It occurs to me that I need light. No this is not a new revelation to me and I've known for a long time that light effects my whole being. It is also a fact that windows need to be placed to optimize that light and the effects of the sun at different times of the year.
In warmer climates having items such as north facing windows that will have no solar gain and wide overhangs to block the sun for the better part of the day makes absolute sense. Now in the north, windows need to be placed on a southern exposure. What this does is during the winter months when the sun is low, it allows the sun to warm and in the summer the angle is higher and you receive the light but not the heat.
These windows face south and in this summer photo, you'll see that very little direct sun enters thus helping to keep the home cool.
Another tool that is often overlooked are the planting of trees for shading as shown below.
Light is allowed in a filtered form and blocks direct sunlight from warming the home. Another benefit of having trees around homes is that they provide shade and that shaded area provides cooler air temperatures.
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These windows face south and in this summer photo, you'll see that very little direct sun enters thus helping to keep the home cool.
Another tool that is often overlooked are the planting of trees for shading as shown below.
http://www.ecowho.com/i/sunpath.png
This simple diagram illustrates the best orientation of a home and when combined with proper windows, overhangs and trees, the natural energy saving can be substantial. A bit of planning can go a long way.
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