Shading plays a big role in the comfort and energy efficiency of your new home. Block the sun in summer, let it in during winter, and the house stays comfortable while your power bills stay low.
This post covers fixed and adjustable shading, sun angles, orientation, climate zones and plants. Get these right at the design stage and you'll cut heating and cooling costs for as long as you live there.
Building in South-East Queensland? Start here
Brisbane and most of South-East Queensland sit in NCC climate zone 2 (warm humid summers, mild winters). Your priorities are: properly sized eaves over north-facing windows (use the 45% rule below), strong shading on the east and especially the west, and windows placed to catch the breeze. Good shading also helps your design reach the 7-star NatHERS energy rating that most new homes now need.
What is Shading?
Shading is the process of blocking direct sunlight to control the amount of heat that enters your home. Effective shading can be achieved using a variety of fixed or adjustable elements, such as eaves, awnings, pergolas, louvres, external blinds, and even fences. Natural elements like trees and shrubs can also provide shading, offering additional benefits like improved air quality and enhanced visual appeal.
The best type of shading depends on your climate and the orientation of your home. In hot climates you shade as much as possible. In mixed climates you let the sun in during winter and block it in summer. In cold climates you shade less so the home stays warm.
C20 - What You Should Know When You Design Your New Home
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Last updated 5 Oct 2026 · Revision 1 · Free updates for life
Checklist Type: Minor
Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 47 pages)
When to use: Design stage: before the plans and specification are finalised and before you sign
A 372-question guide to work through while designing your home. Settle orientation, light, soil, drainage, layout, finishes and costs early, so you avoid changes and delays later.
Why Shading Is Important When Designing your New Home
Shading directly affects your comfort, your energy use and how liveable your home is. Here are the main benefits.
Summer Comfort and Energy Cost Reduction
Summer sun through glass can turn a room into an oven. Shading windows, doors and other glazing can block up to 90% of that unwanted heat, which means less air conditioning and lower power bills.
Seasonal Shading Needs
Reducing Heat Gain Through Glass
One of the main sources of heat gain in homes is through glazed surfaces such as windows and doors. Radiant heat from the sun passes through glass and is absorbed by interior furnishings, which then re-radiate the heat indoors. Shading these glazed areas can prevent heat buildup during summer, while allowing beneficial solar gain in winter when desired.
External shading such as adjustable louvres or blinds stops the heat before it reaches the glass, which is far more effective than internal blinds. Pay particular attention to large areas of glass like sliding doors and skylights.
Preventing Overheating and Insulation Challenges
Insulation plays a key role in keeping your home comfortable, but without proper shading, it can trap unwanted heat inside during summer, creating an uncomfortable environment. Shading works in conjunction with insulation to prevent this, ensuring that your home remains cool even during extreme heat.
Shading should also work with other passive design principles, such as orientation and cross-ventilation. For example, well-shaded north-facing living areas stay comfortable in both summer and winter.
Fixed vs. Adjustable Shading Options
Fixed Shading
Fixed shading is permanently installed and needs no adjustment, so it suits areas where the sun's path is predictable, such as north-facing walls. It's low maintenance and set-and-forget.
Types of Fixed Shading:
- Eaves: The simplest and most effective shading for north-facing windows. Correctly sized eaves block the high summer sun and let the low winter sun in. The 45% rule: the eave width should be about 45% of the height from the bottom of the window sill to the underside of the eave. For example, if that height is 2.0 m, aim for an eave about 900 mm wide.
- Awnings and Pergolas: Fixed awnings and pergolas are commonly used for east- and west-facing windows to protect from low-angle morning and afternoon sun. Pergolas can be covered with shade cloth or climbing plants to further enhance shading.
- Fixed Louvres: Horizontal louvres installed above windows can provide effective shading while maintaining airflow and visibility. These are particularly useful for blocking summer sun while allowing light to enter during winter.
Fixed shading is ideal if you want low maintenance, but it must be designed carefully so it doesn't block the winter sun you want.
Adjustable Shading
Adjustable shading allows you to control the level of shading based on the time of year or day, making it a versatile option for optimising comfort and energy efficiency. Adjustable shading is particularly useful for east- and west-facing windows, which receive varying sun angles throughout the day.
