Bioclimatic Architecture

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Bioclimatic Architecture:

A Sustainable Design Approach in attempt to Connect with

Nature while Maintaining Building Comfort based on Local

Climate in Sekeping Serendah

NAME: Joanne Bernice Chua Yunn Tze

STUDENT ID: 0315905

LECTURER: Mr. Koh Jing Hao

SUBMISSION DATE: 9 June 2015

Bioclimatic Architecture: A Sustainable Design Approach in attempt to Connect with

Nature while Maintaining Building Comfort based on Local Climate in Sekeping

Serendah

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1

Bioclimatic Architecture: A Sustainable Design

Approach in attempt to Connect with Nature while

Maintaining Building Comfort base on Local Climate in

Sekeping Serendah.

Table of Contents Page

Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture ....................................................................................... 4

2.1 Principles of Bioclimatic Design........................................................................ 4

2.2 Demand for Bioclimatic Design ........................................................................ 5

3.0 Building Comfort .................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Types of Comfort ............................................................................................. 6

4.0 Local Climate Design Consideration .................................................................... 8

5.0 Bioclimatic Design Features Adopted in Sekeping Serendah and its Relation to

Building Comfort ........................................................................................................ 9

6.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 17

7.0 References ........................................................................................................ 18



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Abstract

This research paper will investigate on Bioclimatic Architecture, a sustainable

design approach that attempts to connect with nature while also maintaining building

comfort based on the local climate in Sekeping Serendah. Through literature review, it

was found that this architecture seeks perfect cohesion between design and natural

elements, which then leads to the optimization of environmental resources, thus

reducing energy consumption. With bioclimatic design as the prime passive design

feature of Sekeping Serendah, the understanding of the shed designs at the retreat

were being observed and the capability for the designs to achieve building comfort

without relying on mechanical equipment were discovered. The passive strategies

included suitable material selection, space layout and orientation, openness, passive

ventilation, natural daylighting, shading, vegetation so on and so forth. Further research

and analysis were conducted to determine how each strategy functions in response to

the types of building comfort which includes thermal(heat), hygienic (air quality), visual

(light), auditory (noise), and olfactory (smell). It has come to a conclusion that Sekeping

Serendah being built around nature was able to fulfil building comfort through the basic

principles of bioclimatic architecture.



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1.0 Introduction

Sekeping Serendah is a private eco-themed retreat located in the forests of

Serendah near Rawang, Selangor, roughly an hour drive up north of Kuala Lumpur.

The retreat consists of 10 uniquely designed sheds, though each of them adopts a self-

effacing design, in which they respect and complement the environment without

contrasting it as the design attempts to treat gently on the land. With a ‘non-building’

concept in mind, the sheds hovers over the forest floor with their designs as open and

transparent as possible; being kept minimal, free from lavishness and providing only

fundamental shelters as its inhabitants experience nature entirely as they commute

with the land.

Nature has proven to be a significant part of context in architecture as we

acknowledge that man needs a balanced relationship with it instead of total separation.

Since Sekeping Serendah was modelled with the above philosophy, the sheds were

harmoniously designed with its natural surroundings though without neglecting human

comfort and practiced bioclimatic design as the prime passive design feature. This

paper will investigate on the effectiveness of bioclimatic design adapted in Sekeping

Serendah in maintaining building comfort as it connects with nature based on the local

climate by responding to the following research questions:

Question 1: What is bioclimatic architecture and what are its principles?

Question 2: Is bioclimatic architecture sustainable in the long run? If yes, why is it not

well known?

Question 3: How is the local climate in Malaysia and what effect does it have to

architectural design?

Question 4: How do we define building comfort? Why is it important to maintain it?

Question 5: What are the bioclimatic design features adapted and how do they aid in

achieving building comfort in Sekeping Serendah?



