If you are building a new house, you want only good vibes from the start. If you are building in Florida, you also want to choose the right orientation and direction to get the most out of the Florida sunshine. But how do you know which direction your house should face? This is a question one of our viewers brought up (Thanks Becky!) so we wanted to give you an explanation. I am directionally challenged, however, and cannot function without GPS, so I gave the question to Michael (the human compass) for further explanation. You want to find the correct balance between maximum natural light, yet necessary shade in those hot summer months. Many homes in Florida have an open-concept floor plan and large glass sliding doors out to the lanai, so there aren’t many walls to break up the sunlight streaming in. We love this aspect of Florida living, personally, but that should be something to consider when you are building or buying. Arguably, your backyard and lanai in Florida are probably the most important aspect to consider when determining the direction of your home: focus on the direction that lanai faces because you can count on nearly 300 days of sunshine and you will probably want to be outside for many of them. Southerly exposure is said to be best in Florida so that your house sees sunlight at all times of year, but not too much sun that would constantly be heating up your home. A westerly facing lanai (back of house) would result in beautiful sunsets, but also blaring sun in the afternoon which makes it difficult to enjoy being outdoors. The front of your house facing North means you may not get a lot of sun from that direction, but that might be okay if your attention is in the back of the house anyways. Our own home has an easterly exposure in the front and the lanai faces north-west, so we get sunsets and sun, but just enough to allow some shade at all times of the day throughout the year. In the summer, it gets hot back there, but we just jump in the pool to cool off. And the pool gets sun all day, which helps keep it nice and warm.
In the end, it boils down to personal preference and what you would like for your home and lifestyle. However, understanding how direction can impact the building of your home or the home you purchase is important to living your best life, here in Florida.
We hope this video helped to answer this question. Leave a comment if you want more information or have a question on a certain house.
We are happy to help with all of your real estate needs!941-348-2653
contact@chenkus.com
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of Feng Shui and architectural considerations, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide you in creating a harmonious living space. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between the physical environment and the well-being of its occupants.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about House Feng Shui and the ideal orientation for homes in Florida:
-
Importance of Orientation: The article highlights the significance of choosing the right orientation for a new house in Florida. It emphasizes the desire for good vibes and the need to maximize natural light while providing necessary shade, especially in the hot summer months.
-
Open-Concept Floor Plans and Glass Sliding Doors: In Florida, many homes feature open-concept floor plans and large glass sliding doors leading to the lanai. This architectural choice allows ample sunlight to stream into the house. It's crucial to consider this design aspect when planning the orientation of your home.
-
Backyard and Lanai Considerations: The article suggests that the backyard and lanai are pivotal when determining the direction of your home. Given Florida's abundant sunshine (almost 300 days a year), focusing on the direction of the lanai becomes essential. The intention is to make the most of outdoor living spaces.
-
Optimal Direction – Southerly Exposure: Southerly exposure is recommended as the best orientation in Florida. This ensures that your house receives sunlight throughout the year without excessive heating. The article implies that finding the right balance is crucial, allowing for enjoyment of the outdoor spaces without discomfort from intense sunlight.
-
Challenges of Westerly Facing Lanai: The article mentions that a westerly facing lanai can result in beautiful sunsets but also brings intense afternoon sun. This can make it challenging to fully enjoy outdoor spaces during certain times of the day.
-
Impact of House Facing North: If the front of your house faces North, it may receive less sunlight from that direction. However, this might be acceptable if the main focus is on the back of the house, especially if there's a well-designed lanai or backyard space.
-
Personal Example – Consideration of Sun and Shade: The author shares a personal example of their home with an easterly exposure in the front and a north-west-facing lanai. This allows for a balance of sun and shade throughout the day and year, contributing to a comfortable living environment.
-
Individual Preference and Lifestyle: Ultimately, the article emphasizes that the choice of orientation boils down to personal preference and lifestyle. Understanding how the direction of your home can impact daily living is crucial for making informed decisions during the building or buying process.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the considerations and factors involved in determining the orientation of a house in Florida, blending practical advice with personal experiences to help individuals make well-informed choices for their homes.
