1. Chapter 13
Site Orientation

2. 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

3. 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

6. 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

7. Solar Orientation
Sites with a solar orientation allow for excellent sun exposure
South slope
Southern exposure

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

12. 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

13. 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

16. 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

18. 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