Zoning is essential in the use of passive cooling and heating. This allows to obtain the maximum NatHERS star rating, even before applying any insulation. A good zoning or layout for energy efficiency generally is:
- To have living areas in the north
- Having bedrooms on the south or east side of the building.
- To have unconditioned areas on the east or west side of the building
Also, a good layout also requires closing off parts of the house that occupants do not use regularly. In colder locations, it may even be beneficial to align living areas around the east and western side.