In the solutions of the layout of single-family houses, the most important role is played by functional compounds, size and suitability of rooms for a given function, to a lesser extent composition and aesthetic considerations. To a small extent, the location of the rooms was dependent on the sides of the world, and certainly no role was played by "energetic" factors.
Architects for a long time, especially in the era of industrialization (cheap traditional energy carriers) have been exempted from considering energy problems. If they were considered, it is only on the principle of wall insulation, possibly solar radiation control. Thus, the current attempts to create an energy-efficient architecture must cross this barrier of "energy awareness".
Energy-efficient houses, also using various solar energy systems, they should have a solution to the structure, Forms, interior and exterior space, enabling, on the one hand, maximum heat gain from solar radiation, and, on the other hand, minimal losses. The solution of the layout of the rooms of the house also has a significant impact on energy efficiency in operation and maximization of heat gains from solar radiation. This is particularly important in homes using passive solar energy systems..
So, when designing an energy-efficient house, in addition to the traditional correctness of the functional solution of the room layout, one should strive to meet the following five principles.

Five rules for the arrangement of rooms in single-family houses using passive systems

Principle 1
The division of the premises of the building into zones. Depending on the allowable minimum temperature, three zones can be distinguished, in which the temperature will be: in zone I of 16 ° C and below, in zone II from 18 to 20 ° C and in zone III from 20 do 22°C.

Principle 2
Situation of adjacent rooms with the same temperature level next to each other or on top of each other, when it does not interfere with the functional system.

Principle 3
Organizing rooms relative to the sides of the world.
Bearing in mind both the desired lighting, as well as the time of stay in a given room, as well as assistance in maintaining proper thermal comfort by direct solar radiation, it is proposed to group the premises, as shown in the diagram.

Principle 4
Creation of a buffer zone on the north and windward side.
On the north and windward side, a buffer zone should be created from rooms that do not require heating, like garage, cell, clipboard, fuel room, workshop, pantry, etc.. From this side, rooms belonging to the first zone are also designed, like vestibule, Corridors, staircases and other auxiliary rooms. Due to the production of a large amount of operating heat, kitchen and laundry room can also be located in the buffer zone.

Principle 5
Enabling the reduction of usable area with high thermal comfort in winter, and increasing it in the summer.
It is necessary to design the function of a single-family house in such a way as to limit the number of rooms with a temperature of + 20 ° and above during frosty days.. A buffer zone should also be created on the south side, the role of which is most often played by a greenhouse (green house), surrounding rooms remaining in the center of the building.
Divided into zones in terms of temperature differences, the zones of natural lighting of the rooms coincide. On the south side, there are bright rooms belonging to zone III, then rooms with smaller window openings in zone II and in zone I rooms with minimal openings. The solution of the entrance part and the main communication axis of the house is most often located on an axis perpendicular to the temperature and light zoning line, although there are more difficult solutions, consisting in placing this axis on a line parallel to these zones.

Location of the main communication axis of the building in relation to light and temperature zones

Successful projects of energy-efficient houses more or less meet each of these principles. They are readable in the functionality solutions of the overwhelming majority of energy-efficient houses designed in the temperate and cool zone.

Layout of rooms in houses using passive systems: a) terraced house in Thuro (Denmark), Arch. B. Lundgaard, G. Rotne and others — 1980 r., b) detached house in Bad Vilbel (FRG) —1984, c) detached house in Wormington USA), Arch. D. Wright—1978, d) house in Vantga (Finland), Arch. H. Helpinen —1979.

None of them excludes the correctness of fulfilling the functional relationships between individual rooms of the house, and thus its functional solution.