How Do You Control the Sun in Your Home? Look Beyond the Façade

Why is information about the façade alone not enough when choosing a home? Consider the view from the windows, neighbouring buildings, balcony depth and how the light changes throughout the day.

The orientation is important; however, it does not, on its own, explain the amount of light a room receives during the day. Nearby buildings, the depth of the balcony, the windows and the room’s geometry can all have an impact. Assess the term ‘bright’ based on your own usage of the room.

Consider each room individually

The light in the living room does not represent that in the bedroom. Examine the area in front of the window, any obstructions and the area the light reaches. Prioritise the rooms you will use most frequently. Do not assess the desk or seating area solely from the centre of an empty room.

Note the date and time

The light you see is specific to that particular time. If possible, arrange a second visit at a different time of day. Do not make definitive judgements about seasonal changes based on a single day. You may be asked to provide actual photographs taken on different dates; ensure it is clear which room each was taken from.

The relationship between the balcony and the surroundings

A deep balcony, an upper-floor projection or a nearby building may alter how light enters the room. At certain times of day, shade might even be a factor in your decision. The aim is not to choose the home that receives the most sunlight, but to find the right balance of light and shade to suit your needs.

Representative residential balcony with table and chairs

Do not overstate the energy savings

The Ministry’s efficiency guide addresses solar gain and insulation together. However, a specific property’s energy consumption cannot be calculated based solely on its orientation. The building structure, appliances and usage conditions must also be assessed.

Decision-making questions

Will there be any distracting glare on my screen?
Which room will I be using and at what time?
Are there any viable solutions for shading requirements?
What external obstacles are present?
How was the orientation data verified?

When searching with ‘Buy Best Villa’, rather than simply saying ‘let there be light’, specifying the area and time when you require light makes your preference more concrete. Do not treat these observations as a guarantee that conditions will remain unchanged in the future.