PASSIVE SOLAR ORIENTATION

The solar orientation of a home is crucial for efficient energy performance. Alignment of windows and doors to the sun paths during winter and summer is pivotal in facilitating heat gain, heat loss, air flow and natural ventilation. Heat gain through west facing glazing needs to be tightly controlled.

In addition pragmatic design, shielding strategies via wider eaves, solar pergolas, trees, low energy glass, double glazing and other techinques can minimize heat gain in summer. In winter, east and north facing windows can allow access of sunshine for warming.

The Benchmark range of courtyard homes are ideally suited for orientation performance.