Orientation of buildings

Principle 2

Orientation of buildings

In order to take advantage of the suns energy , it is best to orientate buildings so that one of the longer sides (with main daytime living areas) faces north. In Hobart, buildings are best orientated within the range indicated on the diagram below to achieve early morning warm up and minimise overheating from late afternoon sun. Buildings orientated outside this range will not take full advantage of the suns energy, and will receive light and warmth for a limited part of the day only. A more westerly aspect is likely to result in overheating during summer afternoons. A more easterly aspect is likely to result in need to install significant artificial heating systems for heating during winter.

Note: In South-East Tasmania, True North is approximately 130 west of Magnetic North

The long edge of the building should face north.

True north