North Facing House Insights
One of the factors is the orientation of a house according to Vastu when selecting the house of your dreams or investing in real estate. Whether or not you ascribe to ancient customs, or using contemporary architecture, a houseโs orientation impacts its energy, light, temperature, and harmony. A north facing house is one of the most discussed directions.
Is a north facing house really โconcealed blessingsโ or a north facing house could simply have concealed drawbacks? This guide helps unpack what Vastu Shastra for house has to say, weighs the pros and cons, reviews orientation and how it impacts design, energy and real life experience.
Understanding the Concept of North Facing Houses
A north House Facing Direction as per vastu is simply defined as the direction the main entrance of the house faces when you stand at the entrance or through your front door. If you look directly out while standing at the door and you see north in front of you, you have a north facing house. This notion itself is more than just a direction, that direction can contribute to:
- Energy flow within the house
- Sunlight
- Interior temperature
- Cultural and spiritual balance
This is exactly why many home buyers, architects, and Vastu consultants consider the houseโs facing direction before searching or purchasing a property.
Cultural and Vastu Shastra Perspectives on North Facing Homes
In Vastu Remedies for Homes with Structural Flaws The north is ruled by Kubera and the East is ruled by the Goddess Lakshmi. Wealth and financial well being is the main theme of north facing homes, for that reason many people or clients prefer north facing homes if they are seeking material wealth and financial progress. However from a cultural view:
- North means progress, abundance
- According to Vastu, North direction is more auspicious for people in financial, government and consulting services
- North Indian families consider north or east facing homes extremely auspicious
- East facing homes are marginally more preferred in some regions in South India.
According to Vastu Shastra, when the main door is in the North Zone, it invites wealth, opportunities and good luck but it is to be designed properly.
Benefits of a North Facing House
Creates Financial Growth (Vastu Science): As the North of the property is governed by Kubera, lord of wealth, it is believed that homes facing north enhance wealth and financial growth particularly when the front entrance is towards the northeast or central northern section.
Maximum Light Quality in Warm Climates: In tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the interior of the house is a haven of soft, ambient light especially important when helping to:
- Keep the house cooler in hot summer months.
- Reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Provide uniform lighting levels for the entire day.
Good for Professionals and Entrepreneurs: Based on Vastu guidelines, North facing properties are best suited for people who work in:
- Banking and Finance.
- All types of administration.
- Consultancy, freelance, and business persons.
Great Air Movement and Chill Space: North facing houses allow the possibility of passive air movement in and out of the house without overheating and quiet dwellings which are appropriate when reading, meditating, or working from home.
Flexibility in Room Placement: A north facing property can with appropriate Vastu placement accommodate flexibility in the locations of bedrooms, study rooms, and living zones.
Potential Drawbacks of a North Facing House
While there are demonstrated benefits, Here are some of the potential disadvantages of having a home facing North.
- Cold Interiors in Cold or Hilly Regions: In the Northern Hemisphere, having a lack of direct southern light can make homes colder or damper for interiors, especially in wintertime in colder climate regions.
- Outdoor Areas Get Less Light: Compared to east facing, front facing gardens or balconies will get less light, so north facing yards are not ideal for plants that enjoy sun, nor morning routines inspired by sunlight.
- Cultural Considerations and Resale: In some geographies (that would be southern India), communities in India consider east facing homes to be more auspicious. While these ideas may not impact normal selling value it may make it less attractive for some segments of the market.
- Misalignment or Bad Layout Wastes All the Goodness: Just because you have a northern facing entrance, doesnโt mean you get good energy or wealth, if your list of rooms are not placed according to Vastu.
Sunlight and Energy Efficiency in North Facing Homes
Light from the sun is a significant factor determining comfort and energy consumption in any home. The North facing homes provide:
- Consistent indirect light that aids in minimizing the requirement for artificial lighting during daylight
- Low indoor temperatures, favored by owners living in hot and dry climates
- Less glare from direct sun, making these spaces more comfortable for work and leisure
However, the benefits of a north facing home could quickly become a disadvantage in colder climates, where a south facing home is technically designed for passive solar heating.
