Follow the link at our Sunlight Bookstore to A Pattern Language for the best price we've seen on this classic book. The Entry Alexander says that the placement of the main entrance is very important and should be seen immediately from the main access direction. Day Lighting Indoor sunlight can add a lot to the comfort of the home if the right rooms are facing south. If the wrong rooms are facing south, the house is dark and gloomy. Alexander says to place the most important rooms along the south edge of the building, and spread the building out along the east-west axis.
Bedrooms can be on the north, as can the garage and secondary spaces.
Common Areas At The Heart Social groups, including families, need informal contact among its members. The design of the home can encourage this contact by having a single common area that is located at the center of the home. The movement between rooms is as important as the rooms themselves and has as much effect on social interaction in the rooms, as the interiors of the rooms. This is a pattern which we at Sunlight Homes find particularly important. Alexander says that when people have a choice, they will always gravitate to those rooms which have natural light coming in from at least two sides.