Lesson Overview

A building with Solar orientation has larger window openings to the south orientation to receive solar radiation in the heating season (northern hemisphere). The optimal solar orientation increases the solar heat gains and reduces the heating energy demand.

Solar orientation is the classic sustainable design method. But how effective is it? The concept of solar orientation will be discussed and explained in this lesson. Design recommendations will be provided.

Lesson Goals

The designer will learn how to consider the solar orientation in the early design process. The goal is to be informed about the advantages of a solar oriented building. Additionally, the designer will learn how to think critically about this design principle.