the north side of the house to receive direct sunlight in winter when the sun is in the northern sky, allowing passive indoor heating through windows.
- Having eaves shade windows and walls to stop them heating up in summertime when the sun is directly overhead.
Efficient placement also ensures that solar installations receive maximum energy, and allows the use of exterior structures and trees to control direct sun exposure. Controlling the sun's impact on the structure allows cost- and resource-savings by being able to specify the best building materials and using climate smart floor plans and external structures.
How to plan your site
You can manage the sun's impact on your house at minimal cost if your site has the right characteristics. Where possible, choose a site that can accommodate north-facing daytime living areas and outdoor spaces.
Sites running north-south are ideal because they receive good access to northern sun with minimum potential for overshadowing by neighbouring houses. In summer, neighbouring houses provide protection from low east and west sun.
North-south sites on the north side of the street allow north facing living areas and gardens to be located at the rear of the house for privacy.
North-south sites on the south side of the street should be wide enough to accommodate an entry at the front as well as private north-facing living areas. Set the house back to accommodate a north-facing garden or trees.
Sites running east-west should be wide enough to accommodate north-facing outdoor space. Overshadowing by neighbouring houses is more likely to occur on these sites.
Views to the north are an advantage, as north is the best direction to locate windows and living areas. If the view is to the south avoid large areas of glass in order to minimise winter heat loss. West- or east-facing glass areas will cause overheating in summer if not properly shaded.
On sites with poor orientation or limited solar access due to other constraints, an energy efficient home is still achievable through careful design. A larger budget may be required. Use of advanced glazing systems and shading can achieve net winter solar gains from windows facing almost any direction while limiting summer heat to a manageable level.
