Woods-style house in the winter

[Arielle]

Quote: Actually the instructions allowed for an east facing. We are on a hill and the air would justblow in as it cooled in the evening and roll down hill. In the morning I actually get so much heating that hay blows back into my face when feeding the horses in the morning. THe woods clearly allowed for east to south facing.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Perhaps the difference is that your coop is located out in the open, far from trees.

My location was picked because it was high and dry, which is a premium here. ONly a few spots naturally occuring on the whole 15 acres. THe location of my coop is next to the property line so the neighbors trees will always block some light.

THe windows are a good 2 1/2feet deep and 11 across.

I do think more windows would be beneficial-- I look for used windows waiting for trash pick up or listed as FREE.

 

[JackE]

Perhaps the difference is that your coop is located out in the open, far from trees.

My location was picked because it was high and dry, which is a premium here. ONly a few spots naturally occuring on the whole 15 acres. THe location of my coop is next to the property line so the neighbors trees will always block some light.

THe windows are a good 2 1/2feet deep and 11 across.

I do think more windows would be beneficial-- I look for used windows waiting for trash pick up or listed as FREE.

Yeah, that's probably it. My coop is really not all that far from some big trees. But they are off to the west of the coop, so my coop gets full sun until late in the day. Maybe you could put some of those clear panels in the roof, to help grab some more sunlight.

 

[JackE]

I think for some like me the design to face the open part east has to do with the prevailing winds. I will be at the foot of some rolling hills. So my wind will be predominantly west to east.

I think the idea of more windows is a good thing. Just not the opening type. Just panes of glass to let light in. They may be Dinosaurs but they are not cave dwellers LOL

With this coop, prevailing winds don't mean anything. It is designed and built, to face south to southeast. The real purpose of that, is to maximise sunlight into the coop. As I have stated on this thread before, I have had 30-40mph winds blow directly at the open front in the winter. Even with that, inside the coop is totally calm. No swirling winds, no dust storms, it's perfect. Full fresh air exchange, with no drafts.

 

[aart]

Quote: Actually the instructions allowed for an east facing. We are on a hill and the air would justblow in as it cooled in the evening and roll down hill. In the morning I actually get so much heating that hay blows back into my face when feeding the horses in the morning. THe woods clearly allowed for east to south facing.
Ahhh I did not know that...my apologies.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Actually the instructions allowed for an east facing. We are on a hill and the air would justblow in as it cooled in the evening and roll down hill. In the morning I actually get so much heating that hay blows back into my face when feeding the horses in the morning. THe woods clearly allowed for east to south facing.
Ahhh I did not know that...my apologies.
No problem.

I live on a long sloping "hill" with a river at the bottom. Really taught me about air flow! lol

I got chaff in my eye this morning from that upward blowing air!! Every peice of land has it challenges. I walk the land and look at it as a location for a chicken coop now!

 

[20736]

This is a time tested design that requires southern exposure. can you face it Southeast or Southwest if not due South?
I would worry the back window would create a winter draft when you really don't need it.
Just sayin'

 

[Arielle]

This is a time tested design that requires southern exposure. can you face it Southeast or Southwest if not due South?
I would worry the back window would create a winter draft when you really don't need it.
Just sayin'

I see what you are saying. I think that if the window is set in well and not meant top open this should work.

I have noticed that the cold air falls in to the coop when the top windows are open. ANyone else notice this??

 

[aart]

Quote: I have a clerestory building my coop is in, with upper windows similar to the woods...yes cool air can drop in thru them, but I keep them closed when it's cold.

 

[Arielle]

Thanks AArt. I closed the top windows for tonight as the temps are dropping again. THis is March weather!