We want to design a passive-solar home for a hot climate. Can we
still have views to the east? On the lot where we're building
our new home, the best views are to the east. Is there a way to
orient the house to enhance the effect of the sun and give us
natural light all day without losing those views? The builder
blanched when I said I wanted windows facing south—he says the
sun will melt the furniture. I gather passive solar isn't
popular in hot climates. Should I give up on the idea?
Definitely do not give up on the idea! Passive design for
heating, cooling, and daylighting can and should be incorporated
into buildings in all climates. These passive solar strategies
have been used around the world for centuries, and it is only in
the past 60 years, since the advent of mechanical heating and
air conditioning systems, that we have become dependent on
artificial temperature control and abandoned common sense, low-
tech strategies to keep buildings comfortable. Since you live in
a hot and humid climate, your pri