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2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture

According to Oxford Dictionary, bioclimatic relates to the interconnection

between climate and the activities of living organisms, while architecture is the art or

practice of designing and constructing buildings. By merging them to form bioclimatic

architecture, it articulates the idea of building design that takes account of its climate

and environmental state to aid in attaining favourable thermal and visual comfort of

users as it establishes bonds with nature. Architecturally saying, bioclimatic is a

division whereby it dominates the standards of ecology and sustainability. It involves

design which fosters the environment and natural resources, generating buildings that

resolve energy requirements without inducing environmental wreckage.

2.1 Principles of Bioclimatic Design

The key elements of bioclimatic design are passive systems, which run without

being over dependant on mechanical equipment or subsidiary power supply,

dealing exclusively with design and local resources that attains energy efficiency,

and creating an optimum indoor microclimate altogether. In Malaysia, bioclimatic

design is sectioned into three categories; passive solar heat protection, passive

cooling techniques and natural daylighting system.

1. Passive Solar Heat Protection (Minimal heat gain)

This system is achieved by using the appropriate location and orientation of the

building which in return would protect it from overheating by the sun. Being

fashioned more towards shading, its design will be based on the direction of

sun path as well as the presence of surrounding trees or landscaping features,

at the same time focuses on treating the exposed façade by using materials

that absorb significant amount of incident solar heat and radiation.

2. Passive Cooling Technique (Maximum heat loss)

As heat protection does not necessarily guarantee zero heat gain, a

subordinate system is adopted which operates by dissipating heat accumulated

in the building by natural means. Passive cooling incorporates various

techniques such as natural ventilation, night flush cooling, direct and indirect

radiative cooling, evaporative cooling as well as earth coupling. For natural



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ventilation to operate effectively, appropriate placement of openings is to be

done based on the direction of wind.

3. Natural Daylighting System

Daylighting system functions by placing openings or windows and reflective

surfaces at suitable locations of the building based on the sun path which, in

Malaysia it is often encouraged to be at the north and south facing facades.

This provides sufficient diffused natural light and ensures effective internal

lighting during the day while avoiding the problem of glare. This system

maximizes visual comfort and allows reduced energy consumption as less

artificial lighting is used.

2.2 Demand for Bioclimatic Design

Bioclimatic designed buildings are identified to be eco-friendly and cost saving

as they do not require installation and use of overpriced mechanical systems due

to them being self-sustaining. This in fact reduces significantly on the

environmental impacts as less harmful refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbon

(CFC) and greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere. Despite of

its numerous advantages, bioclimatic design is not prominent to modern users and

contemporary architecture. Today, habitation means more than the demand for a

living in a sheltered place. It represents more of a status symbol that should be

adapting to the standards of modern living, taking into account of convenience,

leisure and usually neglecting basic functionalities and is not concerned of saving

the environment. Hence, energy saving and optimizing the use of natural

resources may not fit into these standards. With this ideology set within our minds,

turning on air-conditioning system in an occupied space the whole day may seem

mandatory to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Consequently, energy supply companies refuse to innovate and are

disinterested in new technologies for renewable energy. For example, air-

conditioning manufacturers are not immersed in alternate systems which would

make their technology less valuable; natural ventilation does not make money.

They would instead sell and charge consumers for energy to calculate their cost

recovery. Alternatively, architects and builders generally do not want to go through

the trouble of introducing something new to the consumer. By lacking on relevant

information on the matter, the consumer cannot demand for alternative products

that would actually improve the microclimate of the building without damaging the



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environment effectively by maximizing natural resources and without

overspending on their cost of living. (BioclimaticX, 2009)

3.0 Building Comfort

Building comfort associates with many aspects as it is about the physical

environment in its totality. It invokes architectural built form that engages users through

all of their senses and acknowledges the harmonization between them. Buildings that

take comfort into account yields design which foresees and satisfies user needs before

they themselves realized they needed it. However, it is not about increasing building

cost without any actual value, but rather boosts design leverage points by observing on

the users’ lifestyle behaviour, shaping elements of design that complements each other

based on user needs and composing living spaces that are healthy and pleasurable at

the same time to pull off stronger and greater sensory design values for the users.

