Shading

Shading

Shading should be designed to take into account the sun's path in summer and winter on your site. The sun travels higher in the sky in summer, so shading can be designed to keep summer sun out but let winter sun in. The easiest way to check the sun’s path is by observation, but you can also get sun path diagrams which map the path of the sun across the sky at different times during the day throughout the year.

While your exact needs will vary according to your site and climate, most people will want to:

• shade high-angle summer sun from the north
• shade low-angle summer sun from the east and west
• let low-angle winter sun into your home from all directions.

In general, you'll need some form of shading above doors and windows on the east, north and west side of the house - but the size and type will depend on your circumstances.