Finding the best orientation for a house in the South-West requires taking into account the particular climate of this territory. Knowing how to enjoy the benefits of the sun without suffering the disadvantages, treating yourself to welcoming exteriors, arranging the rooms according to your needs, etc., these are the challenges of good exposure for your home in the South-West.
How important is the orientation of the new house?
Finding the best house orientation is essential today to meet the constraints of RE 2020. This regulation requires very energy-efficient buildings. There new house thus implements the principles of bioclimatism. Thus, to reduce heating and lighting consumption as much as possible, we bring as much sunlight, which provides free calories, into the house. However, these regulations also imply taking into consideration summer comfort and therefore knowing how to protect yourself from the sun in winter.
To go further, read the article “ New house RE 2020 in the South-West: what consequences for my project? »
South-West: the influence of climate on the orientation of the house
Is the orientation of the house imposed in the South-West?
The South-West is a vast and varied territory with Pyrenees in the South, the Mediterranean to the East and WAtlantic Ocean to the West. Outside of mountainous areas, the climate It is rather mild with less harsh winters than those in the North and more temperate summers than in the South-East. The requirements in terms of orientation are therefore undoubtedly less stringent than in the North of France or the South-East.
What future climate in the South-West?
Building your house also means knowing how to anticipate tomorrow's climate so that the house can remain comfortable despite the expected overheating.
Bordeaux , Arcachon, Pau (FR), Bayonne, La Rochelle, Périgueux, Agen Mont-de-Marsan…, on Climadiag from Météo France, you can consult the forecasts for your municipality. Temperature, drought, rainfall, etc., around twenty indicators are analyzed. Less cold winters, sultry summers with longer heatwaves, less frequent precipitation, are to be expected by 2050.
Why prefer the South and South-West orientation in the South-West?
The best house orientation for energy savings
THESouth exposure means that the majority of windows in the house, the Windows of the living room are on the South facade. It is the facade that remains in the sun throughout the day.
In winter, the sun low on the horizon penetrates deeper into the home to cleanse it and warm the interior. In our well-insulated homes and in our mild climates, this is the opportunity to turn on the heating only a little. Which is as muchenergy savings in anticipation.
For more information, read our article on principles of bioclimatism.
Have a healthy home
Reduction of spores, mold and humidity..., the sun's rays clean our homes. So this is one more reason to prefer light to darkness. In addition, brightness and UV rays affect our good mood.
South orientation for a bright house
THESouth orientation, allows maximum light to enter the house. A way to reduce artificial lighting as much as possible. This also offers a great visual comfort daily whatever the season.
To find out more read our article “ Optimizing the brightness of your new home: construction tips ".
Protect yourself from the sun in summer
In summer, the south facade is relatively simple to protect. As the sun is higher in the sky, sun protection adapted, awning, pergolas, shade sails, shutters, will break the sun's rays before they touch the windows, thus avoiding the greenhouse effect and overheating. This type of protection nevertheless allows light to be kept in the house.
What to plan for a west-facing house in the South West?
Is the West orientation recommended in the South-West?
THEWest exposure also benefits from good solar gains. But these arriving in the evening, they will be less important than on a South facade. The energy savings will thus be less felt, but will be sufficient thanks to good house design. At mid-season, this exhibition promises gentler evenings.
West exposure beware of summer comfort
On the other hand, with this type of orientation, a window or bay window is more difficult to protect from the sun in summer. The sun being lower in the evening, an awning is of little use, and the rays penetrate more easily into the home, during the hours which are also the hottest. This requires closing the shutters to protect the house from overheating. However, solutions exist such as vegetation, sunshades, home automation, etc.
House facing west facing the prevailing winds
In the South West, the prevailing winds are often westerly winds. This facade is often more subject to heavy rain. The joinery, which is particularly in demand, will be chosen with care and well maintained.
Can we build on land facing north?
It is always possible to do to build a home despite a poor North orientation.North exposure offers little solar gain. On the other hand, good house design (strong insulation, efficient heating, etc.) will make it possible to counter this disadvantage and still obtain a very energy-efficient house. In the South-West, a well-designed house will easily meet the requirements of the RE2020.
The advantages of North orientation in the South-West
In summer, a house facing north is very pleasant, and stays cool much longer. An asset to take into account in the face of global warming.
Which pieces should be positioned in the North?
The northern exposure is generally recommended for rooms such as the garage, the cellar and little-used rooms which will then serve as a buffer space between the interior and exterior. A office in the North can also have benefits because it avoids direct sunlight on the computer screen.
Should you choose land facing east?
What are the advantages of the Eastern exposure?
In our South-West regions, a land facing east has advantages. In fact, it still allows you to benefit from the benefits of the sun in the morning. While the sun is very low on the horizon, its rays penetrate widely into the home to clean it up. In summer, the parts exposed to the East do not rise too high in temperature without the need for sunscreen. Brightness is therefore maintained in the accommodation.
The disadvantages of eastern exposure
The solar gains being reduced, however, they will not reduce the energy bill in winter. A disadvantage reduced by good house design and good winter comfort.
Which pieces should be positioned in the East?
Un East-West crossing lounge can be very comfortable, since the shutters will open or close depending on the needs and times of the day.
Rooms or a east-facing office will provide good comfort all year round.
What orientation for a terrace?
La south facing terrace is undoubtedly the most comfortable, since you can enjoy it whenever the weather is nice, at any time of the day. A terrace to the west is also the promise of beautiful sunny evenings, but it says it is protected from bad weather due to the direction of the wind. A terrace to the east is ideal for a bright breakfast.
Find out more with the article “ The 10 advantages of a south-facing terrace in Gironde ».
So, a good exposure is less restrictive and thus offers greater architectural freedom. However, don't miss out on a well placed land. Chat with your individual house builder to design a home that will meet your expectations. Of the through parts, well-placed vegetation and good house design will help you design the house best suited to its land and environment.
