Climatic design: which factors must be considered when deciding the orientation of buildings for comfort and energy performance?

Introduction / Context:
Building orientation strongly influences thermal comfort, daylighting, and ventilation. Passive design integrates wind patterns, sun paths, and shading elements (like verandahs) to reduce cooling loads and improve livability without heavy reliance on mechanical systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Local climate provides dominant winds and seasonal sun angles.
• Building has facades, roofs, and verandahs that interact with sun and wind.
• Goal: optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

Concept / Approach:
Designers consider: (a) Prevailing winds for cross-ventilation and night purging; (b) Solar exposure of walls/roof to control heat gain using orientation and shading; (c) Solar penetration under verandahs to admit winter sun and exclude summer sun via appropriate overhang geometry (altitude/azimuth-based).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Account for wind direction: align openings to capture breezes while avoiding dust or driving rain.Analyze sun path: orient longer facades favorably, add shading to high-gain orientations.Size verandahs/overhangs: set projection and height to achieve desired seasonal penetration.Thus, all listed factors are essential.

Verification / Alternative check:
Climate-responsive design guidelines consistently emphasize wind orientation, solar exposure, and shading geometry as a trio for orientation decisions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Selecting only some factors ignores the integrated nature of passive design.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking local microclimate; undersizing overhangs; ignoring roof heat gains.

Final Answer:
All of the above