The orientation of a home is one of the most important factors to consider when building or buying a property. Depending on the direction in which a house faces, important aspects such as natural lighting, interior temperature and, consequently, energy consumption can be modified. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the pros and cons of each orientation before making a final decision.
This article gives you a detailed guide on the pros and cons of each orientation in houses, exploring how they affect thermal comfort, energy efficiency and overall quality of life.
Importance of alignment in a home
The orientation of a home is one of the fundamental pillars of the bioclimatic architectureBy studying solar geometry and geographic location, architects can design buildings that make the most of natural light and minimize energy consumption.
A well-oriented home not only improves the quality of life of its inhabitants, but can also significantly reduce costs for heating, air conditioning and artificial lighting. In this sense, taking into account the appropriate orientation guarantees better levels of comfort, as well as greater energy savings.
In economic terms, orientation is also key. It is estimated that the orientation of a house can affect its market value by up to 20%. In other words, a well-oriented property is in greater demand and can be marketed at a higher price.
How to calculate the orientation of a house
Determining the orientation of your home is easy if you have access to property plans or a compass. Here are some methods for doing it accurately:
- Use the Plans: If you have the original house plans, they are usually oriented north at the top. Identify where the different sections are (living room, kitchen, bedrooms) and deduce from there the cardinal orientation.
- Use a compass: If you have physical access to the property, stand facing a wall and using a compass you can easily detect north, east, south or west.
- Google Maps: If you cannot physically access the property, you can also use digital tools such as Google Maps or Google Earth. These platforms allow you to locate the property, orient the map towards the north and deduce the exact orientation.
These methods will help you decide which part of your home will best take advantage of natural light depending on the seasons.
The best orientation for a house in the northern hemisphere
In the northern hemisphere, the best orientation for a house varies depending on the climate and the needs of its inhabitants. In cold conditions, it is advisable to orient the house towards the south or southwest. During winter, the sun follows a path closer to the south, allowing facades facing in this direction to receive direct light for most of the day.
On the other hand, if you live in a warm region, a northwest orientation may be more beneficial. This orientation prevents the sun from shining on the house during the hottest hours of the day, ensuring cooler indoor temperatures.
In general, in regions where warmth is valued more than coolness, southeast or southwest orientations will keep the house warm and well lit. However, it is advisable to install some kind of sun protection system, such as horizontal awnings, to prevent overheating in summer.
Better orientation in a house in the southern hemisphere
In the southern hemisphere, as the solar trajectory is reversed, homes facing north receive the most sunlight. This is key in cold regions, where taking advantage of natural light and heat is crucial. Natural heating, in addition to being comfortable, is much cheaper than using artificial energy sources.
In warm areas, however, south and southeast orientations are the most recommended. These orientations allow you to take advantage of only the first hours of daylight, reducing thermal overload throughout the afternoon. However, it is important to bear in mind that this type of orientation can make some rooms colder during the winter months.
It is always advisable to check the local climatic peculiarities before deciding on the best orientation for your house in the southern hemisphere.
Advantages and disadvantages of different orientations
Each orientation has a number of advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as geographic location, environment and personal preferences.
North Orientation
In the northern hemisphere, a northerly orientation allows for uniform natural lighting throughout the day, without receiving direct sunlight. However, it can make the house feel colder during the winter.
- Advantages: Constant light, cool environment during the summer.
- Disadvantages: It may be necessary to increase heating use in winter.
South orientation
South-facing homes enjoy abundant natural light, which translates into a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is ideal for cold and temperate climates.
- Advantages: Maximum use of sunlight in winter, reduction of energy costs.
- Disadvantages: Awnings or blinds may be required to prevent overheating in summer.
East facing
This orientation receives the most sunlight during the morning, allowing the rooms to heat up early and maintain heat longer throughout the day.
- Advantages: Reduces heat during the warmest hours of the day; ideal in hot climates.
- Disadvantages: It may not be ideal in very cold climates as it loses heat at the end of the day.
West facing
It is an ideal option in cold climates, as it collects sunlight during the late afternoon hours, allowing the home to be warm at night.
- Advantages: Beneficial in cold climates, as it retains heat during the afternoon.
- Disadvantages: It can significantly raise internal temperatures in hot climates.
Taking into account the characteristics of each orientation will allow you to choose the most appropriate one according to your specific needs.
The orientation of a house has a decisive influence on the comfort, energy efficiency and well-being of those who live there. Taking into account the prevailing climate in your area, the use of interior spaces and the characteristics of the environment will help you make the best decision about the orientation of your home. Not all orientations are equally useful for all needs, so it is important to carry out a careful analysis before building or buying a property.