Fen Calc Fencalc XA2021 Training
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Orientation study notes

Orientation and Site Planning

Learn how orientation, facade sectors and site decisions influence the SANS 10400-XA compliance path. These notes collect the course summary, SANS reference points, lesson prompts and key study reminders into one print-friendly page.

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Course Outcomes

  • Classify building envelope elements by orientation.
  • Understand why orientation affects solar gain and envelope decisions.
  • Document assumptions for angled or complex facades.

Lesson Summaries

Lesson 1 / 12 min

Orientation Basics

Define orientation from the outside face of the envelope.

Objective: Classify each external envelope element consistently.

Lesson 2 / 15 min

Solar Access Risk

Identify facades with higher solar-gain risk.

Objective: Connect orientation decisions to fenestration and shading choices.

Lesson 3 / 18 min

Orientation Documentation

Record orientation assumptions for review.

Objective: Prepare orientation notes that can be checked by another person.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Labelling rooms by name instead of using the outward-facing facade direction.
  • Treating angled facades casually without documenting the selected sector.
  • Changing orientation assumptions between fenestration, shading and reporting.