Orientation and Siting

Use orientation and siting to balance solar access for winter warming (if required) while avoiding overheating in summer.

The heating load can be reduced by:

• locating private open space to the north in order to allow sufficient space from adjacent buildings for winter solar access;
• locating living areas to the north (opening on to the private open space), and provide them with thermal mass and north-facing windows for passive heating; and
• locating windows on the north, northeast and northwest orientations.

The cooling load can be reduced by:

• locating laundries, bathrooms, garages and sheds on the south, east and west to shelter from excessive sun and wind; and
• reducing windows on the east, west and northwest orientations.

Also consider balancing the optimal orientation for solar access with optimal orientation for ventilation.

See also:
Your Home Passive Design Orientation