The exposure of an apartment: a determining factor for your comfort in Morocco

Aug 12, 2024

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When choosing an apartment, whether for purchase or rent, several criteria influence our decision, including the exposure of the residence. This often overlooked factor is essential for thermal comfort, energy performance, and the value of your property. In a country like Morocco, where the climate varies greatly from one region to another, understanding the impact of exposure is crucial for making an informed choice.

Why is the exposure of your apartment crucial?

The exposure of an apartment refers to its orientation relative to the cardinal points: north, south, east, west. It directly influences natural light, heat, ventilation, and consequently, energy costs.

In a country with diverse climates like Morocco, this orientation plays a key role in managing indoor comfort.

Impact on natural light and thermal comfort

Good exposure maximizes natural light while avoiding excessive heat in summer or cold in winter. For example, a south-facing orientation ensures generous sunlight throughout the day, which is advantageous for warming rooms in winter. However, it can also cause overheating in summer, especially in cities like Marrakech, where summer temperatures can exceed 40°C. On the other hand, a north-facing orientation offers softer light and more stable indoor temperatures but can make the apartment dark and cold, especially in winter.

Reduction of energy costs and optimization of energy performance

Well-chosen exposure can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

By making the most of natural heat in winter or minimizing cooling needs in summer, you can lower your energy bills while increasing your home's energy efficiency.

For example, in Grand Atlas cities like Ifrane, where winters are harsh, a south-facing orientation is recommended to capture maximum solar heat and thus reduce heating consumption. Conversely, in hotter regions like the Marrakech plains, a north or east orientation may be preferable to maintain a comfortable temperature without over-relying on air conditioning.

Exposure and climate: how to choose according to the regions of Morocco?

Morocco is a country with multiple climates: Mediterranean along the northern and eastern coasts, desert in the southeast, mountainous in the Atlas regions, and oceanic on the Atlantic front. Each region presents specific climatic challenges that must be considered when choosing the exposure of your apartment.

From Casablanca to Kenitra: the temperate oceanic climate

Casablanca, Mohammedia, Temara, Rabat, and Kenitra are located along the Atlantic coast. These cities enjoy an oceanic climate with mild summers and moderate winters. An east-west orientation is often ideal. An east-facing exposure allows you to enjoy the morning sun, providing warmth and light without overheating the apartment. The west-facing orientation, on the other hand, captures the sun's rays in the late afternoon, which can be beneficial in winter to warm the rooms but requires caution in summer to avoid overheating.

Marrakesh and the plains: seeking coolness

Marrakesh, located in an arid-climate plain, experiences extremely hot summers and mild winters. In this region, a northern orientation is often preferable to avoid excessive heat. Apartments facing north stay cooler in summer, thus reducing the reliance on air conditioning. In winter, although the temperature generally remains mild, this orientation can still limit heating needs, offering an optimal energy balance.

Fez and Meknes: balancing heat and coolness

Fez and Meknes, located in the interior plains, experience hot summers and cold winters. Here, a south-west orientation is often recommended to capture the sun's heat in winter while benefiting from natural ventilation in summer. However, the summer heat can be intense, making it necessary to install sun protection to maintain indoor comfort.

Tangier and Tetouan: Mediterranean climate influenced by the winds

Tangier and Tetouan, in northern Morocco, are subject to a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. A south-east orientation is often ideal to capture the morning sun and benefit from natural light while avoiding excessive afternoon heat. Sea breezes play a crucial role in cooling homes, making apartments facing the sea particularly pleasant in summer.

Agadir and the southern coast: enjoying oceanic mildness

Agadir, located on the southern Atlantic coast, enjoys a mild and sunny climate all year round. A south-west orientation is ideal for enjoying the afternoon sun and warmth in winter, without fearing excessive overheating thanks to the ocean breezes that moderate the temperatures. In summer, the west orientation also allows for magnificent sunsets while maintaining optimal thermal comfort.

The High Atlas and mountain regions: an increased need for warmth

In the mountain regions of the High Atlas, such as Ifrane, where winters are long and cold, south exposure is essential. This orientation allows for capturing maximum solar heat, thus reducing heating needs, which can be significant in these regions. Moreover, a south-west orientation can offer soft and warm light in the late afternoon, ideal for countering the cold winter temperatures.

Risks and advantages related to exposure in different regions

The exposure of an apartment is not limited to simple cardinal points. The environment, such as the proximity of a beach, a mountain, or a desert, can also influence the choice of exposure.

Proximity to the sea:

In coastal cities like Tangier, Essaouira, or Agadir, a west exposure allows enjoying the cooling sea breezes in summer. However, it can also expose the apartment to higher humidity, especially in winter. It is therefore essential to choose an orientation that maximizes natural light while minimizing humidity.

Proximity to the desert:

In cities like Ouarzazate, located near the desert, exposure is particularly important to avoid extreme temperatures. A northern orientation is often preferable to stay sheltered from excessive heat in summer, while a southern orientation can be useful in winter to capture solar heat.

Proximity to the mountains:

In the regions of the High Atlas, a southern orientation is crucial to benefit from maximum heat and light in winter. However, in summer, an east or northeast orientation can offer better thermal comfort, especially in areas where nights can remain cool even in the middle of summer.

Exposure and energy performance: a lever to reduce costs

The energy performance of an apartment is directly linked to its exposure. A good orientation not only improves thermal comfort but also reduces energy costs by limiting the use of heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

Improving energy performance:

In cities where temperatures can be extreme, like Marrakech or Fez, a well-thought-out exposure can significantly reduce energy needs. For example, a northern exposure in these regions keeps you cool in summer, while a southern exposure in cities like Ifrane or Fez in winter can help reduce heating costs.

Enhancing property value:

A well-exposed apartment is generally more attractive on the real estate market. Buyers and tenants are looking for homes that offer natural thermal comfort, which can translate into a premium when reselling or a high rental demand. In dynamic cities like Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech, where the real estate market is booming, good exposure can be a strong argument to enhance your property's value.

Conclusion: Making the right choice for optimal comfort in Morocco

Choosing the exposure of your apartment is a crucial decision that directly impacts your comfort, energy costs, and the future value of your property. Whether you’re sensitive to cold, wanting to minimize your energy consumption, or simply wishing to live in a bright interior, exposure is a factor not to be underestimated.

By taking into account the climatic specifics of your region, whether on the Mediterranean coast, in the interior plains, or the High Atlas mountains, you can optimize your choice to benefit from optimal comfort all year round. Remember that every detail counts in the search for your future home.

Need personalized support to choose your future apartment?

At Housing Place, we put our expertise at your service to help you find the perfect apartment, suited to your needs and with the ideal exposure. Explore our offers now and take the first step towards optimal living comfort.