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Transcript of Project 1 case study- NG WEI YING.pdf
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Passive Design Strategies Addressed to Local Climate to Reduce Heat Gain in the
Sheds of Sekeping Serendah Retreat.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1
PaPaPaPassivessivessivessive DesignDesignDesignDesign StrategiesStrategiesStrategiesStrategies AddressedAddressedAddressedAddressed totototo LocalLocalLocalLocal ClimateClimateClimateClimatetotototo ReduceReduceReduceReduce HeatHeatHeatHeat GainGainGainGain inininin thethethethe ShedsShedsShedsSheds ofofofof SekepingSekepingSekepingSekeping SerendahSerendahSerendahSerendahRetreat.Retreat.Retreat.Retreat.
TableTableTableTable ofofofof ContentsContentsContentsContents PagePagePagePage
1.01.01.01.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction.....................................................................................................3.....................................................................................................3.....................................................................................................3.....................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview of Sekeping Serendah Forest Retreat Sheds............................3
1.2 Research Questions..................................................................................5
2.02.02.02.0 HeatHeatHeatHeat GainGainGainGain andandandand ThermalThermalThermalThermal PerformancePerformancePerformancePerformance ofofofof Buildings......................................7Buildings......................................7Buildings......................................7Buildings......................................7
2.1 Thermal Comfort........................................................................................7
2.2 Heat Gain and Transfer............................................................................8
3.03.03.03.0 PassivePassivePassivePassive ArchitectureArchitectureArchitectureArchitecture DesignDesignDesignDesign.........................................................................9.........................................................................9.........................................................................9.........................................................................9
3.1 Three Tier Building Design Approach........................................................9
3.2 Principles and Significance of Passive Design Strategies ........................9
4.04.04.04.0 PassivePassivePassivePassive DesignDesignDesignDesign StrategiesStrategiesStrategiesStrategies adoptedadoptedadoptedadopted bybybyby SekepingSekepingSekepingSekeping SerendahSerendahSerendahSerendah ShedsShedsShedsSheds..........11..........11..........11..........11
4.1 Building Design and Envelope..................................................................11
4.1.1 Cross-ventilation.........................................................................11
4.1.2 Infusion of Malay Vernacular Architecture..................................14
4.1.3 Floating Roof Design..................................................................19
4.2 Building Orientation and Placement..........................................................21
4.3 Choice of Building Materials......................................................................24
5.05.05.05.0 Conclusion......................................................................................................28Conclusion......................................................................................................28Conclusion......................................................................................................28Conclusion......................................................................................................28
6.06.06.06.0 References......................................................................................................29References......................................................................................................29References......................................................................................................29References......................................................................................................29
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AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract
Sensitive architecture is a piece of architecture that is created to become part of
nature and part of social fabric of that area. Buildings that are integrated closely with
nature often depicts transparency and openness as part of the design methods to allow
users to fully experience the spirit of the site. However, the natural factor and issue that
comes with these design methods is the need to reduce the heat gain of buildings in
Malaysia's warm tropical climate. To address the issue of reducing heat gain, passive
design strategies are developed to overcome this issue. This case study paper is
carried out on Sekeping Serendah Forest Retreat to study how passive design
strategies are implemented to address to local climate by reducing heat gain in the
respective sheds. Sekeping Serendah's retreat sheds are pieces of architecture which
responded to the social fabric of the forest by creating retreat spaces for users to
experience the tropical forest surroundings. The 3 major passive design strategies
implemented to tackle heat gain issue include the building envelope and design,
building orientation and the choice of building materials. The designs of the various
retreat sheds emphasized on open plan design with maximum openings on all sides of
the building to facilitate cross-ventilation. The glass and timbers sheds are designed
with vernacular architecture attributes by raising the buildings up on stilts. The mud
sheds of the forest retreat feature floating roofs that are supported by steel columns
only. These unique floating roof is able to open up more openings on the mud sheds.
The sheds of Sekeping Serendah are strategically placed within the dense tropical
forest. The interesting choice of building materials contributed to the different theme and
mood of the sheds. The pairing of glass and steel, mud and glass, timber and steel on
each of the different theme of sheds are well-planned to ensure the paired material
balance out each other's short comings. Based on the study outcomes, the unique
blend of passive design strategies are addressed to the heat gain issue of the retreat
sheds while retaining the transparency and concept of "Oneness with Nature" in design.
Genius loci of the site is able to be experienced by the users, enriching the architectural
qualities of the sheds.
