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[#783]

Can a fixed roof overhang preserve winter sun without dimming the rooms?

How do you size fixed exterior overhangs so they block high summer sun without cutting down useful winter sun and daylight? I assume the answer changes with latitude and window orientation, since the sun’s path differs by season and facade. Nearby buildings, trees, or terrain could also shade a window independently of the roof projection.

For a design where winter light matters, when does a fixed overhang become too restrictive, and is adjustable shading a better way to handle the seasonal difference?


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For winter-light performance, assess the overhang and nearby obstructions together during the hours when direct sun is wanted. If a neighboring building, tree, or terrain already blocks the low-angle sun then, shortening the overhang may not restore it. Adjustable shading can address the seasonal tradeoff of the overhang, but it won’t clear an obstruction blocking the sun.


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