(Lehman, 2011)

3.1 Types of comfort

Building comfort relating to humans can be sectioned into five categories, which

includes thermal comfort, hygienic comfort, visual comfort, auditory comfort and

olfactory comfort. (Boduch and Fincher, n.d.)

1. Thermal Comfort

The most significant element to the experience of comfort in a space is

temperature. Human beings are susceptible to slight temperature variance as

our bodies operate within an internal temperature range much narrower than

external temperature. Due to metabolism our body generates heat which must

be released into the surrounding air, therefore if the external temperature is too

high, the process may be difficult and troublesome and we may feel warm or

overheated. Vice versa, if the external temperature is too low, our body’s heat

loss is more active, thus we may feel ill-fittingly cold. In relation to this, relative

humidity plays a large role together with temperature. Extreme levels of

humidity may work against the evaporative cooling effects of sweating, leaving

the body prone to discomfort and overheating. If humidity level is too high, the

saturated moisture may be unable to evaporate from the skin, contrarily if

humidity level is too low, therefore our skin feels more dry than usual.

Furthermore, air movement also plays a part in thermal comfort. As the body



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undergo evaporative cooling from sweating, incoming flow of fresh, low-

humidity air is able to eliminate the moisture-filled air around the body, allowing

the continuation sweat evaporation. Thus when evaluating thermal comfort in a

space, it is important to examine the room temperature, heat dissipation,

humidity and air movement within the room.

2. Hygienic Comfort

Hygienic comfort correlates to the issue of indoor air quality and is usually

measured under the circumstances of having a sense of comfort from the air

with no ill-effects to user health. Air quality is affected by gases that include

carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOC), radon, contaminants

such as mold and bacteria and other common pollutants that may cause

unfavourable health effects. Sick Building Syndrome is usually the term given

for condition that occurs when users spend excessive time in a building that is

loaded with contaminants. In order to avoid this, countermeasures and

treatment to poor air quality such as source control through proper material

selection and appropriate sealing of openings, air filtration and ample ventilation

to reduce contaminants are to be practiced.

3. Visual Comfort

Generally, natural lighting is presumed to be an advantage for health and well-

being of users; the effects can be sensed almost immediately or may be in the

long run, maximising proper daylighting is therefore an important consideration.

Visual comfort associates with daylighting that is sufficient to see properly

without too much glare or excessive contrast. Light levels are adjusted

depending on the intensity of visual task at hand. For example, if the spaces are

offices which require doing drawing or fine work, it needs strong optical aid and

a brighter light is mainly required. Inversely, if the space is of receiving proper

rest and of little detailed work such as bedrooms, a dimmer light is desired. This

is due to the fact that darkness is also a relevant factor of visual comfort, as too

much direct sun would cause discomfort and ill-fitted conditions. As our body

requires a balance of light and darkness for the well-being of both physically

and mentally, is it important to strategize and understand proper design that

brings in good natural light without too much glare.

4. Auditory Comfort



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Human hearing is measured through the frequency and magnitude of sound,

whereby sounds that are too loud and with higher frequency are usually termed

as noise or disturbance that users respond with annoyance. In this case,

acoustic insulation is important to maintain auditory comfort. The aspects to

note for sustaining good acoustic performance in a building is about getting

proper building envelope through the right choice of materials and quality

finishes, and using appropriate methods to isolate spaces from noise sources.

5. Olfactory Comfort

Olfactory comfort links to the human perception of smell and it can be either

odour or irritants that enter the nasal cavity. Generally, humans can adapt to

odours relatively fast, but for irritants it may get worse or uncomfortable prior to

longer exposure, moreover if the levels of the irritants are not as noticeable as

odours. Certain smells such as those caused by smoke and harmful substances

released from materials within the space should be reduced or removed as they

may promote headaches, trigger migraines and may be dangerous to users

with asthma and respiratory problems. In order to do so, ways of eliminating

irritants at source or substituting them with products that gives out less or non-

toxic and improving ventilation should be done to retain comfort in the space.

