Best House Orientation in the Southern Hemisphere: North, East, or South Facing

In Australia and the southern hemisphere, the orientation of a house can significantly impact its comfort and utility. North-facing houses are often considered the best due to their optimal exposure to sunlight, which can provide warmth and natural light. However, the second-best orientation is typically east-facing, which is often a comfortable compromise. This article explores the benefits of each orientation and why east-facing houses are preferred in certain conditions.

North-Facing Houses: Optimal Sunlight Exposure

North-facing houses in the southern hemisphere capture the most sunlight throughout the day, making them ideal for warmth and natural light. This orientation is particularly beneficial in cooler climates, providing excellent heat retention and minimizing the need for artificial heating. In Australia, where warm summers and relatively cool winters are common, north-facing houses are favored for their ability to maximize the available sunlight during the coldest months.

The Advantages of East-Facing Houses

East-facing houses are considered the second-best orientation in the southern hemisphere. These houses receive morning sunlight, which can help warm the house early in the day, making mornings comfortable and cozy. Additionally, the afternoon sun is often less harsh, creating a pleasant outdoor living space in the later part of the day. East-facing houses are particularly well-suited for areas with moderate climates, ensuring that the house remains warm in the mornings and cooler in the afternoons.

However, it's important to note that east-facing houses can also have drawbacks. If the house is built with a verandah, the afternoon sun can create a heat issue, as mentioned by the author in the anecdote. This can lead to significant heating, particularly in hot climates, where the indoor temperature can become unbearably high by the afternoon. In such cases, design elements such as shading devices or thick eaves can help mitigate the afternoon heat.

South-Facing Houses: Considerations and Challenges

South-facing houses tend to receive less direct sunlight, making them cooler overall. This can be a drawback in terms of warmth, especially during the winter months. However, south-facing houses can be advantageous in terms of natural lighting, as they might receive natural light throughout the day, particularly during the winter solstice. This can help reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Despite their benefits, south-facing houses can be more challenging to design for in terms of insulation and heating. The lack of direct sunlight means that the house may require more artificial heating, potentially leading to higher heating costs. Additionally, the cold and damp conditions can lead to issues such as mold, requiring the house to be well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

East-Facing Houses: Ideal for Gardening and Solar Panels

For those who enjoy gardening, east-facing houses offer an ideal solution. The morning sun on the front lawn can provide just the right amount of light to start the day, while the afternoon sun in the backyard can help with plant growth. If you are interested in incorporating solar panels, an east-facing house can be particularly suitable. You can place the solar panels on the back of the house, which faces west and receives maximum sunlight in the afternoon, without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of the front facade.

While east-facing houses offer many benefits, they can also get too warm inside during the day. To manage this, it's recommended to use shutters or other shading devices to control the amount of sunlight entering the home. This not only helps with temperature control but also ensures that the interior of the house remains cool and comfortable.

In conclusion, the best house orientation in the southern hemisphere depends largely on the owner's specific needs and the local climate. North-facing houses are ideal for capturing maximum sunlight, east-facing houses are great for morning warmth and afternoon comfort, while south-facing houses can be well-suited for natural lighting and gardening. By understanding the advantages and challenges of each orientation, homeowners can make informed decisions to create a comfortable and efficient living space.