Sides of the world vs. layout of rooms in an apartment

Sides of the world vs. layout of rooms in an apartment

Introduction

When designing and selecting an apartment, many buyers focus on aesthetics, square footage and location. However, one of the most important aspects that is often overlooked is the layout of the rooms in relation to the sides of the world. Proper planning of this issue can significantly affect living comfort, energy efficiency and the overall atmosphere of the interior. In this article, we will look at how the sides of the world affect the layout of rooms in an apartment and what benefits can be achieved by taking them into account when designing.

The importance of the sides of the world

The sides of the world, namely north, south, east and west, are crucial for natural lighting and indoor climate. Each site has its own unique features:

1. North: Northern rooms are the coolest and most evenly lit. The northern light is constant and does not change throughout the day, making it ideal for rooms where lighting stability is needed, such as art studios and offices.
2. South: South-facing rooms get the most sunlight, making them the warmest and brightest. This type of lighting is ideal for living rooms and dining rooms, where natural light is desirable for most of the day.
3. East: The eastern rooms are lit by the morning sun, making them bright and pleasant in the morning. They are ideal for bedrooms to enjoy natural light as soon as you wake up.
4. West: rooms in the west get the most sunlight in the afternoons and evenings. The light of the setting sun is warm and creates a cozy atmosphere, making such rooms ideal for living rooms or terraces.

Room layout vs. sides of the world

The optimal layout of rooms in an apartment should take into account the above features of the world sides to maximize the comfort of users and the energy efficiency of the building. Here are some examples of how this can be implemented:

1. Living room: Ideally, the living room should be located in the south or west. As a result, it will be full of natural light for most of the day, which is beneficial for daily activities and social gatherings.
2. Kitchen: The kitchen with east-facing windows will be bright in the morning, which is ideal for preparing breakfast and morning meals. The morning light is also softer, which can be more pleasant when you’re scrambling around the kitchen in the morning.
3. Bedroom: East- or north-facing bedrooms will provide a cooler and quieter sleeping environment. The morning light of the rising sun acts as a natural alarm clock, which is especially beneficial for people who want to get up early.
4. Office: The office room should face north or east to provide stable, natural lighting that is less tiring to the eyes during prolonged work.
5. Bathroom: Bathrooms are most often placed in the north or in areas where natural light is not a priority. Although windows in bathrooms are important for ventilation, their orientation with respect to the sides of the world is not crucial.

Benefits of proper room layout

1. Thermal comfort: the correct positioning of rooms in relation to the sides of the world allows for natural temperature regulation in the apartment. Rooms in the south and west will be warmer in winter due to the sunshine, which reduces heating costs. In summer, adequate shade or blinds can prevent these rooms from getting too hot.
2. Energy efficiency: Using natural light to illuminate rooms reduces electricity consumption. In turn, proper room layout can also help maintain optimal temperature, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
3. Health and well-being: Natural light has a positive effect on health and well-being. Exposure to daylight regulates the diurnal rhythm, which can improve the quality of sleep and the overall mood of residents.
4. Aesthetics and ambience: natural lighting can significantly improve the aesthetics of interiors. Daylight highlights colors, textures and shapes, creating a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere. Rooms well lit by natural light also appear larger and more spacious.

Examples of architectural solutions

1. Large windows: It is worth investing in large windows, especially in rooms facing south and west. They make the most of the sun’s natural light and heat.
2. Glazed walls: Glazed walls are the perfect solution for living rooms. They can connect the interior and exterior, creating a sense of continuity of space and increasing the amount of natural light entering the interior.
3. Blinds and curtains: well-chosen blinds and curtains allow you to control the amount of light entering the room, especially in summer. It is worth investing in materials that can reflect sunlight and protect against excessive heat.
4. Winter gardens: A conservatory on the south side of a house can act as a natural heat insulator. In winter, it stores solar heat that can be used to heat adjacent rooms.

Thoughtful planning vs. reality

While theoretical considerations about the placement of rooms in relation to the sides of the world may seem straightforward, reality often presents challenges. However, there are solutions that can help achieve optimal conditions even in difficult situations:

1. Compromises: In some cases, compromises will be necessary. For example, if the bedroom must face south, it is worth using blackout blinds to control the amount of light coming in in the morning.
2. Adaptive Technologies: Modern technologies, such as intelligent lighting and air conditioning management systems, can help adapt indoor conditions to changing outdoor conditions.
3. Greenery planning: Trees and plants can be used to naturally shade rooms in summer and let in light in winter. Proper planning of greenery around a building can significantly affect thermal and lighting comfort indoors.

Summary

The sides of the world play a key role in the design and layout of rooms in an apartment. Thoughtful placement of rooms in relation to north, south, east and west can bring numerous benefits, such as increased thermal comfort, energy efficiency, as well as improved health and well-being of residents. It is worth taking the time to carefully plan the layout of pom