In Practice Exam Form 2, #65, it stated that the building should be on the north side of the lake. Can someone explain this concept?
Hi @jamespongsa,
Thanks for writing in! As the answer explanation states:
Locating the building on the north side of the lake will optimize lake views while increasing the opportunity for passive solar heating. Minimal glazing on the north side will improve thermal performance as well.
When approaching this type of question, you’ll want to think of the following considerations: orientation, sun, wind, and views. Identifying key words/phrases in the question will help you determine the priorities for the given scenario in relation to these considerations (i.e. cold climate, passive solar building, hills, valleys, lake, evergreen forests).
When designing a passive solar building in a cold climate, we want to capitalize on heating opportunities and prevent excess cooling. We know that the sun is strongest from the south, so you’ll want to maximize glazing on the south for that solar gain. Therefore, you should also minimize glazing on the north.
With consideration to views, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of views to a body of water (i.e. lake), so the building should be oriented to take advantage of the south glazing to provide these views.
Sometimes it helps to do a quick sketch of the considerations/components at play here. You can then better visualize the the building in relation to the earth elements and orientation effects.
Hope this helps!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
Kiara,
Thank you, this makes sense.
How about designing in a hot climate? What is the benefit of placing the building on the south side of the lake?
@jamespongsa, designing in a hot climate does not necessarily take the opposite approach, as similar principals will apply. If asked about a hot climate, be sure to note the specific scenario and key words that might indicate the factors to consider (i.e. passive cooling).