ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Solar Orientation Becoming more important because of energy conservation. NORTH SIDE – cooler – Because it is shaded EAST SIDE – Cool – Gets little sun WEST SIDE – Warm – Receives a lot of sun in the afternoon SOUTH SIDE – Warmest – Almost constant exposure to the sun. **The ideal orientation absorbs as much winter heat as possible and repels excessive summer heat.

The sun is higher in the sky during the summer months.

The Perfect Orientation Would be to have a rotating house. As this is not practical the most effective way is to design the roof overhang to its full effectiveness. As the angle of the sun differs in the summer and the winter, the length of the overhang must be considered.

WIND ORIENTATION  The term prevailing wind refers to the direction in which the wind typically blows.  The prevailing winds in Fergus blow from North to West but change depending on where you are.  This information can be found on the Internet by searching climate or microclimate of a region.  In planning a home site, select an area with protection from the prevailing WINTER winds  Landmass, other buildings and vegetation can provide protection from prevailing winds  Placing a home on the crest of a hill will provide the best view but it will also maximize the force of the wind.  The shape of a roof can deflect prevailing winds and the orientation of the house will affect wind flow around it.

House Angle Breaking Wind Force

NOISE ORIENTATION Locate rooms requiring quiet away from the source of the noise. Isulation helps Trees baffle noise Earth berms baffle noise Control vehicular traffic

LOT ORIENTATION  The lot orientation is affected by the size of the lot, the zoning bylaws that restrict the and setback and the access (location of driveway and parking) to the structure.  Small lots present small flexibility

SOIL CONSIDERATIONS The stability of structures relies heavily on what we put the structure on Questions that need to be answered about the soil when looking at placing a new structure on it include:  How much weight can be placed on it? (lbs/sq.ft)  How much settlement can be expected?  How will the soil act under wet and dry conditions?  What is the best type of foundation to use?  What kind of drainage is there?

2 Basic Classes of Soil 1.Cohesive Soil – One who’s particles tend to stick together, especially when moist. (example clay, silt) 2.Cohesiveless Soil – One who’s particles do not have the tendancy to stick together under any given conditions (example, sand and gravel)

TERRAIN CONSIDERATIONS A single level or two storey home is well suited to a level or gently sloping site. Sloping sites are more suitable for back splits or other multilevel homes.

Homework Assignment  Consider the type of lots that would be best suited for a 2- Storey Home, a Bungalow and a Multi Level home.  Next create a list of advantages and disadvantages for these types of homes.

Homework Assignment Type of HouseDescription of LotAdvantages of this house design Disadvantages of this house design 2 Storey Bungalow MultiLevel