Site planning and solar access two case studies in North Carolina.

An important consideration in laying out a neighborhood is that all structures should be able to take maximum advantage of the sun for space and water heating. The two projects discussed in this paper provide an example of how to provide north-south orientation while avoiding the undesirable visual impact of having straight rows of houses all facing south. In both cases the lots have been staggered yet maintaining a southern orientation. The two case studies are examples of ongoing cohousing projects in the Triangle area in North Carolina. They have provided an opportunity to utilize solar access concepts in different ways with different levels of success. The importance of making our neighborhoods conducive to a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, instead of isolationism and mutual distrust, cannot be overemphasized. Cohousing provides the opportunity for putting together many concepts of cooperation ... solar access being only one of them.