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Uzone.id – The direction of wind determines where it is advantageous to build a house. Understanding the wind direction can assist us, its occupants, to build houses that are comfortable as well as efficient in using energy. That is, it is possible to organize the placement of premises, openings, and building materials based on the distribution of wind and sunlight within the zones of climate conditions.
Glenn Murcutt, Pritzker Prize Winner once said, “Wind direction is an architect’s compass. By mastering it, we can design buildings that are not only beautiful but also functional and responsive to the surrounding environment.”
Why is wind direction significant in the construction of a house? First, since its design depends on the location and right wind direction it was possible to allow natural sunlight into the room during day time. As we know light, it also helps to dry up the humid air and also eliminates germs as well. Besides, through taking placement of openings or ventilation about wind directions, it is possible to have proper airflow so that the room becomes cooler and fresher most of the time.
In other words, we can minimize the necessity of using lights and air conditioners by making the best use of sunlight and wind. It will also considerably reduce our monthly bills from electricity suppliers in the future. At the same time, the left wind direction optimizes the temperature of a room to be comfortable for all seasons.
In summer we can minimize contact with direct sunlight by drawing window blinds on the side of the house that receives the most sunlight. On the other hand, in winter we can open the windows to the side facing the sun when it rises to warm the room.
“Sunlight is a priceless source of energy. By making maximum use of natural light, we can reduce the use of lamps and save on electricity costs,” added Le Corbusier, a Modernist Architect.
Wind movement can ensure good air circulation and hence promote Indoor Air Quality. Meanwhile, the new air that comes into the house will replace the dirty air and will take with it the dust particles.
Ideal Wind Direction for a Home
North: And in general, it is believed that the north direction is favorable for placing a family room or a bedroom. The fact about this kind of house is during the day the northern side of the house is dark to keep the room cool.
South: It is common to note that the south side gets some amount of sunlight during the day. Hence, the south side is ideal for rewarding a dining room or the kitchen where lots of light is preferred.
East: Light coming into the room from the eastern direction in the morning can help to warm up the house in the morning. This East side is therefore ideal for children’s bedrooms or study rooms.
West: Light from the west in the afternoon may cause heat in the particular room. Consequently, it is advisable not to establish the major bedroom within the western part of the house.
The things that need to be considered for designing a house according to cardinal directions include the following, one of them is the Analysis of climate in the area. Before planning a house construction, study the climate of the location where it will be built. Primer wind direction, insolation, evapotranspiration, and number of rainy days. Then design your house plan in a way that you can change depending on the seasons and kind of weather we have.
Subsequently, it modifies the size and location of the let-in element (opening windows and doors) to allow light and air to penetrate the building effectively. Select construction materials that will allow the room to remain warm when it is cool, and cool when it is hot. In addition, it was recommended to plant trees within the compound to have shade to lessen heat around the house.
The orientation of the wind plays a role in the comfort as well as the energy performance of a house. This paper gives a brief description of the direction of the wind and shows how the concept can be applied in designing our homes to ensure that we achieve healthy, comfortable structures that are friendly to the environment.
