The location and orientation of the home on the site are the first and most critical steps to take advantage of passive solar gains and breezes. While the ideal site is not always available, you can make changes to the building form to fit the site. In our hot climate, it is best to look for ways to minimize living areas with large windows that face west in order to minimize heat gain from the sun. If possible orient the home to face south. Locate rooms like the kitchen or game rooms to
take advantage of day lighting. Leave vegetation and add overhangs to windows that have an east or west exposure. Consider “dog-trots,” or breezeways, to help collect wind and provide cooling to the building. Use materials that reflect the summer heat like a metal roof that can also be used to collect rainwater.