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HOW CAN SITE ANALYSIS BE USED

When considering local weather patterns, the aim should be to always provide a building with the best
possible access to solar gains, daylight and shelter. This can be achieved through calculated control of the

effects of the sun, wind and rainfall, through good positioning of openings and rooflines to provide
natural light, warmth and shelter throughout the year. To cool a building, its orientation can pull and

circulate cool summer air though its plan by aligning its long axis with the prevailing wind direction and
by providing deep over hangs for shade.

When using the context to influence materiality, look towards the local vernacular of the surrounding
buildings. For example, dry stonewalls and steel can be used as a modern interpretation of agricultural

buildings without mimicking. Rammed earth walls can be used to represent an extension of the site and
if the local soil type is right could even be built from the land. Weathering timber creates a nice narrative
of changing and growing old with a site.

When the site has prominent views, buildings can address the landscape with large framed apertures and

pick key views and features to specifically draw attention to. Moving between rooms can generate
different views and therefore experiences at different times of day, depending on how and when the
spaces are used. These ideas are site specific and only have meaning through being relevant, and this

relevancy is generated through knowing your site.

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