- Beyond Sustainability - The Case for Regenerative Design
- Understanding Place - Climate, Site, and Solar Geometry
- The Six Integrated Systems - An Overview
- Building with the Earth—Natural Materials
- Passive Solar Design - Heating and Cooling Without Machines
- Off-Grid Energy Systems - Power from the Sun
- Water - Catching, Storing, and Cycling
- Liquid Waste Treatment - Botanical Systems
- Food Systems—Buildings That Feed
- Community Design - Scaling Up
- The Integrated Design Process
- Appendix A: Glossary of Key Terms
- Appendix B: The Pangea Textbook Series
- Appendix C: Key Design Principles at a Glance
- The Regenerative Community Vision
- Site Assessment and Land Reading
- Land Use Law and Legal Frameworks
- Master Planning for Regenerative Communities
- Infrastructure Systems Integration
- Housing Typologies and Density Design
- Community Governance Structures
- Economic Models for Community Development
- Phased Development Strategy
- Community Resilience and Long-Term Stewardship
- Appendix A: Legal Entity Comparison Chart
- Appendix B: Community Design Checklist
- Appendix C: Glossary of Community Development Terms
Beyond solar orientation, a regenerative site analysis considers the full system of flows and conditions that will affect the building and its occupants. The following factors should be assessed for every site before design begins.
Topography
Slope, aspect (which direction the slope faces), and elevation all affect solar access, wind exposure, drainage, and buildability. South-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere receive more solar radiation and are warmer than flat ground or north-facing slopes. Ridge tops are windier. Valley bottoms accumulate cold air at night. Understanding topography allows you to position the building and its systems optimally within the landscape.
Hydrology
Where does water come from, where does it go, and how much is there? Map existing drainage patterns, identify ephemeral and permanent water bodies, and understand the site’s relationship to its watershed. This analysis informs both the placement of the building (avoid flood paths) and the design of water harvesting earthworks (swales, berms, ponds) that will slow, spread, and sink precipitation into the soil.
Wind
Prevailing wind direction and velocity affect ventilation strategy, heating load, and building form. Consistent winds from a given direction can be used for passive ventilation cooling in summer. Cold winter winds from a particular direction should be blocked by earth berms, dense plantings, or the building’s own form. Wind data for most locations is available from meteorological databases, and local knowledge is invaluable for understanding seasonal wind pattern shifts.
Vegetation and Soils
Existing vegetation is a record of the site’s history, soil quality, moisture regime, and microclimate. Dense native trees indicate good soil and moisture. Sparse, stressed vegetation may indicate poor soil, contamination, or extreme dryness. Mature trees on the south side of a building site are a significant asset for summer shading; trees on the north side provide winter wind protection. Soil texture, depth, and drainage characteristics affect foundation design, earthworks, and the feasibility of on-site waste treatment systems.
Solar Access
Confirm that the building site has clear solar access to the south throughout the winter. Shade from adjacent buildings, trees, or terrain that falls on south glazing during peak heating hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. solar time) significantly reduces passive solar performance. Use a sun path diagram or solar analysis tool to map existing and potential shading.