--- title: "North vs. South Facing Backyards: Choosing the Right Roof Pitch and Shade Structure" description: Read more here to learn more about North vs South facing roofs image: https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hubfs/IMAGES/Flat%20Roof/Flat%20Roof%20With%20Decking/IMG_3130.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#main-content) [![OI-LogoReverse@4x](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/OI-LogoReverse@4x.png?width=950&height=395&name=OI-LogoReverse@4x.png "OI-LogoReverse@4x")](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/) - [About](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/what-we-do) Show submenu for About - [What we do](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/what-we-do) - [Accreditation](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/accreditations) - [Residential Spaces](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/outdoor-design-construction) Show submenu for Residential Spaces - [Outdoor Design & Construction](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/outdoor-design-construction) - [Retractable & Louvre](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/retractable-and-louvre) - [Landscaping](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/landscaping) - [Swimming Pools & Spas](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/swimming-pools) - [![](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hubfs/stratco-logo-inversed.svg)](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco) - [Commercial Structures](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/commercial-outdoor-structures) - [Contact](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/contact) - [1300 212 333](tel:1300%20212%20333) - [About](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/what-we-do) Show submenu for About - [What we do](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/what-we-do) - [Accreditation](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/accreditations) - [Residential Spaces](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/outdoor-design-construction) Show submenu for Residential Spaces - [Outdoor Design & Construction](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/outdoor-design-construction) - [Retractable & Louvre](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/retractable-and-louvre) - [Landscaping](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/landscaping) - [Swimming Pools & Spas](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/swimming-pools) - [![](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hubfs/stratco-logo-inversed.svg)](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco) - [Commercial Structures](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/commercial-outdoor-structures) - [Contact](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/contact) - [1300 212 333](tel:1300%20212%20333) # North vs. South Facing Backyards: Choosing the Right Roof Pitch and Shade Structure **TL;DR:** The orientation of your home directly impacts sunlight and heat levels in your backyard. Sun-drenched North-facing yards benefit from deeper roof pitches, [insulated Cooldek panels](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco/outback-cooldek), or adjustable shade to block harsh summer heat. Conversely, cooler South-facing yards should opt for lighter-toned materials, translucent panels, or an opening [louvered roof system](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/louvered-roof-system) to maximize natural light. ### Table of Contents - [North Facing Backyards](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#north-facing-backyards) - [South Facing Backyards](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#south-facing-backyards) - [How to Choose the Right Shade Structure](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#how-to-choose-the-right-shade-structure) - [How to Choose the Right Roof Pitch](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#how-to-choose-the-right-roof-pitch) - [North vs South Facing Backyards Summary](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/north-vs-south-facing-backyards#north-vs-south-facing-backyards-summary) When designing your outdoor space, taking into account the direction your backyard faces is an essential first step. This orientation has a significant impact on how usable the area is throughout the seasons. Choosing the correct structure ensures a comfortable, year-round environment whether you are building a custom [patio](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/patio-builders-melbourne) or an extended outdoor lounge. ## North Facing Backyards As a general rule in Australia, North-facing backyards receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. Here’s what you need to consider: - **Watch out for Overheating:** North-facing yards make ideal entertainment spaces because they are bright, warm, and inviting. However, during Australian summer months, direct sun exposure can make unshaded areas uncomfortably hot. - **Shade Options:** Deeper roof profiles, motorized louvres, or dynamic [retractable roofing systems in Melbourne](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/retractable-roofing/melbourne) help control heat buildup and provide essential UV protection while maintaining good airflow. ## South Facing Backyards South-facing backyards receive significantly less direct sunlight, particularly during cooler winter months. Key considerations include: - **Utilise Sunlight Rather Than Blocking It:** A dark or low-pitched solid cover can block precious natural light, leaving your outdoor space feeling dark and chilly. Select designs that allow sunlight to penetrate, such as opening roofs or [Stratco Sunroof systems](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco/sunroof) that open and close on demand. - **Consider Surrounding Materials:** Brighten up shady areas by incorporating light-colored steel finishes and timber accents. Pale walls paired with lighter roof framing effectively reflect ambient light back into adjacent living rooms. ## How to Choose the Right Shade Structure Choosing the ideal shade structure involves looking beyond orientation alone. You should also evaluate: - Overall backyard layout and flow. - The primary entertainment and dining zones. - Existing trees and foliage. - Neighbouring properties and boundary sightlines. Once your layout is planned, you can select the most appropriate structure—such as an attached [modern veranda](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/veranda-offer) for seamless house-to-garden transitions or a freestanding [retractable pergola](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/retractable-pergolas) positioned over a pool deck or garden lounge. Adjustable designs offer the highest level of adaptability across seasons. North-facing yards benefit from full overhead solar defense with heat ventilation, whereas South-facing backyards benefit from flexible louvered systems that open fully to capture warmth and daylight. ## How to Choose the Right Roof Pitch Several structural and design factors influence your choice of roof pitch: - Architectural alignment with your home’s existing roofline. - Backyard proportions and height limits. - Proximity to neighbouring boundaries. - Rainwater run-off and drainage capacities. While orientation doesn’t strictly dictate roof pitch, steeper [pitched gable roofs](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco/outback-gable-pitched-roof) create higher ceilings that dissipate trapped heat effectively in North-facing yards. For South-facing setups, a sleek [flat-roof system](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco/outback-flat) with integrated translucent roof sheets preserves indoor light without casting long shadows. ## North vs South Facing Backyards North-facing backyards offer maximum warmth and natural light, making insulated roofing, deeper pitches, and controllable shade crucial for summer comfort. South-facing backyards require smart light-harvesting solutions like flexible [motorised aluminium louvres](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/louvered-roof-system/aluminium-motorised-louvre-melbourne) to stay bright, warm, and inviting year-round. × ❮ ❯ ## Explore other projects [![](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGES/Insulated%20Panel/IMG_3245.jpeg?width=352&name=IMG_3245.jpeg)](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/colorbond-steel-vs-insulated-panels-cooldek-which-keeps-your-patio-cooler-in-summer) ### [Colorbond Steel vs. Insulated Panels (Cooldek): Which Keeps Your Patio Cooler in Summer?](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/colorbond-steel-vs-insulated-panels-cooldek-which-keeps-your-patio-cooler-in-summer) **TL;DR:** For homeowners looking to primarily control the summer heat, [insulated panels (such as...](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/stratco/outback-cooldek) [![](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/OLD/liza%20retractable.jpg?width=352&name=liza%20retractable.jpg)](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/retractable-roof-vs-louvre-roof-which-is-better-for-your-outdoor-space) ### [Retractable Roof vs Louvre Roof: Which is Better for Your Outdoor Space?](https://www.outdoorindesign.com.au/blog/retractable-roof-vs-louvre-roof-which-is-better-for-your-outdoor-space) Whether you love hosting outdoor gatherings or simply enjoy unwinding in the fresh air, a... 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