When building a house, renovating, or buying a home, one of the things to consider is the direction your house faces. House orientation can make a big difference to your comfort and energy efficiency, from heating bills to the amount of natural light in your various living spaces and areas.
Why House Orientation Matters
House orientation is the direction your house faces. This simple concept impacts many areas of home life, from energy efficiency all year round to how much direct sunlight hits your rooms.
When looking at a potential home, consider a good house orientation to get more natural light and potentially reduce energy costs.
Choosing the right orientation can help you make the most of the sun’s path, for passive solar heating in winter and easier shading in summer.
For example, a north or south facing home anywhere in Australia can get morning sun and afternoon sun, providing plenty of light and warmth in the colder months.
House Orientation for Natural Light and Energy Efficiency
The ideal orientation depends on your location and climate.
In Australia, north facing windows get the most direct sun. This is especially good for southern cities like Melbourne and Hobart where winters are cold.
For north-facing homes, placing living areas like the lounge and kitchen on the north side means they get the most sun throughout the day. This keeps these areas bright and warm and reduces the need for heating in winter.
In warmer regions like northern Australia, the goal is to minimize heat gain from the afternoon sun. Here, south facing homes or homes with shading devices can be more comfortable as they stay cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.
So is a North Facing Home the Best?
Clearly, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when finding the best direction for your house. A house with different quirks, pros and cons is what makes a home.
Assess whether a north facing yard or a south facing home is what matter most. Prioritise energy efficiency along with direct sunlight and even better—speak to your real estate agent to find the ideal orientation for your lifestyle.
What Should You Look for When Inspecting Homes?
When inspecting a home, pay attention to how the orientation affects light and temperature. Here are some questions to ask:
- Where do you want the most sunlight in your home?
- Will you have outdoor areas like a porch or garden that get direct sunlight?
- Do you want cooler rooms in summer and warmer rooms in winter?
Real estate agents often schedule open homes for when the home looks its best. To get the full picture, try visiting the property at different times of the day to see how the natural light and temperature of the living space changes.
Understanding the Impact of Home Orientation
Different orientations have different benefits and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of how each direction for a house affects your home:
North Facing Homes
North facing homes are popular in Australia because they get the most natural light of the day. This orientation is good for:
- Living areas: Rooms like the lounge and kitchen get plenty of natural light, making them warm and cozy.
- Passive solar heating: By getting more direct sun, these homes can be warmer in winter and reduce heating costs.
But in summer, north facing homes may need shading devices to prevent overheating. Double glazing can help by providing insulation that keeps your home comfortable all year round.
South Facing Homes
South facing homes get less direct sun, which is good in warmer climates. They are cooler in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning and therefore energy consumption. But in winter, they can feel colder and darker, needing more heating.
- Outdoor areas: If you like gardening or outdoor activities, a south facing orientation can provide a cooler, shaded backyard perfect for hot summer days.
East Facing Homes
East facing homes get plenty of morning sun, good for early risers who like to start their day bright. But they lose sun by noon, which can be a drawback in colder winter months.
- Morning routines: Good for those who like to bask in the morning sun during breakfast or morning exercise.
- Heat management: They warm up quickly in the morning but cool down in the afternoon, balancing indoor temperatures.
West Facing Homes
West facing homes get the afternoon sun, which can be too hot in summer afternoons. But they get warm evenings, which can be nice in the cooler months.
- Evening activities: Good for families who spend time at home in the evenings as these homes stay warm later in the day.
- Heat control: Installing shading devices or planting trees can help manage the intense afternoon sun.
Orientation and Design
Regardless of the orientation, good design can make your home more comfortable and efficient. Here are some tips:
- Use shading devices: Install awnings, pergolas, or tall deciduous trees to control solar gain in different seasons.
- Choose the right windows: Double glazing to improve insulation and maintain indoor temperature.
- Maximise natural light: Position windows and living areas to get as much sun as possible, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
By knowing the impact of different orientations, you can choose the best direction for a home that suits you and your lifestyle.
Location and Orientation
Your location has a big impact on the best orientation for your home. In Australia, the sun path and wind patterns vary greatly between regions, affecting how you should orient your home for comfort and efficiency.
Southern Hemisphere
In the southern hemisphere, especially in southern cities like Melbourne and Hobart, north facing homes are good. This orientation allows your home to get the most sun during the day and warmth and light during the colder months.
- Winter sun: Placing living areas on the north side gets you maximum solar gain and reduces the need for heating.
- Summer shading: Use shading devices like eaves, pergolas, or tall deciduous trees to block the high summer sun while still allowing winter sun to enter.
Northern Hemisphere
In northern parts of Australia like Queensland and Northern Territory, the focus is on cooling costs, managing heat, and using cooling breezes. Here, south facing homes or homes with plenty of shading can be more comfortable.
- Summer cooling: Design your home to get cooling breezes from the south and east and minimize heat gain from the west sun.
- Shading and insulation: Planting trees and installing shading devices can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency.
Middle Hemisphere
For areas like Perth and Sydney, finding a balance between solar gain and shading is key. These regions have hot summers and cold winters, so a flexible approach is needed.
- Balanced orientation: Position main living areas to the north for winter sun but make sure there is enough shading for summer.
- Versatile design: Include adjustable awnings, and strategic landscaping to adapt to seasonal changes.
Practical Advice for Designing Your Home
When designing or renovating your home, consider these tips:
Sun Angles and Window Placement
Knowing the sun angles at different times of the year will help you position windows and living areas for maximum light and heat control.
- North facing windows: Get maximum natural light and warmth in winter.
- South facing windows: Limit their size or use insulation to reduce heat loss.
Technology and Tools
Technology can help you plan the best orientation for your home:
- Smartphone compass: Use a compass app to find true north and plan your home’s layout.
- Sun path diagrams: These tools show the sun’s path at different times of the year and help you design for maximum sun access.
Consulting Experts
If you’re unsure about the best orientation for your home, consult with architects or energy efficiency experts. They can give you valuable advice to help you make informed decisions and make your home more sustainable and comfortable.
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FAQs on ‘Which is the Best Direction for My House to Face?’
What is the best direction for a house to face in Australia?
The best direction for a house to face in Australia is north. This orientation maximizes sunlight exposure, particularly during the winter months, making it the most desirable for energy efficiency and comfort.
Is an east-facing apartment good in Australia?
East-facing properties in Australia can experience warm mornings in summer and limited sunlight in winter. The effectiveness of this orientation largely depends on local climate conditions and urban setting. Consulting an architect can help in managing light and optimizing the living space accordingly.
Which is the best direction for a house to face according to Vastu in Australia?
According to Vastu, the most auspicious direction for a house to face is northeast. This direction is considered to bring prosperity and good health. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, such as in Australia, north-facing is generally preferred for maximizing sunlight.
Is a south-facing house good in Australia?
In Australia, particularly in hotter, tropical regions, a south-facing house can be advantageous as it helps in reducing heat penetration, making the home cooler. This orientation can be particularly effective in northern Australia where the climate is predominantly warm.