Impact of North Facing Orientation on Home Design
Ensure that Vastu Shastra for Dubai Homes: Blending Tradition with Modern Luxury is a consideration in addition to the architectural plans so that the orientation facing north can be maximized. The recommended arrangement of Rooms for North facing Houses:
| Room | Ideal Placement (As per Vastu) |
|---|---|
| Main Entrance | North or northeast zone |
| The Living Room | North or east side |
| Kitchen | Southeast (Agni) or northwest |
| Master Bedroom | Southwest zone |
| Childrenโs Room | West or south |
| Pooja Room | Northeast (Ishan Kona) |
| Bathroom | Northwest or west |
Avoid placing heavy articles or stairs in the north direction as it can block energy from Kubera.
Common Myths About North Facing Houses
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
| North facing houses are bad luck | In Vastu, if designed properly, north facing houses are associated with wealth and prosperity. |
| They are dark all the time. | They will receive soft, natural light throughout the day, which is great for those living in warmer climates. |
| Only business people can live there. | It is suitable for any profession, especially for anyone working from home or in a leadership position. |
| A kitchen shouldnโt be constructed in a north-south facing house. | Kitchens can exist in north facing houses but they need to be positioned in the southeast or northwest |
Comparing North Facing Houses to Other Orientations
| Direction | Governing Element | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Kubera (wealth) | interior spaces cool, good fortune, peaceful | cool interior spaces in winter, regional bias |
| East | Indra (sun) | early morning natural light, health, feeling optimistic | excessive natural light / overexposure in mornings |
| South | Yama (discipline) | stability and strength | excessive heat in the interior, often shady areas are avoided. |
| West | Varuna (rain) | Best home for security without stress through hard work. | excessive heat in the afternoon. |
When comparing the orientations of the other 3 aspects, all 4 offer valuable traits, but the North facing house typically strikes a balance between Vastu mahiya and climate particular to many regions in India.
Tips for Optimizing a North Facing House Layout
To maximize the use of your north facing house, take each of the following into account:
- Front Door Placement: It should be located in the central north or northeast sector of the house.
- Avoid Toilets : In the north side zone, as they block any cash flow.
- Keep the Entrance Clear: Energy will flow into the house from the north, so keep the entryway tidy and free from clutter.
- Pooja Room: Ideally, it is located in the northeast corner to align with spiritual energy.
- Use Reflective Colors: Light colors as a semi bright, or reflective range such as white, cream, pale green, breathe calmness, and increase brightness.
- Landscaping: Use shade producing foliage, and not too many hardscape materials that can distribute air flow.
- Mirrors: Only when you are at home should you put mirrors on the north walls of your home. This will create additional positive energy when done correctly.
Real Life Experiences: Living in a North Facing Home
The reason people that have experienced living in a North Facing home in larger cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, or Dubai, had the following to say:
- Houses experienced less heat gain, during the summer months of the year.
- Better natural ventilation.
- Reduced the amount of electricity bills using daylight over time.
- Provided positive career opportunities and business outcomes using Vastu principles in their house design and placement.
Those living in colder regions of India, such as Shimla or Leh, who found North facing homes not as energy efficient, due to extreme cold, still still had to use heating to balance the house and the comfort of the occupants.
Conclusion
So, is a north facing house a good or a bad idea? The answer lies in geographic location, lifestyle, profession and personal beliefs. If you live in a warm climate and want a serene, well lit and prosperous home, then a north facing house (according to Vastu) is an excellent idea.
With that said, orientation alone will not guarantee success or comfort. A poorly constructed home facing the right direction will provide no benefit. However, if knowledge of Vastu Shastra is combined with architecture and your personal comfort, north facing can provide balance, wealth and wellness to your home.