Types of Adjustable Shading:
- Adjustable Louvres: Horizontal or vertical louvres can be adjusted to control sunlight entering the home. These are particularly effective on eastern and western façades where sun exposure can vary significantly.
- Retractable Awnings and Blinds: Retractable awnings and external blinds provide flexibility in shading, allowing you to extend or retract them as needed. These are ideal for managing both direct sunlight and glare.
- Shade Cloth and Shade Sails: Shade cloth and sails can be installed over pergolas or outdoor areas and can be removed or adjusted as needed. They are a low-cost, flexible solution for managing sun exposure in outdoor living spaces.
- Sliding Screens and Shutters: These provide an elegant solution for managing shading while maintaining privacy. Sliding screens can be adjusted to block direct sunlight during peak hours, making them an ideal choice for west-facing windows.
Adjustable shading gives more control, but someone has to actually adjust it. If you're happy to make small changes through the year, it can make a big difference to comfort and efficiency.
This is a great video explaining orientation and sunlight design considerations
Understanding Sun Angles
Sun Angles and Their Impact
Sun angles vary significantly between summer and winter, affecting how sunlight enters your home. In summer, the sun is high in the sky, and in winter, it is much lower. Knowing these angles helps in designing shading elements that can effectively block or admit sunlight as needed.
For most of Australia, the ideal orientation for living areas is north-facing, as this allows for the easiest management of solar gain. Correctly designed shading, such as eaves or horizontal louvres, can block high-angle summer sun while allowing low-angle winter sun to enter, providing natural warmth when needed.
Calculating Sun Angles
The angle of the sun at any given time can be calculated based on your location's latitude. This information is important for designing the width and position of shading elements like eaves. The calculation for sun angles at noon during solstices and equinoxes is as follows:
- Equinox: 90° – latitude
- Summer Solstice: Equinox + 23.5°
- Winter Solstice: Equinox – 23.5°
For example, Brisbane is at about 27.5°S, so the noon sun is about 62.5° above the horizon at the equinoxes, about 86° in midsummer and about 39° in midwinter. That tells you how much eave or shading you need to block the summer sun while still letting the winter sun in.
Tools for Assessing Sun Angles
There are several tools available that can help you determine sun angles for your specific location:
- Sun Angle Apps: Mobile apps that use GPS data can provide accurate sun angle information for your region, making it easier to design appropriate shading solutions.
- Drafting Software: Many designers use drafting software that can calculate sun angles and create shading simulations based on the home's orientation and the topography of the site.
Orientation-Based Shading Design
Each side of your home needs a different shading approach. Here's what works for each orientation.
North-Facing Façades
In most Australian climates, north-facing windows are ideal: they get plenty of winter sun and are the easiest to shade in summer because the summer sun is high in the sky.
Recommended Shading Solutions:
- Eaves: Properly sized eaves are the simplest and most effective option for north-facing windows. Use the 45% rule above.
- Horizontal Projections: Fixed horizontal shading devices, such as awnings and louvres, can also be used to block summer sun and allow winter sunlight.
- Pergolas with Deciduous Vines: Pergolas can provide effective shading for north-facing areas. When covered with deciduous vines, they block summer sunlight but allow winter sunlight through when the leaves fall.
East- and West-Facing Façades
East- and west-facing façades can be challenging to shade due to the low-angle morning and afternoon sun. East-facing windows receive direct sunlight in the morning, while west-facing windows receive afternoon sunlight, which can cause the home to overheat in the late afternoon and evening.
Recommended Shading Solutions:
- Deep Verandas or Pergolas: Deep verandas and pergolas can help reduce direct sunlight entering through east- and west-facing windows. When combined with deciduous vines, they can provide seasonal shading.
- Vertical Louvres or Blinds: Vertical shading structures, such as external louvres or blinds, are effective at blocking low-angle sunlight while still allowing for ventilation and views.
- Sliding Screens: Adjustable sliding screens can be moved to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day, offering flexibility in managing sun exposure.
North-East and North-West Façades
North-east and north-west façades receive a combination of high- and low-angle sunlight throughout the day, making adjustable shading particularly useful for these orientations.
