Design Factors/Site Plan

Building should be positioned to maximize desirable features and minimize negative aspects◦ Energy Orientation◦ Solar Orientation◦ Room/Outdoor Area Locations◦ Overhang and Baffle Protection◦ Land/Shelter◦ Wind Control

Orientation

Local resources and climate have an affect on energy use – heating, cooling, and lighting◦ Native Americans building houses under the

overhang of cliffs Provided shade from the summer sun and protection

from winter wind

Energy Orientation

Fossil fuels are finite so energy efficient principles need to be used◦ Combustion of natural materials such as

reclaimed wasted, wood or other organic materials

◦ Require special equipment to heat/cool the home

Energy Orientation

Active solar designs – Use of mechanical/electrical tools or devices to control the sun’s energy

Passive solar designs – Use of the sun’s power without mechanical/electrical tools or devices. Use design features and orientation of a building to gain control of the sun’s energy

Solar designs

Sunlight angle changes from summer to winter as the earth revolves around the sun◦ Northern Hemisphere: South and West sides of a

structure are warmer than the North and East sides, South being the warmest Building should absorb southern heat in the winter

and repel in the summer, also plan to provide natural sunlight

Solar Orientation

Open floor plans and tall ceilings create cooler temperatures and increased ventilation

Closed floor plans and low ceilings typically increase temperatures

Floor plans

The function of the room as well as the season/time of day the room will be used should be considered when the layout is determined

Typically the dining room and kitchen should get sunlight early in the morning and then the living room should have light by afternoon

Room layout

Kitchen and dining room on the south or east side of the house

Living room areas are placed on the south or west, receive late day rays of the sun

Sleeping area tends to be located on the North side of the building, provides greatest darkness in morning/evening and is also the coolest side

Room layout

Thought out to allow the max amount of sunlight and heat to enter the inside of a building during winter, opposite for summer

Edge of the overhang should be related to the height of the window

Overhangs/baffles(shields)

Should be accomplishedwithoutblockingnaturallight

Baffling and Louvers

Not all light can be blocked◦ Direct and indirect radiation through windows