Do Eaves, Shade, and Window Placement Really Make a Difference?
When you think about home design, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket features, the kitchen layout, flooring, or façade style. But when it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term liveability, it’s often the subtle design details that make the biggest difference. Three of the most overlooked, yet most important, elements in any Perth home design are eaves, shade, and window placement.
Why Orientation and Window Placement Matter First
Before you even think about shading or eaves, it all starts with where your windows face.
In Australia’s warm climate, north-facing windows are gold. They capture the sun’s warmth in winter and can be easily shaded in summer.
On the other hand:
- East-facing windows catch the early morning sun, perfect for kitchens or breakfast areas.
- West-facing windows can cause overheating in the afternoons, especially in living areas or bedrooms.
- South-facing windows bring in soft, consistent daylight without much heat gain.
Getting this right helps reduce the need for heating and cooling, lowering your energy bills and keeping your home naturally comfortable all year round.
The Unsung Hero: Eaves
Eaves are those roof overhangs that extend beyond your external walls.
While they’re often seen as just a design feature, eaves play a huge role in passive solar design.
They act like built-in sunshades, blocking harsh summer sun when it’s high in the sky, yet allowing lower winter sunlight to warm your home.
Benefits of well-designed eaves include:
- Better thermal performance (less reliance on air conditioning)
- Protection from rain and UV damage to walls and windows
- Improved lifespan of external finishes and seals
In other words, eaves aren’t just decorative, they’re one of the simplest ways to improve your home’s sustainability and comfort.
Shading for Smart, Sustainable Cooling
Eaves are just one part of the shading story. Clever shading solutions can make your home feel dramatically cooler in Perth’s hot summers.
Depending on your block and orientation, shading can come from:
- Pergolas and verandahs to protect outdoor areas and windows
- Adjustable louvres or awnings that adapt to the seasons
- External blinds or screens for flexible, modern shade control
- Landscaping — such as well-placed trees or vines that block sun in summer but allow warmth in winter
Smart shading doesn’t just keep rooms cooler, it also protects interiors from fading and reduces glare, making your living areas more enjoyable day to day.
How These Elements Work Together
When eaves, shade, and window placement are all thoughtfully designed, they create what’s known as a passive solar home, a home that works with the sun rather than against it.
Here’s how it plays out in practice:
- Good window placement allows natural light and cross-ventilation.
- Eaves and shade stop heat gain when you don’t want it.
- Thermal design (like insulation and glazing) locks in comfort.
Together, these features reduce your need for mechanical heating and cooling, saving energy and creating a more sustainable home that performs beautifully year-round.
Small Design Choices, Big Long-Term Benefits
The right combination of eaves, shading, and window placement can:
- Cut energy bills by reducing heating and cooling needs
- Increase natural light and airflow
- Prevent overheating and glare
- Boost your home’s resale value with better energy performance
It’s the kind of smart thinking that helps you enjoy your home for decades, not just the first summer after handover.
So yes, eaves, shade, and window placement really do make a difference.
They’re quiet achievers that work behind the scenes to make your home more comfortable, efficient, and resilient to Perth’s climate. When you choose Aveling Homes, you’re choosing a builder who understands how design and performance go hand in hand, creating homes that look stunning and feel even better to live in.