4.0 Local Climate Design Consideration

As the scope of this paper will be primarily focused on Sekeping Serendah,

which is located within Selangor, Malaysia, it is important to understand its geography

and nature of the environment. Located near the equator, Malaysia’s climate is defined

as equatorial or tropical, having hot and humid throughout the year, with its

temperature ranging from 23 to 32°C and has a humidity level between 70 and 90%.

Malaysia also deals with two monsoon winds seasons; the Southwest Monsoon (May

till September) and the Northeast Monsoon (November-March). When designing

buildings for Malaysian climate, it is necessary to remain the indoor temperature at a

range 23 to 26°C and to keep humidity level at 55-70% to ensure users remain

thermally comfortable as based on the Malaysian Standard (MS 1525). The methods to

achieve these are by reducing heat gain and maximizing heat loss, at the same time

optimize the use of natural ventilation to reduce excess moisture present within the

space.



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5.0 Bioclimatic Design Features Adopted in Sekeping Serendah

and its Relation to Building Comfort

1. Shading / Skylight

In Sekeping Serendah retreat, the idea of integrating both corrugated zinc and

corrugated polycarbonate plastic as roofing to shelter sheds from the heated sun

was used. At the same time, it acts as skylights to maximize natural daylighting as

it is very much translucent. While the zinc roof shelters certain areas of the sheds

such as the bedroom, these ‘skylights’ were placed thoughtfully, which are in areas

whereby most light is needed such as the kitchen, living area and foyer.

Furthermore, the surrounding vegetation were incorporated within the space as

shades that would to diffuse light coming in through the “skylights”, In return, it

gives a balance of light and darkness present in the shed without having too much

glare and therefore enhances users’ visual comfort.

Figure 01 Use of corrugated zinc and polycarbonated plastic as roofing with

integrated vegetation at warehouse shed

(Source: Pua Kee Hui, 2015)



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Large overhangs were also used as passive heat protection, decreasing direct

solar radiation onto the glass façade to maintain thermal comfort, and are orientated

based on the direction of sun path. As mentioned before, direct sunlight may cause

unwanted glaring, therefore the application of other shading devices such as louvers,

wooden planks and surrounding vegetation were used which allows diffused sunlight to

enter the space without glare and for visual comfort.

Figure 02 Diffused natural light from ‘skylight’ at warehouse 1 bedroom area

(Source: Joanne Chua, 2015)

Figure 03 Natural daylighting at warehouse 1 living area




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2. Material Selection

A fusion of an organic palette of local materials consisting of reclaimed timber

and mortar bricks together with industrial materials such as concrete, glass and a

balanced amount of various types of metals (iron, copper, steel) were carefully

picked and used in designing the sheds’ envelope. Since most of the materials

were kept raw, the spaces were able to emit a sense of serenity.

Figure 04 Large overhang found in glass shed 1


Figure 05, 06 Wooden plank roof at warehoused 1, timber louvers in timber shed 1




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Lightweight timber is used due to its ability to store carbon and is non-toxic therefore

does not release chemical vapour into building. Bricks on the other hand are widely use

as they can absorb and release moisture due to their porosity, thus regulating the

temperature and humidity in the sheds. Both materials aid in the thermal and hygienic

comfort of the space, and with their natural textures, they depict a rustic and antique

appearance to the space, giving a sense of blending in with nature.

Of the 10 sheds found in the retreat, 4 of them used steel and glass as their main

materials for the façade, maximizing natural lighting and visual comfort in the space.

