Site, orientation and climate

Before designing, record: boundaries and area, slope and levels, access and street, neighbours and overlooking, views, trees, noise, services, soil and drainage, planning controls (setbacks, height, coverage) — and the sun and prevailing winds. A site analysis diagram summarises these on one page.

In the southern hemisphere the sun is in the north for most of the day; in the northern hemisphere, the south. Orient main living areas towards the equator side for winter sun, keep service rooms (laundry, garage) on the cold or hot western side as buffers, and minimise large unshaded glass facing west, which overheats in summer afternoons.

Fixed horizontal eaves or awnings over equator-facing windows block high summer sun but admit low winter sun. East and west glass needs vertical or adjustable shading. Cross-ventilation — openings on opposite sides of rooms, aligned with breezes — cools buildings naturally; high openings let hot air escape (stack effect).

Insulation slows heat flow through walls, roofs and floors. Thermal mass (concrete, masonry) absorbs heat and releases it slowly — useful where days are hot and nights cool, when combined with winter sun and summer shading. Glazing performance (double glazing, low-e coatings, good frames) matters because windows lose far more heat per square metre than insulated walls. The right mix depends on climate — follow local guidance and energy codes.