Sheltered house with pond in cold climate

At some point, Geoff drew an example of a possible setup for a house in a cold climate. It had an enormous sunscoop-type earthbank with a house in it, and a pond between the house and the sun, the idea being that the sun will not only hit the house and warm it, but bounce off the pond, doubly heating the house. It looked something like the first picture.

However, I think there is an issue with this setup. I've spent a lot of time on the water staring towards the sun, and I have the UV damage in my left eye to prove it. The sun shining off water is blinding. As soon as the sunlight starts bouncing off the water into the house, the inhabitants will close every curtain on the south side, not allowing any sunlight in. The outside of the south wall would be warm, but the living space would not be benefiting from even the direct sunlight.

I think a better option might be to put the pond behind/to the sides of house. You would get less light hitting the house, but it would warm the area in the suntrap.

Actually, I think that forgoing the pond altogether would still be better than putting it between the house and the sun.

The house was earth bermed, so the earthbank was actually the walls of the house.

I agree to a point with the glare, but there are things such as trombe walls that can be used.