Designing With the Sun in Mind: Solar Planning for Accessible Homes | Arkhi Care Explains

At Arkhi Care, one of our guiding principles is that design should always respond to its context. That includes the landscape, the people, and the sun.

For our Ridge View project, the orientation of the building was one of the most important decisions we made. We began with a solar path analysis, a process that tracks the movement of the sun across the site throughout the day and throughout the year.

We discovered that the existing building placed the driveway and parking areas on the sunniest part of the plot, the south side. This meant the best natural light was being used for cars, not for people.

In the redesign, we flipped the layout. Living spaces and outdoor areas were repositioned to face south, ensuring they could benefit from the warmth, daylight, and atmosphere that natural light brings. Parking was relocated away from the house, freeing up space for gardens, family time, and better flow between inside and outside.

For the family, this made a huge difference. They love spending time outdoors, and now they can do so in a space that feels calm, connected, and well considered.

This kind of design thinking isn’t just about aesthetics. It affects how people use their homes, how much energy they consume, and how comfortable they feel day to day. It’s also something that solicitors and deputies may not always think to look for, but it has a real impact on long-term quality of life.