The value that optimal orientation represents

In the southern hemisphere, we talk about optimal orientation for property as being north-facing. Watching British renovation television programs always reminds me of our universal need for natural light when they place an emphasis on capturing their south-facing sun.

Many of us like to enjoy the benefit of sunshine all year round in our homes. A well orientated dwelling and design represents more than just a happy mood though. It also addresses heating/cooling challenges in our temperate months, and counteracts mildew, timber rot, dampness and decay on timber windows.

Plenty of people struggle to describe why natural light is so important, but the feeling is very real.

Natural light is not just an aesthetic feature, but an important human need, and for some the lack of it can create genuine health issues.

The link between limited sunlight and depression is very real for some. We often have client briefs with a specific request for natural light for health reasons.

Buyers often describe their criteria list to us and some are better at articulating the items than others. The most common theme though, above space, size and style is light. 

It is surprising just how many people crave natural light.

When commencing a search we place a high value on the orientation of a property, the available options to enhance natural light, and the design-change options for any dark interiors.

The “day arc” of the sun refers to the daily and seasonal arc that the sun follows across the sky. As the Earth rotates the sun every year and our daytime length varies, the height of the sun in our sky also varies. Our summer and winter solstice extremes mark the height range of our northern sun as shown below.

A north-facing window will capture sunlight at all times of the day, and all times of the year. An east-facing window will capture morning sun, and a west-facing window will capture the afternoon sun. Consideration always has to be made to the zones and rooms of a dwelling because the orientation can deem a room perfect for use, or compromised completely.  A ‘movie room’, a nursery, a space that appreciates limited sunlight, (such as a collector’s gallery) will suit a south facing orientation. Likewise, a breakfast bar or perfect morning tea spot will be enhanced with an east-facing window.

Living areas, kitchens and dining spaces are often designed with northern light in mind.

I remember my first apartment (above) fondly. This little haven in Mentone was always cheerful for me. At the time, in my twenties I found it hard to describe what it was that was so special about my little abode. It wasn’t until it was described as “a gloriously north facing living room and master bedroom” unit, that I realised it was all about the light.

An exciting acquisition in central Coburg reminded me of the importance of orientation. This stunning double-fronted period Victorian may have a dated 1990’s interior with it’s heritage colours, slate flooring, timber kitchen and brass fixtures, but what it offers in terms of natural light is difficult to put a value on. This corner-block stunner sits on a generous 589sqm, and the kitchen and living areas look out onto a leafy and tranquil yard. The sun streams in at all times of the day.

We also enjoyed working with a dear client who was very firm about her personal preference for a north-facing outlook for her apartment. After a few months of searching, we were delighted to secure this beautiful off-market in Thornbury (below) for her, matching her wish-list perfectly.

My very own home has proved the perfect challenge in relation to our quest for northern sun. Not only is the property an east-west, skinny Victorian that is nothing short of eye-blinding during summer mornings in the kitchen, it is a middle brick terrace with a southern side light-well. This combination has presented sunlight challenges for us, but a clever architectural design has enabled our main living area to capitalise on northern light. We introduced a broad clerestory window. Now the light pours in all day long and our option to block out the forcefield of the sun from the East means that we can still enjoy natural light.

While many focus on the internal design and the priority to capitalise on a northerly light source, the design of outdoors spaces plays an important role too. This delightful rear courtyard offers a stunning space for the residents of this impressive Middle Park terrace. Not only does this beautiful courtyard complete the magic of this beautifully restored Victorian cottage, but it also provides a gorgeous outdoor haven to enjoy a quiet break. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be enjoyed in this 25 square meter courtyard.

The inclusion of a beautifully leafy, private space like this creates a valuable addition for this home on just 152sqm of land. The northerly rear means a lot when it comes to landscaping and garden choices too. For the green-thumbs, it means that many varietals of trees, climbers and potted flowers can thrive. Alternative orientations can create trouble for plant choices, with shaded areas or harsh westerly sun often spelling death for plants and trees.

However, a south-facing home isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The cost differential for a house with an optimal orientation can be as great as 25%. Comparisons of similar houses on the same street with either northerly or southerly orientation demonstrate this. Options exist to capture light in sub-optimal orientation properties; they sometimes just need a creative and qualified person to come up with the right solution.

Although, the cost of making these changes needs to be factored in to the purchase decision. North-facing rears are popular for many reasons, not withstanding the cost-savings when weighing up a significant floorplan re-alignment and renovation, or side courtyard landscaping.

As we say to our clients, “north-facing is a valuable nice-to-have. We won’t reject other orientations, but north-facing certainly gets extra points.