Recommended Shading Solutions:
- Adjustable Louvres: Horizontal or vertical louvres can be adjusted to block direct sunlight during peak hours while allowing light and ventilation when desired.
- Pergolas with Seasonal Plantings: Pergolas with deciduous plantings can be used to provide summer shading while allowing winter sunlight to enter.
South-Facing Façades
South-facing façades receive minimal direct sunlight in most parts of Australia, making shading less of a priority. However, in tropical areas north of the Tropic of Capricorn, south-facing windows may still benefit from some shading to prevent overheating.
Recommended Shading Solutions:
- Evergreen Plantings: Evergreen shrubs or trees can provide year-round shading for south-facing windows in warmer climates.
- Minimal Shading in Cooler Climates: In cooler climates, it is generally best to avoid shading for south-facing façades to allow as much natural light into the home as possible.
Shading Considerations for Different Climate Zones
Australia's climate ranges from tropical to cool temperate, and the National Construction Code (NCC) splits the country into eight climate zones. Here's how shading changes across them.
Hot Humid Climates (Climate Zones 1 & Some Parts of Zone 2)
In hot humid climates, the primary goal is to keep the home as cool as possible by blocking solar heat from all directions while allowing for natural ventilation.
Recommended Shading Strategies:
- Shade the Entire Building: Use wide eaves or a “fly roof” that shades the entire building, including the roof. A fly roof helps keep the building cooler by allowing airflow between the roof and the core structure.
- Shaded Outdoor Living Areas: Deep verandas and covered outdoor areas can help shade incoming air, making the indoor space cooler.
- Landscaping for Shade: Use large trees and dense plantings to provide shade while ensuring airflow is not blocked. Use plantings instead of paving to reduce ground temperature and reflected heat.
Hot Dry Climates (Climate Zones 3 & 4)
In hot dry climates, shading is essential for keeping the home cool during summer, but some solar access is still needed during winter for passive heating.
Recommended Shading Strategies:
- Shading North-Facing Openings: Provide passive solar shading for north-facing windows to block summer sun but allow winter sunlight. Use correctly sized eaves to achieve this.
- Adjustable Screens for East and West: Use deep overhangs or adjustable screens to block morning and afternoon sunlight. Covered balconies or verandas are also effective in shading the living areas.
- Shaded Courtyards: Place a shaded courtyard next to main living areas to act as a cool air well. Plant trees and shrubs to provide additional shade and keep the area cool.
Warm Humid and Warm/Mild Temperate Climates (Climate Zones 2, 5 & 6)
In warm temperate climates, a balance of summer shading and winter solar access is required to maintain comfort throughout the year.
Recommended Shading Strategies:
- Shading North-Facing Openings: Use eaves or adjustable horizontal shading devices to provide shading for north-facing windows in summer while allowing winter sun.
- Deep Overhangs for East and West: Adjustable shade screens or deep overhangs are recommended for the east and west façades to protect from low-angle sun, especially in summer.
Cool Temperate Climates (Climate Zone 7)
In cool temperate climates, maximising winter solar gain is a priority, while some shading is still required during summer.
Recommended Shading Strategies:
- Avoid Shading North-Facing Glass in Winter: Use upward raked eaves to allow full winter solar access. Avoid placing deep covered balconies to the north, as they can obstruct beneficial winter sunlight.
- Deciduous Planting for East and West: Use deciduous trees and shrubs to the east and west. This provides summer shading while allowing winter sunlight through bare branches.
Using Plants for Shading
Plants are a cheap, natural way to shade your home. They also improve air quality, add privacy, block wind and look good.
Advantages of Plant Shading
- Low Cost and Low Maintenance: Plants are a cost-effective shading solution that requires little maintenance once established. They also do not consume energy, making them an eco-friendly option.
- Cooling Effect Through Transpiration: Plants help cool the surrounding environment through a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from the leaves, thereby reducing the air temperature around your home.
- Improved Air Quality: By filtering pollutants from the air, plants contribute to a healthier indoor and outdoor environment.
Deciduous vs. Evergreen Plants
The choice between deciduous and evergreen plants will depend on your shading requirements and climate conditions.
