SETTING

This chapter on Setting the house, as well as Design and Shell, are written as though you are planning a new home or office building.   However, much of the information is of equal value to the occupant of an existing building that may be using too much energy. So, if you are considering retrofit, in Figuring Heat Loss, you will be able to calculate the Return on Investment of each possible building improvement.

If you can start from scratch, pick your site before making any decisions about the house plan.  Each lot will have unique features, requiring a design that adapts to them. 
You will want to place the house in the best way to let in the most sun in the winter.  Under Design, you will see how to keep the sun out of the house in summer.

First of all, site the building with its long axis running East-West, so that as many windows as possible face South (assuming that you live North of the Equator).

"South", as used here, means Solar South, the mid-point, and the high point, of the sun's daily arc.  You can come reasonably close by marking the direction of any long shadow at noon.  To be more accurate about the location of Solar South, see Solar Angles. Having identified the North/South line, specify that the building’s long axis is to be at right angles to that line.

When landscaping, retain any woods to the north of the building site.    They will provide protection against the colder winds, without interfering with solar gain.  Trees on the east side will provide cooling shade on a summer morning, while trees close to the west side will provide some of the shade that is so badly needed on a summer afternoon.

On the south side, treat that area as a garden, or park, or bushy haven for birds, with no trees close to the house.   If there are trees to the south, or you want to have them, they should be at least 60 feet away.

As you probably have noticed, the winter sun rises well forward of due East and, when it sets, it is still well forward of due West.  Therefore, trees at either end of the house can project somewhat forward of the building line without reducing the sun's input during winter, the period when you really need solar light and heat.

One final note: The builder, or even the architect, may give you an argument about these siting guidelines, because the arrangement conflicts with some preconceived notions. 

Just remind yourself that they won't pay the fuel bills for the next thirty years!   Those bills will be paid by you and your family; and, as fuel costs rise out of sight, buyers will pay a premium for careful siting, good use of terrain, and energy bills that are dramatically lower than others in the neighborhood.