Choosing the right orientation for your development

The orientation of your home is a fundamental aspect of design that directly impacts energy performance, comfort, and overall livability. At SIX x SIXTY Arkitekter, we understand that thoughtful positioning of a home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that harness natural light, reduce energy consumption, and feel comfortable throughout the year. Here’s a closer look at how strategic orientation can transform your home and the long-term benefits it brings.

1. Maximising solar gains: leveraging the sun’s path

Understanding the sun’s predictable path throughout the year is key to optimising natural light and heat in your home. By orienting your home correctly, you can reduce the reliance on artificial heating and lighting.

• South-facing windows: In climates like Sweden, south-facing windows capture low winter sun, providing natural heating during the coldest months. This strategy helps reduce heating costs and creates bright, inviting spaces in living areas.
• Managing summer heat: Shading elements such as overhangs, pergolas, and deciduous trees can block high-angle summer sun, preventing overheating. These design features keep homes cooler naturally, reducing the need for air conditioning.

2. Strategic room placement: aligning spaces with light and function

The placement of rooms within your home significantly affects how each space feels and functions. Proper room orientation enhances comfort and energy efficiency by aligning the use of each room with natural light availability.

• Living areas: Position main living spaces like kitchens, dining rooms, and lounges on the south side to maximise daylight and warmth throughout the day, enhancing the mood and energy efficiency.
• Bedrooms: Bedrooms benefit from an east-facing orientation to capture morning light, supporting natural wake-up routines and maintaining cooler temperatures by evening.
• Service rooms: Non-essential spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and storage can be placed on the north side, where daylight is less critical, helping to insulate the rest of the home from colder northern winds.

3. Balancing light and privacy: designing for lifestyle needs

Achieving a balance between natural light and privacy is essential in home design. Large windows provide beautiful light but can also compromise privacy. Here’s how you can achieve both:

• Light shelves: These horizontal surfaces reflect daylight deeper into rooms, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing light distribution while maintaining privacy.
• Clerestory windows: High-placed windows allow light into spaces without compromising seclusion, ideal for bathrooms and entryways.
• Dynamic shading solutions: Modern blinds, shutters, and automated shades offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust privacy and light levels throughout the day.

4. Considering local climate and site specifics: tailor your design

Every site presents unique challenges and opportunities, from prevailing winds to neighbouring buildings and topography. Orientation strategies must be tailored to these conditions to maximise performance.

• Climate considerations: In windy areas, orienting the home to protect outdoor spaces from prevailing winds can make them more usable. In urban settings, take into account how neighbouring structures might cast shadows on your site.
• Solar studies and shading analyses: Tools like solar studies help us model sun interaction with your home throughout the year, fine-tuning design elements to suit your specific site conditions perfectly.

5. Long-term benefits: lower costs, enhanced comfort, and increased value

Investing in proper orientation pays dividends in the long term. Homes that are thoughtfully oriented can see significant reductions in heating and cooling costs—often 20-30% less than poorly oriented counterparts. These homes offer spaces that are naturally warmer, brighter, and more inviting.

Energy-efficient homes with well-planned orientation are increasingly attractive to buyers. They appeal to eco-conscious purchasers and often command higher resale values due to their superior performance and comfort.

Conclusion

Orientation is a foundational element in home design that extends beyond aesthetics. At SIX x SIXTY Arkitekter, we help clients implement the best orientation strategies to create homes that are efficient, comfortable, and sustainable. Whether you’re embarking on a new build or renovating an existing space, getting the orientation right sets the stage for a truly enjoyable living environment.

Ready to explore how orientation can elevate your home’s design? Contact us today to discover the benefits of strategic orientation for your next project.

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