How do I...get the right orientation?

A reader asked us: "How many degrees off north can you place a house before you lose the benefit of the northern aspect?"

The reader continued:

"I am currently designing a house and it sits about 40 degrees off due north will I still get enough sunlight during the day to warm the house in the winter?"

Design Ambassador Ed Ewers had this response:

"I think the key to all building design is in correct siting. This should be determined not just by solar access, but vehicle access, external factors (noise, neighbours, ect) and unique opportunities of a site - views, prevailing weather, sunlight, and topography. Each of these factors will have unique values repective of the site.

Given solar access and northern exposure is a key requirement, then ideally I think siting within 25-30degrees of north is best; and whilst generally excessive west exposure is to be avoided, I would be happy with 40 degrees west of north - in preference to east, in southern Australian locations."