South west facing back yard is too hot .
7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
7 years agoGreat idea from oklouise, extendable awnings are great also, vergola, laser cut screens can add a stylish look and give a lovely ambience, deciduous trees are perfect, shading in summer then letting winter sun in on colder days, we planted 3 Bradford ornamental pears and it’s just perfect on hot days and very architectural in the winter, not to mention glorious colour in autumn, adds a glow to the garden.
Related Discussions
Help with a North facing front block of land (rear South)
Comments (19)I personally think that it is overkill to get an architect because you think that the orientation of your home is difficult. Its not. You could be wasting money getting advice that is not required. My own home has the heart of the house - the kitchen, facing north. This is ideal because we spend a lot of time here and it is great in winter with slow cooked food in the oven, using the oven to warm the room while also getting any winter sun that is available. My best advice to anyone is to have a home with doors in it; open plan is fine for people with money who can pay for double/triple glazed windows, insulated walls etc and elaborate air conditioning systems. Most people need to think about how they can get the best out of the money that they have available and being able to close doors to keep rooms cool or warm is to me, essential to the fuel economy of the home. So your orientation to me is what is often recommended - it certainly isn't east west. Just use trees correctly to help insulate your home even further....See MoreIs Laserlite in grey too dark for a south facing pergola?
Comments (7)we have a covered south west facing outdoor area and have solid roofing with narrow panels of clear lazerlite as we've found that wide expanses of any coloured transluscent roofing is too hot when you most want to sit outside ...we're also about to install screen walls made out of black horticultural Sarlon cloth (available wider than standard)... we've previously used the Sarlon attached to a timber frame, like giant flyscreens, for shading hot morning an dafternoon sun, keeping out bugs and softening the effects off winds and horizontal rain ... it's just like looking out through fly screens and feels so much cooler on hot days and happily supports a deciduous creeper to add to the cooling effect in summer...See MoreWill my house get too hot with living areas facing west?
Comments (10)Hello Mellebret, Suggestions above are great but there is another I would like to put to you: Look at planting deciduous trees out from the west windows and doors. You need to calculate the full height of the trees, the position of the view and where to plant them so the sun is blocked in summer and you can still enjoy the view. Winter when they are bear branches will allow the winter sun to stream in and heat the living areas for FREE! But also you need to be prepared to cut trees lower or trim below for the view as needs be so they do not get too tall, out of control or dangerous. It is a very efficient and beautiful way to control the sun, shade, comfort and beauty. Cheers Margot...See MoreHelp selecting plants for front yard and back yard
Comments (17)How wide is the garden bed? 4-5m tall and very narrow is difficult to find. You need to think about things like do you need so much lawn, how much wider could you make the garden bed, how much time will you allow for maintenance to keep the screening plants pruned? Just to be clear, do your back windows face north? You don't want anything that blocks the sun in winter. Although come to think of it I don't see any windows, just an alfresco? Builders really don't understand orientation. What do you mean by pine trees? Maybe you are thinking of pencil pines?...See More
PRO7 years ago
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
PRO7 years agoA verandah would be a simple and relatively cost effective way of providing some protection from that heat. If you are concerned about losing valuable light into the adjacent rooms we recommend using some translucent polycarbonate sheet roofing. You can get Level 3 'heat reducing' sheets which can cut heat penetration to below 20% whilst still providing that valuable natural light that we love in outdoor spaces. See Ampelite Solasafe. Shade battens are another option although they won't keep the rain out!
Before & After- Solar Passive Entertaining Area · More Info
Before & After- Solar Passive Entertaining Area · More Info
Before & After- Solar Passive Entertaining Area · More Info
Before & After- Solar Passive Entertaining Area · More Info
Before & After- Solar Passive Entertaining Area · More Info
7 years ago
oklouise