South-Facing Living
This pattern is shaped by
Problem
In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing rooms receive the most consistent, warmest daylight throughout the year. When the primary living spaces face north, east, or west instead, they are darker in winter, hotter in summer (west), and require more artificial lighting and mechanical heating year-round.
Evidence and Discussion
The solar geometry is simple and inescapable: south-facing glazing in northern latitudes receives direct sun in winter (when it's wanted) and is easily shaded in summer (when it's not), because the sun is high. North-facing rooms receive only diffuse light. West-facing rooms receive harsh, low-angle sun in summer afternoons that is difficult to shade.
Therefore
orient the primary living spaces — kitchen, living room, dining area — toward the south, within 30° of true south. Place service spaces (bathrooms, storage, utilities, garages) on the north side, where they act as a thermal buffer. In summer, shade south glazing with overhangs, deciduous trees, or exterior shutters. This single orientation decision affects comfort, energy use, and daily mood more than almost any other design choice.