04/11/26

Windows and the Sun: Choosing the Right Shape and Size for Your Home

In Egypt, a window is less a source of light and more a gateway for heat. With the sun beating down at full intensity for most of the year, any poorly planned window effectively becomes a radiator—one you end up paying for through your air conditioning bill.

Orientation is everything. While south-facing windows are a blessing in colder climates, in Egypt, they are a major liability. East- and west-facing windows catch the low-hanging sun, which even awnings often fail to block. The north side is the best choice: it receives soft, diffused light without direct sun, making it the ideal location for large openings. South and west-facing facades, by contrast, should have minimal glazing.

Focus on height, but be strategic with width. A tall window captures light from the sky and draws it deep into a room—but remember, light also brings heat. For a hot climate, the best approach is a tall, relatively narrow window paired with a deep window reveal or an awning. Traditional Arab architecture has perfected this over centuries: vertical openings fitted with *mashrabiya* (lattice screens) allow air and reflected light to enter while blocking out the scorching sun.

Shape and scale. In Cairo, floor-to-ceiling panoramic glazing is a sure-fire way to double your electricity bill. More practical solutions include moderately sized openings, ribbon windows shaded by overhangs, or windows that look out onto an internal courtyard. If you are set on a panoramic view, opt for insulated glass units with a low solar heat gain coefficient and a tinted finish.

Don’t forget ventilation. Windows should be designed to open in a way that allows the night breeze to flush out the day’s accumulated heat; cross-ventilation—using openings on opposite sides of the building—is far more effective than any mechanical exhaust system. The golden rule remains the same: a window is an integral part of a house’s overall composition. In Egypt, however, that composition is primarily a battle against the sun—and in this contest, the winner is the one who carefully planned the openings before the foundation was even poured.