- Deciduous Plants: These are ideal for shading north, east, and west façades, as they allow sunlight through bare branches in winter and provide shade with their leaves in summer. Deciduous trees and vines are particularly useful for seasonal shading, giving you the flexibility to control sunlight without manual adjustments.
- Evergreen Plants: Evergreen plants provide year-round shade and are well-suited for hot climates where constant shading is required. They are ideal for planting along east, west, and even south façades to keep your home cool during all seasons.
Design Considerations for Plant Shading
- Trees with High Canopies: Trees with high canopies can shade parts of the roof and walls and reduce heat load. Allow for their mature size so roots and branches stay well clear of footings, pipes and the roof.
- Shrubs for Localised Shading: Plant shrubs near windows and walls to provide localised shading. Shrubs can effectively reduce heat gain through windows and are especially useful for smaller façades.
- Vines and Ground Cover: Vines can be grown on pergolas, trellises, or directly on walls to provide vertical shading. Ground cover helps insulate against summer heat by reducing reflected radiation and keeping ground temperatures cooler.
- Windbreaks: Dense planting can also act as windbreaks, providing additional comfort in outdoor living areas and reducing wind chill around your home.
Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants for shading, it is important to choose species that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Native species are usually the best option, as they are adapted to local weather and require less water and maintenance. Avoid planting trees with invasive root systems close to the house, as they can damage foundations and plumbing.
Examples of Plant Shading Solutions:
- Pergolas with Vines: Grow deciduous vines such as grapevines or wisteria on pergolas to create seasonal shading for outdoor areas. These vines will provide dense shade in summer while allowing sunlight through in winter.
- Shade Trees to the East and West: Plant shade trees to the east and west, far enough from the house that their mature canopy and roots won't reach footings, pipes or the roof. Avoid big trees on the north side, where they'll block the winter sun you want.
- Shrubs for Window Shading: Plant shrubs along east- and west-facing windows to block low-angle sunlight. Choose species that are dense enough to provide good shade while allowing for some airflow.
Maximising the Benefits of Plant Shading
Shading for Roof Glazing and Skylights
Skylights and roof glazing bring in natural light, but they can also bring in a lot of heat if you don't plan for it.
Challenges with Roof Glazing
Roof glazing, such as skylights, is exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, often receiving more heat than vertical windows. Without appropriate shading, skylights can cause excessive heat buildup, especially during summer, making rooms uncomfortably hot and increasing the reliance on cooling systems.
This problem is compounded by the fact that sunlight entering through roof glazing passes through glass and is then absorbed by furnishings and surfaces, which re-radiate heat inside the home. The re-radiated heat has a longer wavelength, making it difficult to escape back through the glass, resulting in a greenhouse effect.
Shading Solutions for Roof Glazing and Skylights
The practical approach for a house is simple:
- Keep skylights small: Skylights deliver a lot of light even when small, so be conservative with their size.
- Choose the right unit: Pick a glazed unit with a low SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient, the share of the sun's heat that gets through the glass; lower means cooler), or one with a built-in blind. Double glazing helps in cooler climates.
- Avoid west-facing roof glazing: It cops the hottest sun of the day.
- Consider clerestory windows instead: Clerestory windows are high windows near the ceiling. Face them north under an eave and you get daylight without the summer heat.
Get this right and you avoid the 'greenhouse effect' that unshaded roof glazing creates.
Quality Management and Quality Control in Shading Installation
Shading only works if it's designed and installed properly. Here's what to check during design, and how to keep it working.
Design Considerations for Shading
Proper design is the foundation for effective shading. During the planning stage, consider the following elements to ensure the shading is efficient and functional:
- Eave Width: Size eaves to suit the window heights and orientation. For north-facing windows, use the 45% rule.
- Orientation-Specific Solutions: Each façade requires different shading solutions depending on its orientation. For example, north-facing façades benefit from horizontal shading, while east- and west-facing façades require deeper shading or vertical louvres to block low-angle sunlight effectively.
- Adjustability: Where possible, incorporate adjustable shading elements, such as external blinds or louvres, to provide seasonal flexibility. This allows for maximum comfort throughout the year by adjusting shading based on sun movement.
