A south west facing house is a home where the main entrance is located in the south-western direction of the plot. When you stand at the entrance and face outward, if you’re facing the southwest, the house is categorized as a south west facing house. This orientation holds a unique place in architectural planning, especially in Vastu Shastra.
While often misunderstood or even considered inauspicious, a south west facing house can offer powerful benefits when designed correctly. From strong energy control to long-term stability, it’s a viable option for many homeowners who understand how to use this orientation to their advantage.
This article explains everything you need to know about south west facing houses—including their types, Vastu guidelines, practical uses, key benefits, and frequently asked questions.
Understanding South West Facing House According to Vastu
In Vastu Shastra, each direction is ruled by a specific element and energy. The southwest direction, known as Nairutya, is governed by the Earth element. It is associated with stability, strength, and control. A south west facing house, if designed following Vastu principles, can bring power and authority to its residents.
Important Vastu observations about southwest facing homes include:
- The southwest direction is highly energy-intensive
- The main entrance in this direction requires careful positioning
- Ideal for people in leadership roles or senior family members
Although not always considered ideal, the truth is that with the right planning, a south west facing house can become a stable and prosperous home.
Types of South West Facing Houses
Depending on the size of the plot, budget, and personal lifestyle, a south west facing house can take many forms. Here are the most common types:
Single-Story South West Facing Homes
These homes are popular in smaller plots and low-density areas. They offer easy customization while keeping the southwest entrance intact.
Duplex South West Facing Homes
These homes offer better vertical space utilization and are ideal for joint families. The entry remains on the southwest, but the layout can include bedrooms in other Vastu-compliant directions.
South West Facing Villas
Luxurious villas on large plots often use the southwest facing orientation for strong boundary walls, closed layouts, and high privacy—all of which align with the energy of this direction.
Apartments with South West Entry
In multi-story buildings, individual flats may have the main door in the southwest. Though not ideal for everyone, proper internal arrangements can balance the energy.
South West Facing Corner Houses
Corner plots offer design flexibility, including more access points. If the southwest entrance is placed wisely, these homes can enjoy better airflow and aesthetics.
Benefits of a South West Facing House
Although often viewed with caution, a south west facing house has multiple benefits, especially when Vastu and design are properly applied.
Stability and Security
The southwest direction represents strength and grounding. Homes with this entrance can offer stability in family relationships, finances, and career.
Best for Senior Family Members
This orientation is suitable for elders, decision-makers, or those who manage the household. It reinforces authority and wisdom.
Control Over Internal Energy
A south west facing house allows better control over the home’s energy if constructed with a strong foundation, elevated plinth, and well-placed main door.
Favorable for Business Owners
Individuals involved in real estate, construction, or leadership roles may thrive in a south west facing house due to the direction’s association with stability and command.
Good Air Flow and Lighting
If designed with openings on the northeast and northwest, these homes can still enjoy good ventilation and natural light while maintaining structural strength.
Practical Uses of South West Facing Houses
The functionality of a south west facing house depends on its design and interior planning. It can serve several practical purposes, such as:
Residential Family Homes
A properly planned house can serve as a peaceful and secure living space for families. Bedrooms and puja rooms placed away from the southwest entrance can balance the energy.
Home Offices or Studios
Business owners or senior professionals working from home may benefit from the direction’s energy, especially if their office room is placed in the southwest corner.
Investment Property
South west facing plots, when constructed according to Vastu and marketed well, can have good resale value and rental potential.
Guest Houses
If the homeowner doesn’t want to live there, these homes can serve well as guest accommodations due to their robust energy patterns and privacy.
Commercial Use
For clinics, consultancies, or personal coaching centers, a southwest-facing entrance with modified interiors can work efficiently.
Vastu Guidelines for South West Facing Homes
Designing a south west facing house with Vastu principles ensures harmony, stability, and safety. The placement of the entrance, rooms, and structural elements must be handled with precision.
Ideal Placement of Main Door
- Avoid placing the main door in the first or second pada (segment) of the southwest
- The best position is in the third or fourth pada from the south towards the west
- Ensure the door is smaller than any other openings in the northeast
Master Bedroom Location
- Should ideally be located in the southwest corner
- Enhances stability and dominance for the head of the family
Kitchen Placement
- Ideal location is southeast
- Alternate acceptable location is northwest
Pooja Room Location
- Best placed in the northeast corner of the house
Living Room Orientation
- Should be in the north or east section of the house
Staircase Position
- Should rise from east to west or north to south
- Ideal position is the southwest zone
Septic Tank and Toilets
- Avoid placing toilets in the southwest
- Best positions are northwest or southeast
Challenges of South West Facing Houses (And Solutions)
While they offer benefits, south west facing houses also pose some challenges if poorly designed.
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Negative energy through main door | Use Vastu pyramids or energy deflectors at the entrance |
| Heat accumulation in afternoon | Use reflective glass and thermal insulation |
| Poor light in some areas | Add skylights or artificial lighting intelligently |
| Difficulty in room placement | Consult a Vastu architect to optimize layout |
Who Should Consider a South West Facing House?
This type of house is not for everyone. It suits certain personalities and professions more than others:
- Senior family members or retired professionals
- Business owners or CEOs
- Real estate developers and consultants
- People who want a secure, private home with strong grounding energy
- Individuals who are not overly sensitive to energy shifts and want long-term settlement
Interior Tips for South West Facing Homes
Proper interiors can enhance the livability of a south west facing house:
- Use earthy colors like beige, brown, and mustard in the southwest area
- Keep heavier furniture and storage in the southwest zone
- Ensure maximum openness and light in the northeast corner
- Avoid placing mirrors or water features in the southwest direction
- Decorate the main door with nameplates and positive symbols
South West Facing House Myths vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| South west houses bring bad luck | Not true—proper Vastu design neutralizes any negative impact |
| These houses are always hot | Modern design techniques eliminate heat retention |
| They’re not good for families | In fact, they offer strong foundations for family life |
| Not suitable for pooja rooms | You can build a pooja room in the northeast, irrespective of house facing |
South West Facing House Plan Tips
When preparing the blueprint or choosing a ready-made plan for a south west facing house, keep these pointers in mind:
- Elevated southwest corner adds Vastu strength
- Build a boundary wall higher on the southwest side
- Lower the northeast corner for better energy flow
- Place the water tank in the northeast or north
- Ensure slope of the land goes from southwest to northeast
FAQs About South West Facing House
Is a south west facing house good or bad?
A south west facing house is not inherently bad. With proper Vastu design, it can bring stability, authority, and long-term gains.
Who should avoid living in a southwest-facing house?
Highly sensitive individuals, spiritual seekers, or those in unstable careers may not align well with the strong energy of this direction unless modifications are made.
Can I build a pooja room in a south west facing house?
Yes. The pooja room should be in the northeast corner inside the house, regardless of the main entrance direction.
What is the best Vastu remedy for south west entrance?
Use metal strips, Vastu pyramids, earth crystals, and heavy décor to ground the energy. Keeping the entrance well-lit and clean is also essential.
Is a southwest main door acceptable?
It is acceptable if placed in the correct pada and balanced with strong Vastu elements inside. Avoid southwest main doors in the first and second pada.
Conclusion
A south west facing house is often misunderstood in both Vastu and architectural circles. When approached with the right knowledge, it offers powerful benefits—especially in terms of personal authority, long-term stability, and security. It’s not about the direction alone, but how you design and live within that space.
If you are a person who values strength, privacy, and long-term vision, and you’re ready to follow proper Vastu principles, then a south west facing house could be a very rewarding investment.