KERALA LAND BUYER'S COMPANION HANDBOOK
Architect Shahdad Karim
PART II: Natural Factors
Chapter
10: Wind Direction and Sun Orientation
Consider the natural
factors like wind direction, sun orientation, and shade.
Buying a new house is a dream for
many of us. We plan for years, save money, and look for the perfect location.
But do we always consider the natural factors when buying a house? We often
overlook the impact of wind direction, sun orientation, and shade on our daily
lives. These factors can greatly affect our comfort, energy consumption, and
overall well-being. In this chapter, we will explore the importance of
considering natural factors when buying a house, with a special focus on wind
direction, sun orientation, and shade.
Wind Direction
Wind direction is an important factor
to consider when buying a house. It can affect the temperature, ventilation,
and air quality inside the house. If your house is located in a windy area, it
can cause air infiltration, which can make the house colder in winter and
warmer in summer. This can increase your energy bills and make the house
uncomfortable to live in.
On the other hand, if your house is
located in a sheltered area, you may experience stagnant air, which can lead to
poor ventilation and air quality. This can cause health problems and make the
house uncomfortable to live in.
When choosing a house, consider the
prevailing wind direction in the area. Choose a house that is not directly
facing the wind. This will help reduce air infiltration and improve
ventilation. If your house is located in a windy area, consider installing
windbreaks or planting trees to provide shelter from the wind.
Sun Orientation
Sun orientation is another important
factor to consider when buying a house. The direction in which your house faces
can greatly affect the amount of sunlight it receives. This, in turn, can
affect the temperature, lighting, and energy consumption inside the house.
If your house faces south, it will receive
more sunlight, which can help keep the house warm in winter. However, it can
also make the house too warm in summer, which can increase your energy bills
and make the house uncomfortable to live in. If your house faces north, it will
receive less sunlight, which can make the house colder in winter and darker
inside. This can increase your energy bills and make the house uncomfortable to
live in.
When choosing a house, consider the
sun orientation of the house. Choose a house that is not directly facing the
sun. This will help reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the house and
improve your comfort. If your house faces south, consider installing shades or
blinds to control the amount of sunlight that enters the house. If your house
faces north, consider installing skylights or other sources of natural light to
improve the lighting inside the house.
Shade
Shade is another important factor to
consider when buying a house. Trees, buildings, and other structures can
provide shade, which can help keep the house cool in summer and reduce the
amount of sunlight that enters the house. Shade can also help reduce the amount
of energy needed to cool the house, which can save you money on your energy
bills.
When choosing a house, consider the
amount of shade provided by the surrounding trees and structures. Choose a
house that is not directly exposed to the sun. This will help reduce the amount
of heat that enters the house and improve your comfort. If your house is not
located in a shaded area, consider planting trees or installing shading devices
to provide shade and reduce the amount of heat that enters the house.
Conclusion
Natural factors like wind direction,
sun orientation, and shade can greatly affect our comfort, energy consumption,
and overall well-being. When buying a house, it is important to consider these
factors to ensure that the house is comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthy
to live in. By considering these factors, you can reduce your energy bills,
improve your comfort, and live a healthier life. So, the next time you are
looking for a new house, don't forget to consider the natural factors
