home orientation and shape

In cold and temperate climates, long rectangular buildings, with their longer walls facing the winter sun are excellent solutions in terms of energy efficiency.

Obviously, in hot and tropical climates, the basic rule is different, and direct sun-exposure of the building should be avoided.

Orientation and shape

Well oriented home, with a proper shape and properly placed windows can cut your energy bills by 30 percent or more.

We shouldn’t forget the very basics about the sun’s path in the sky: sun rises in the east and sets in the west and is higher in the summer sky and lower in winter. These basic facts, and the several particulars of each site and climate, should be taken into account when building a new home.

Hot climates

In hot climates climates (either humid or dry) with no winter heating needs, orientation should exclude the sun exposure, and look for exposure to cooling breezes.

Orientation

In temperate and cold climates, if you live in the north hemisphere, the longer walls of your home should face south. Southern exposure is crucial to get maximum solar benefits (in south hemisphere is the opposite).

This rule shouldn't be considered too stricly. A variation till 20 or 30 degrees is rather irrelevant, and there are particulars and adaptations that should also be considered.

Image: a suggestion of AZSC Home Shape and Orientation

Building shape and axis

Rectangular-compact buildings, with their longer walls facing the winter low sun (to profit from it), are excellent solutions. In this case, the longer axis of the building (its ridge line) is oriented east/west.

Such orientation and shape allow maximum winter solar gains and will reduce unwanted summer sun (that will strike the east and the west sides of the house).

Most frequently used rooms facing the winter’s low sun

The most used areas of the house should be located on the winter side of the building, where sunlight can enter through conveniently located windows, high clerestories windows, or skylights.

South-exposure should incorporate well sized overhangs and the shadow of trees, to limit sun radiation in the hot months.

Less frequently used rooms on the east/west short side of the house

Other rooms and divisions (namely garages, storage rooms, laundry rooms...) should be located on the home's east/west and shorter sides, where they can act as an extra thermal buffer.

Avoid glass in the east and west sides of the house, since it is a common cause of unwanted energy losses and glare.

Shading the house & landscape

Landscape features such as trees, hills or the predominant orientation of the winds are also crucial in your home’s energy needs.

You should study the prevailing winds and their patterns in order to use windbreaks or walls to direct breezes into the house or to channel cold winter winds away from it.

In the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky, trees with adequate tree-top can help to shade the building and keep it cooler.