For Architects

Sun analysis for better buildings

Evaluate daylighting, shadows, and solar exposure at any site. Generate site analysis reports that strengthen feasibility studies and client presentations.

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Capabilities

Built for architectural workflows

From schematic design to client presentations, PropertyVibe gives you the solar data you need.

Sun path visualization

See the full solar arc for any date at any location. Understand exactly where the sun rises, peaks, and sets relative to your site.

Shadow analysis

Evaluate shadow patterns throughout the day and across seasons. Identify shading from neighboring structures and topography.

Seasonal comparison

Compare sun positions at summer and winter solstice, equinox, or any custom date. Understand year-round solar behavior.

Any location worldwide

Search by address or drop a pin anywhere on the map. Works for any latitude and longitude with accurate local time.

Golden hour tracking

Know exactly when golden hour, blue hour, sunrise, and sunset occur. Perfect for understanding natural light quality.

Site analysis reports

Export comprehensive sun data as a report you can include in feasibility studies, design packages, and client proposals.

Case Studies

How architects use PropertyVibe

Real scenarios where sun analysis informed better design decisions.

Residential

Multi-family housing orientation study

A Chicago-based firm used PropertyVibe to evaluate building orientation for a 24-unit residential project. By analyzing sun paths across all four seasons, they rotated the building footprint 15 degrees to maximize winter solar gain in south-facing units while reducing summer overheating.

The team generated site analysis reports for the client showing sun exposure at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM on the winter solstice, demonstrating that every unit would receive at least 2 hours of direct sunlight during the shortest day of the year.

15%
Heating cost reduction
100%
Units with winter sun
2 hrs
Saved per site visit
Commercial

Office daylighting feasibility

An architecture team in Portland assessed daylighting potential for a 5-story office conversion. Using PropertyVibe's seasonal comparison, they mapped sun angles to determine which floors needed supplemental lighting and where to place light shelves.

The analysis showed the north facade received only 45 minutes of direct sun in winter, leading them to specify larger windows with high visible transmittance glazing on that elevation. The resulting design achieved LEED daylighting credits without costly light studies.

3
LEED credits earned
$8K
Saved on light studies
40%
Less artificial light
Landscape

Courtyard shade garden design

A landscape architect in Austin used PropertyVibe to map shadow patterns in an urban courtyard surrounded by 4-story buildings. By analyzing shadows at hourly intervals across the growing season, they identified which zones received full sun, partial shade, and full shade.

This data drove plant selection and hardscape placement. The courtyard design won a regional ASLA award for its thoughtful integration of sun and shade analysis into the design process.

12 hrs
Of shadow mapping
3
Distinct sun zones
1
ASLA award
Workflow

Site analysis in 4 steps

From site selection to client presentation in minutes, not hours.

1

Search your site

Enter an address or navigate the map to your project location. PropertyVibe calculates the precise latitude, longitude, and timezone.

2

Analyze sun paths

View the sun trajectory for any date. Compare solstices and equinoxes. Check sun angles at specific times that matter for your design.

3

Evaluate shadows

Use the timeline to scrub through the day and watch shadow patterns move. Identify critical shading from adjacent structures or terrain.

4

Export your report

Generate a Site Analysis Report with sun data, key times, and seasonal comparisons. Include it in your feasibility study or client package.

Report Template

Site Analysis Report

Every PropertyVibe export includes the data architects need for feasibility studies. Here's what's included:

Site Analysis Report Contents

Site coordinates & address
Latitude, longitude, elevation, timezone
Included
Sunrise & sunset times
For selected date(s) with civil/nautical twilight
Included
Solar noon & peak altitude
Maximum sun height above horizon
Included
Golden hour windows
Morning and evening golden hour times
Included
Seasonal sun positions
Summer solstice, winter solstice, equinoxes
Included
Sun exposure score
0-100 rating based on daylight hours and intensity
Included
Day length & daylight hours
Total sun hours for the selected date
Included
Sun azimuth at key times
Direction of sun at 9 AM, noon, 3 PM
Included
From Architects

What architects are saying

"PropertyVibe replaced our manual sun studies. I can evaluate a new site in 10 minutes instead of spending half a day with compass readings and sun charts."
James R.
Principal, AIA, Chicago
"The seasonal comparison feature is exactly what we needed. Clients instantly understand why we recommend certain building orientations when they see the solstice overlays."
Maria S.
Senior Architect, Portland
"We include PropertyVibe reports in every site feasibility study now. It adds credibility to our recommendations and clients appreciate the visual data."
David K.
Architect, LEED AP, Austin

Start your site analysis

Free to use. No account required. Get sun data for any location in seconds.

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