Concrete is widely used in all of the sheds, mainly due to its durability and high thermal

mass that allows it to store heat from the sun, which in return reduces the heat gain

passively and allows proper thermal comfort.

Figure 07, 08 Timber flooring and mortar brick wall found in timber shed 1


Figure 09, 10 Steel and glass facade and concrete slab found in glass box 1




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3. Open / Double Volume Space with Openings

As Sekeping Serendah is located far from the city and at a more isolated area, the

natural breeze and wind passing through the retreat faces less obstruction. Therefore,

natural ventilation can be integrated as a method for passive cooling. The sheds were

designed with large, open double volume spaces and with openings such as louvers,

casement windows and horizontal sliders that permits the prevailing wind to pass

through. By doing so, the warm heated air inside the shed may be replaced with fresh

cool air from the outside, and moisture that retains within the spaces can also be

reduced, preventing stagnant odours and mold or bacteria from forming. Thus, not only

is thermal comfort maintained, hygienic and olfactory comfort was also achieved.

Figure 11, 12 Casement windows and louvers in glass shed 1

(Source: Sekeping.com, n.d.)

Figure 13 Open double volume space in warehouse 1




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4. Building Placement and Form

Figure 14, 15 Open shower and washroom in timber shed 2


Figure 16 Placement of sheds in Sekeping Serendah




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As referred from above, the sheds in Sekeping Serendah are strategically and

individually placed so that each shed are blended in their own natural surroundings. In

doing so, each shed are isolated from each other and away from human circulation,

reducing the exposure to noise sources, thus improving auditory comfort. By having a

boxy and rectangular layout, the spaces are able to experienced maximum cross

ventilation.

Figure 17 Timber shed 1 wrapped in nature


Figure 18 Warehouse 1 surrounded by vegetation




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All of the sheds were placed on stilts to minimize impact on the land itself, at the same

time allows wind to sweep across the floor underneath, cooling the temperature indoors,

sustaining thermal comfort.

Figure 18, 19 Glass box 1 and 2 almost hidden from view


Figure 20 Use of stilts on concrete footing in timber shed 2




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5.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, Sekeping Serendah retreat has indeed took bioclimatic design

into account as their sustainable passive design approach. By optimizing the use of

bioclimatic design, not only it was able to establish a connection with nature, yet it was

able to fulfil the criteria of building comfort within the spaces in the sheds. Besides that,

it has become an exemplar for the modern era whereby the retreat showcases and

exposes consumers on the idea of bioclimatic architecture, whereby not only is it

important to harness and appreciate nature by treading gently on the land, but also

there are alternate passive ways that would improve comfort within a building without

spending too much on mechanical costs.



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6.0 References

Wikipedia.org (n.d.). Geography of Malaysia. Retrieved April 27, 2015, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Malaysia

Stein, B., & Reynolds, J. (1992). Mechanical and electrical equipment for buildings (8th

ed.). New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

Bioclimaticx.com (2009, October 10). What is Bioclimatic Architecture? Retrieved June

5, 2015, from http://bioclimaticx.com/bioclimatic-architecture1/

Boduch, M., & Fincher, W. (n.d.). Standards of Human Comfort: Relative and Absolute.

Retrieved June 5, 2015, from

https://soa.utexas.edu/sites/default/disk/preliminary/preliminary/1-Boduch_Fincher-

Standards_of_Human_Comfort.pdf

Lehman, M. (2011, August 9). Building Comfort in Architecture Isn't Just About

Temperature Control. Retrieved June 6, 2015, from

http://sensingarchitecture.com/7628/building-comfort-in-architecture-isnt-just-about-

temperature-control/

John, J. (2012, May 7). Comfort in Buildings. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from

http://www.slideshare.net/JasmineJohn/comfort-in-buildings

Utm.my (n.d.). Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy

for Non-Residential Buildings (First Revision). Retrieved June 5, 2015, from

http://www.utm.my/energymanagement/files/2014/07/MS-1525-2007.pdf



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