Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Residential Site Plan Considerations Solar Orientation Wind Orientation Sound Orientation View Orientation Terrain Orientation Existing Features Site Opportunities Map Landscaping Location of Utilities Building Lines Ingress and Egress Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Winter versus summer In the winter south facing windows (a southern exposure) bring in welcome solar gain. In the summer this solar gain is a drain on the cost of cooling and should be minimized. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Deciduous trees in summer Foliage of well-placed deciduous trees will block solar gain in the summer only if the foliage is close enough to the structure. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, and so will allow the sun to reach the structure in the winter. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Summer solstice Around the summer solstice, the sun is at a high angle in the sky. If the overhangs are designed properly, the sun does not penetrate the house. Even if the trees do not shade the house directly, they have a cooling effect upon the area around the house. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter. This allows the sun to penetrate through the windows and strike the walls and floors of the house, producing welcome solar gain. Deciduous trees in winter Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Winter solstice Around the winter solstice, the sun is at a lower angle in the sky, which allows more sun to enter through the windows. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Solar Orientation Winter solstice Around the winter solstice, the solar gain created by transom windows can be dramatic. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Wind Orientation Prevailing winds The term prevailing winds refers to the direction from which the wind usually blows for a given part of the country. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Wind Orientation Conifers in winter Conifers are often used to block winter winds since they retain their foliage. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Wind Orientation Garage placement Strategic placement of the garage can result as a buffer between conditioned spaces and the prevailing wind. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Wind Orientation Cross breezes can be effective at cooling a house if windows and rooms are planned carefully. Cross breezes Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Sound Orientation Unwanted noise Adjacent properties, roads, and facilities can produce unwanted noise that can make a site less inhabitable. Fences, evergreens, walls, or berms are sometimes used as sound barriers. Evergreens, walls, berms Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Sound Orientation Walls and solid fences Walls and solid fences can be created to limit unwanted noise on a site. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` View Orientation If a site is chosen due to an appealing view, the structure should be designed and oriented appropriately. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Terrain Orientation Slope of the land The slope of the land can affect wind, rain-water runoff, and view. In addition, it is generally more costly to build on a steep slope. Very flat ground surface will require extra grading to provide sufficient drainage Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Existing Features Are there any features on the lot that you wish to maintain? The site plan should indicate existing features that will remain in the design such as existing structures (like a stone fence), pavement, trees and vegetation, or a stream and wetland area. Existing features that will be demolished should also be noted on the site plan. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Site Opportunities Map Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Site Opportunities Map A site opportunities map can help you record the site orientation opportunities and constraints for a given site. The north arrow in this site plan view provides information for solar orientation. This site provides opportunities for views that must be balanced against protection from cold winter winds and the light and noise pollution that will spill over from the adjacent park and sports fields. In addition, the steep slope, the protected wetlands, and the existing trees should be avoided. SOUTHERN EXPOSURE Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Landscaping House climate Plants that are native to the region will withstand the weather conditions, require less water to maintain, and are often resistant to local diseases and pests. Placement of the vegetation can block wind in the winter and can have a dramatic cooling effect on driveways, decks, the air conditioning unit, or the house itself. Native plants Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Location of Utilities Electricity, Water, Sewer, and Phone Placement of the building should be determined with the location of utilities in mind. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Building Lines BUILDING LINES A building line is established to delineate the buildable area. The building line is established by the property lines, set back and buffer requirements, and easements. Note that the water (W) and sewer (S) lines are also indicated on this site plan view. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Ingress and Egress How do the inhabitants enter and exit the site? The site should be convenient and safe to enter and exit. Parking should be adequate to accommodate the building’s capacity. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010

Residential Site Plan Considerations Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design ` Ingress and Egress Potential Ingress/Egress Zone In this case potential ingress and egress will be from the MAIN ROAD (running North-South along the east edge of the property. It will be most cost effective to avoid the steep terrain in the Northeast corner of the property. In addition, many codes require that driveways be set away from property line. Therefore, the yellow shaded area may be the best location for a driveway entrance. Care should be taken to avoid the utility lines. Project Lead The Way, Inc Copyright 2010