We are considering building a bungalow for three people on an unused plot of land. We already own the land, and there is no urgent need to build the house now; we want to do it simply because we would like to.
The issue with the plot is a very large neighboring house located to the south to southwest. It casts shadows over the potential building area around midday. Direct sunlight only reaches the terrace starting at about 4:30 pm. In winter, the kitchen windows do not receive any direct sunlight, only some evening sun in summer. The living room windows are probably directly illuminated in summer between 4:30 and 5:00 pm. Due to the height of the neighboring house, even a skylight on the roof would not get direct sunlight.
A positive aspect is that the house would not heat up as much in summer. However, I am concerned about the constant shade affecting our comfort. I prefer a bright home with large windows.
What experiences have you had living in shaded conditions?
The issue with the plot is a very large neighboring house located to the south to southwest. It casts shadows over the potential building area around midday. Direct sunlight only reaches the terrace starting at about 4:30 pm. In winter, the kitchen windows do not receive any direct sunlight, only some evening sun in summer. The living room windows are probably directly illuminated in summer between 4:30 and 5:00 pm. Due to the height of the neighboring house, even a skylight on the roof would not get direct sunlight.
A positive aspect is that the house would not heat up as much in summer. However, I am concerned about the constant shade affecting our comfort. I prefer a bright home with large windows.
What experiences have you had living in shaded conditions?
I don’t see any problems that couldn’t be solved with a clever design. This is the usual starting point in a tight urban context. Your preliminary design may need to be revised more or less extensively to ensure adequate natural light and sun exposure inside and outside.
First, however, it needs to be checked whether this construction project is even permissible under building and planning regulations (zoning plan/planning scheme, building lines, property boundaries, site coverage ratio/floor area ratio, setback distances, parking spaces, access, ownership/legal circumstances/development in a secondary row), etc. There will be some critical points, for example boundary construction with residential use or undershooting the minimum setback of 3.00 meters (10 feet) to the southeast. Both will initially not be allowed and must be clarified after reviewing the documents, through preliminary discussions with the building authorities, or as part of a planning pre-application.
In principle, a bungalow or a similar type of building could be an interesting option.
First, however, it needs to be checked whether this construction project is even permissible under building and planning regulations (zoning plan/planning scheme, building lines, property boundaries, site coverage ratio/floor area ratio, setback distances, parking spaces, access, ownership/legal circumstances/development in a secondary row), etc. There will be some critical points, for example boundary construction with residential use or undershooting the minimum setback of 3.00 meters (10 feet) to the southeast. Both will initially not be allowed and must be clarified after reviewing the documents, through preliminary discussions with the building authorities, or as part of a planning pre-application.
In principle, a bungalow or a similar type of building could be an interesting option.
N
nordanney12 Jan 2016 15:34I also see this as doable, maybe with a small east-facing terrace for breakfast 🙂.
You definitely need a qualified planner for this!
You definitely need a qualified planner for this!