Designs That Work
Mixed-Humid Climate
The Basic House - Siting and Orientation
The choice of an appropriate building site is an important first step
in constructing the affordable, high-performance house described in this
package.
In selecting a site, priority should be given to urban lots with
existing service infrastructure, access to public transportation and
mature neighborhood amenities. The next best choice would be a lot in a
responsibly-planned new development. In either location, the building site
should be chosen for good solar access, with consideration given to
orientation, slope, existing or potential over-shading, and lot
proportions.
Figure 3: Site Plan Diagram
The site plan above shows an area for
installing solar thermal or photovoltaic panels on the south face of the
house rooftop that will not be shaded by neighboring buildings. Large roof
overhangs shade the walls and windows of the house to reduce the
summertime cooling load. The garage is located towards the rear of the
property to provide an additional or alternate location for PV panels.
In a Mixed-Humid climate, landscaping should be arranged to shade the
house from early morning and peak afternoon sun further reducing the
energy needed to cool the building. Note that the shading should not
extend over any part of the solar panels (PV), as a small amount of
shading can significantly reduce their output. Well placed trees and other
planting can create a cool microclimate around the house. |
