really depends on where you are. In Colorado I like having the drive to the South. Saves on shoveling snow.

whwre are you located?

The location for this scenario is the Fort Worth area. Working with a developer & builder to pick a lot.

Our ranch house was truly a raw piece of land that could face any direction. It was carefully placed and works out perfect as it faces WNW with and L shape floor plan to further shade the back patio.

Just want to make sure I get this right since I'm getting first dibs at a couple different developments.

kappmeyer said:

---

IMO, there really isn't a debate to this.

---

Actually, there IS some debate on this as it turns out! However, I do agree with you here.

Including growing up, I've lived in 4 houses that faced N or S with 3 of them facing north. The south facing was the best for backyard activities, especially in the evening, as the house will block EXCESS wind but it won't eliminate it. So it should be pleasant to sit outside if the weather isn't miserable yet the wind won't blow smoke from the grill/smoker constantly into your face -- or if it does, move your chair. In Texas, I'm not terribly concerned about bitter cold considerations as it just doesn't get that cold that often. I don't even remember the last snowstorm!

With that said, I think house layout, especially in North Texas, can be very important to your family's safety. I would not want what ends up being our "safe room" on the west side of the house as the traditional pattern of tornadoes goes southwest to northeast. If your home is hit, I'd want as much "stuff" between you and the outer wall. So yes, I'd always buy a South facing house (with North facing as a backup) if I have a choice, I'd take East/West in a heartbeat if I'd be forced into a west side of the house master bath/closet/etc.

Bedroom should face East. Take it from there. Make those summer nights easier to bear.

85AustinAg said:

---

Believe it or not if you google best home orientation for Texas this post is on the first page.

Anyway, these solar orientation maps confuse me. What is this image telling me about the best solar orientation for a home on this property? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

---

Its explaining to you that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Orient accordingly.

Seriously, though, it's showing you where to expect the sun throughout the year. Each day will follow a track like that yellow arc indicates. The summer solstice will see sunrise at the NE point and sunset at the NW point. The winter solstice is poorly shown, but it follows the bottom of the arc with terminations as the first arrowhead that it intersects with on either side.

So basically you'll get summer sun on all sides of your house at some point during the day. North exposure: both morning and evening it'll come in at a shallow angle. East: all morning. West: all evening. South: during the noon hours.

In the winter it'll come in at a shallow angle out your southern exposure all day with your east and west getting some during their respective parts of the day. Northern side will get no direct exposure during the winter.

Although, by the look of that land, there's a good chance you'll be using cedar for shade on all 4 sides…

Quote:

---

Even in the hot ass summers, the trade winds make it fairly comfortable to sit on the back porch in the evenings

---

Trade winds are farther South if you live in Texas. Our wind is typically from the Gulf of Mexico.

My current house faces east, just a tiny bit southeast.

I like it. Sunrise hits it early, gets the plants in front some sun, and then it arcs over where we have big trees that shade the south and southwest side of the house. We have a deep back porch that gives a good view of the sunset but is well shaded until late afternoon year round. Only drawback is a north wind will blow right into our north side facing garage in winter, leaves and all, but we have a large carport on that side that helps with rain.

Apache said:

---

Quote:

---

Even in the hot ass summers, the trade winds make it fairly comfortable to sit on the back porch in the evenings

---

Trade winds are farther South if you live in Texas. Our wind is typically from the Gulf of Mexico.

---

Yeah...we call that generally southern wind off the gulf the trade winds, gulf breeze, southerly wind, etc. It's just a damned term.

Get Off My Lawn said:

---

Seriously, though, it's showing you where to expect the sun throughout the year. Each day will follow a track like that yellow arc indicates. The summer solstice will see sunrise at the NE point and sunset at the NW point. The winter solstice is poorly shown, but it follows the bottom of the arc with terminations as the first arrowhead that it intersects with on either side.

So basically you'll get summer sun on all sides of your house at some point during the day. North exposure: both morning and evening it'll come in at a shallow angle. East: all morning. West: all evening. South: during the noon hours.

In the winter it'll come in at a shallow angle out your southern exposure all day with your east and west getting some during their respective parts of the day. Northern side will get no direct exposure during the winter.

Although, by the look of that land, there's a good chance you'll be using cedar for shade on all 4 sides…

---

I understand the explanation I guess what I'm asking is what would be an optimum orientation for a home placed on this parcel of land based upon this solar information.

Our last 2 homes have both faced NW and I'm not sure I'll have it any other way. You get great shade on the back porch durning the summer from about 4pm on. We can enjoy the evenings in the shade, and you can also enjoy the sunrises too. Our front porch is hot in the evenings, but we don't really use it. We are more private, 'back porch' folks.

tsuag10 said:

---

Our last 2 homes have both faced NW and I'm not sure I'll have it any other way. You get great shade on the back porch durning the summer from about 4pm on. We can enjoy the evenings in the shade, and you can also enjoy the sunrises too. Our front porch is hot in the evenings, but we don't really use it. We are more private, 'back porch' folks.

---

This is the orientation I've been thinking of. Thanks,