Chapter 13

Site Orientation

Introduction• Site orientation

– Placement of a structure on the property with certain environmental and physical factors• Consider at the beginning of design process• Sometimes predetermined

– Considerations• Specific occupant needs (e.g., individual habits,

perceptions, and aesthetic values)• Setback

Terrain Orientation• Terrain

– Characteristic of the land on which the structure will be placed

– Affects structure type• Level construction site is a natural location for a

single-level or two-story home• Sloped sites are a natural location for multilevel or

daylight basement homes

View Orientation• Building site may be purchased before

home design begins– People buy the view (e.g., mountains, city

lights, ocean, or gold course)– View sites are usually more expensive

• Architect must provide a home design that optimizes view

• View orientation can conflict with advantages of other orientation factors

Solar Orientation• Sites with a solar

orientation allow for excellent sun exposure – South slope – Southern exposure

Solar Orientation (cont’d.)• Establishing south

– Established in preliminary planning stages

– Determined by a line from the North Pole to South Pole with a compass• Magnetic north• True north

Solar Orientation (cont’d.)• Solar site-planning tools

– Calculate solar access – Demonstrate shading patterns for any given

site throughout the year– Provide accurate readings for the entire year at

any time of day, in clear or cloudy weather

Solar Orientation (cont’d.)• Solar site location

– Rural or suburban location with plenty of space• Allows flexibility

– Other factors:• Zoning restrictions with height requirements• Avoid a site with large coniferous trees• Sites with streets running east–west and lots 50' X

100' provide limited orientation potential• Adjacent homes may block the sun

Wind Orientation• Prevailing winds

– Direction the wind most frequently blows in a given area• Mountains, large bodies of water, valleys, canyons,

or river basins may influence conditions• U.S. prevailing winds are from west to east

Wind Orientation (cont’d.)• Site location

– Wind conditions can be found in almanacs, in the local library, and on the Internet• Evaluate prevailing wind direction by calling the

local weather bureau, discussing it with local residents, or searching the Internet

• Select an area where winter winds are at a minimum or where there is protection from them

Wind Orientation (cont’d.)• Summer cooling winds

– May be mild and contribute to a more comfortable living environment

– Comfort can be achieved through design for natural ventilation and landscape design

Sound Orientation• A site within a mile of a major freeway can

be plagued by road noise– A site level with or slightly below a road can

have less noise– Landscaping designs can also contribute to

quietness