Light-filled spaces don’t just look beautiful — they make your home feel more welcoming, more comfortable and even more energy-efficient. At Atlas Living, we design homes and extensions with natural light and solar orientation front of mind, so you can enjoy the benefits every single day.
The Power of Solar Orientation
Solar orientation simply means designing your home to make the most of the sun’s natural path. By positioning windows, living areas and outdoor spaces to catch the right light at the right times of day, your home becomes brighter, warmer in winter, cooler in summer and far more efficient to run.
Brighter Living Spaces
When your home is designed with sunlight in mind, living and dining areas feel fresh and inviting. Morning light in the kitchen makes breakfast a brighter start to the day, while soft evening light in the living area creates the perfect setting to unwind.
Year-Round Comfort
Good solar orientation works hand in hand with insulation and window treatments. In winter, north-facing windows welcome the sun’s warmth indoors, while in summer, shading and eaves help keep your home naturally cooler. That means less reliance on air conditioning and heating, and a more comfortable home all year round.
Energy Savings
Maximising natural light and warmth reduces the need for artificial lighting and climate control. With rising energy costs, this is not just good for the environment — it’s good for your wallet too.
Health & Wellbeing Benefits
Natural light has been shown to improve mood, boost productivity and help regulate sleep patterns. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to create a healthier and happier home environment.
Solar Orientation Checklist for Your Block
When considering your block or planning an extension, here are some key things to keep in mind:
- North-facing living areas → Position main living, dining and kitchen spaces to the north where possible for maximum winter warmth and year-round light.
- Window placement → Larger windows to the north, smaller to the east and west, minimal to the south for efficiency.
- Outdoor spaces → Align patios or decks to enjoy sun in winter while providing shade in summer.
- Shading and eaves → Use eaves, pergolas or screens to block harsh summer sun without losing winter warmth.
- Neighbours and trees → Check for potential overshadowing from fences, nearby buildings or tall trees.
- Future-proofing → Think about how your block might change over time — for example, will new homes nearby impact sunlight?