Ensuring Long-Term Performance
Shading elements are exposed to various weather conditions, which can impact their performance over time. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure they continue to function effectively.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect adjustable shading systems, such as blinds, louvres, and awnings, regularly to ensure they are working smoothly. Check for any signs of wear or damage that may require repair.
- Pruning Plants: If you are using plants for shading, regular pruning is necessary to maintain the desired level of shading. Ensure that deciduous trees and vines are pruned seasonally to allow sunlight in winter.
- Cleaning Shading Devices: Clean fixed and adjustable shading elements periodically to prevent dirt and debris from affecting their operation. This is particularly important for louvres and adjustable screens, as debris can obstruct their movement.
The Bottom Line
Shading is often overlooked, but it's one of the cheapest ways to make a home comfortable and efficient. Work out your climate zone, look at each side of the house, and get the shading designed in before you build. Retrofitting it later costs more and works less well.
Test yourself
Five quick questions on this topic. Click a question to see the answer.
What is the primary benefit of fixed shading in home design?
Low-maintenance solution that provides consistent shading.
What is a key consideration for shading design in mixed climates?
Let in sunlight during winter and block it in summer.
How do pergolas with deciduous vines benefit north-facing areas?
Block summer sunlight but allow winter sunlight through when leaves fall.
What is a key benefit of using deciduous plants for shading?
They provide seasonal flexibility in shading.
Why are native plant species recommended for shading solutions?
They are adapted to local weather and require less water and maintenance.
FAQS
Q1: What is the best type of shading for a north-facing window in Australia?
A1: Fixed horizontal eaves are the best option for north-facing windows. They block high-angle summer sun while allowing low-angle winter sunlight to enter, providing natural warmth when needed.
Q2: How can adjustable shading help reduce energy costs?
A2: Adjustable shading allows you to control the amount of sunlight entering your home. By adjusting shading elements during different seasons or times of the day, you can reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, thus lowering energy costs.
Q3: Should I consider shading for skylights?
A3: Yes. Skylights can be a major source of summer heat. Keep them small, choose a low-SHGC unit or one with a built-in blind, and avoid west-facing roof glazing.
Q4: What types of plants are best for shading my home?
A4: Deciduous trees and vines are ideal for seasonal shading as they provide shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter. Evergreen plants are better for year-round shading, especially in hot climates.
Q5: How do I calculate the appropriate eave width for my home?
A5: Use the 45% rule: the eave width should be 45% of the height from the bottom of the window sill to the eave's underside. This ensures that windows are shaded in summer but still receive winter sunlight.
Q6: Is shading necessary for all orientations of my home?
A6: Yes, shading is important for different orientations, although the type of shading will vary. North-facing windows benefit from horizontal shading, while east- and west-facing windows require deeper or adjustable shading to block low-angle sunlight.
Q7: Are there any low-cost shading solutions?
A7: Yes. Shade cloth and climbing plants are affordable options for outdoor areas, windows and pergolas.
Q8: What are the risks of poor shading design?
A8: Higher energy bills, an uncomfortable home, and blocked winter sun. Make sure shading is designed for both summer and winter.
Further Reading
The Importance of Eaves: What They Do for YouLearn about the vital role eaves play in protecting your home from water damage, rot, and pests. Discover the benefits of having eaves and how to maintain them.
Architects’ Role in Energy Savings: Building SustainabilityLearn about the crucial role of architects in creating energy-efficient homes. This article emphasises the impact of design choices on household energy use and the responsibility of architects to prioritise sustainability, offering strategies for reducing carbon footprints and energy costs.
Building Smarter in the Heat: Lessons Australia Can Learn from TexasDiscover how Australia can build smarter, more energy-efficient homes by learning from Texas. From thermal mass to ventilation, this article explores advanced techniques that regulate indoor temperatures and slash energy costs.
The Impact of Roof Colors on Urban Heat Islands in AustraliaThe choice of roof colour in your home is more than just an aesthetic decision; it has real implications for the local climate. This article offers a nuanced discussion of the scientific, aesthetic, and practical aspects of roof colours.