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1.01.01.01.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
1.11.11.11.1 OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview ofofofof SekepingSekepingSekepingSekeping SerendahSerendahSerendahSerendah ForestForestForestForest RetreatRetreatRetreatRetreat ShedsShedsShedsSheds
The purpose of Architecture is not to just create a building, but to create an
atmosphere that will enmesh itself within its context (Hammer, 2010). Architecture that
is created to become part of nature and part of social fabric within its context is known
as sensitive architecture, which responds to its site terrain, environment and local
climate. Sekeping Serendah is a forest retreat that addresses the concept of "Oneness
with Nature". Nestled deep within the the tropical forest of Rawang, Selangor, the forest
retreat strongly suggests its humble relationship with nature. The sheds in Sekeping
Serendah retreat features sheds of various types and themes. Namely, the mud shed,
the timber shed and the glass shed. The variances between these sheds could be seen
on the choice of building materials and design. These sheds are intentionally designed
to strip free of adornments and lavishness as the sheds are perceived as "glorified
tents" that provide sufficient basic shelter needs to the users. The design concept of the
sheds emphasized on "threading lightly on earth" that sympathize with the forest
surroundings. These sheds are integrated closely with nature that depicts transparency
and openness as part of the design methods to allow users to fully experience the spirit
of the site.
The natural factor and issue that come with these design methods is the need to
reduce heat gain of buildings in the warm tropical climate of Malaysia.
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Figure 1.1.1 Mud Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Mud Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
Figure 1.1.2 Timber Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Timber Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
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Figure 1.1.3 Glass Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Glass Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
1.21.21.21.2 ResearchResearchResearchResearch QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions
This paper will investigate on the passive design strategies addressed to local
climate to reduce heat gain in the sheds of Sekeping Serendah retreat by responding to
the following research questions:
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Question 1: What is the natural factor encountered by applying the concept of
"Oneness with Nature" to the sheds of Sekeping Serendah?
Question 2: What is Passive Architecture Design and the significance of adopting
such strategies on a building?
Question 3: What are the vital features and strategies adopted on the sheds in
Sekeping Serendah to overcome the natural factor listed?
Question 4: How does the building orientation and design contribute to thermal comfort
of the sheds in terms of user experience?
Question 5: How does the choice of local materials selected addressed to the
problem encountered?
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2.02.02.02.0 HeatHeatHeatHeat GainGainGainGain andandandand ThermalThermalThermalThermal PerformancePerformancePerformancePerformance ofofofof BuildingsBuildingsBuildingsBuildings
2.12.12.12.1 ThermalThermalThermalThermal ComfortComfortComfortComfort
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55 (2004) defines thermal comfort as "...a condition of
mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by
subjective evaluation." There are two factors affecting users' thermal comfort, namely
the Environmental factor and Physiological Factor. The thermal comfort level for each
individual varies as it is depended on the clothing level and metabolic rate of each
individual. The measurable environmental factor that affect thermal comfort level are air
temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and air movement.
The metabolic rate of an individual depends on the individual's characteristics
such as the body height, weight, age, health condition and gender. The metabolic rate
varies depending on the individual's daily activities as well. The more vigorous the
activity, the higher metabolic rate of an individual. For instance, in the state of reclining,
the metabolic rate is 0.8 Met whereas in the state of walking at the pace of 2km/h, the
metabolic rate is 1.9Met. Thus, more heat is generated by the body with higher
metabolic rate value. Moreover, the amount of clothing an individual puts on also affects
thermal comfort. The calculation of insulation in clothing is measured in CLO units. The
amount of clothing and thickness will affect the thermal comfort of an individual.
The environmental factors of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation
and air movement are dependent of one another. These factors may vary according to
local climatic conditions. For Malaysia's tropical climate, the relative humidity is
generally high despite the relatively hight air temperature. High air temperature and
relative humidity and solar radiation will contribute to thermal discomforts of users.
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2.22.22.22.2 HeatHeatHeatHeat GainGainGainGain andandandand TransferTransferTransferTransfer
Heat flows into or out of a building via Conduction, Convection and Radiation.
Heat is transfer from higher temperature body to lower temperature body until thermal
equilibrium is achieved. Heat conduction occurs as two direct body contacts occurred.
As for convection, heat is transferred by the bodily movement of gas and liquid and heat
radiation is heat energy transmitted from the sun through the space to the contact
without any medium.
For the case of Sekeping Serendah retreat sheds, the issue of additional heat
gain within building is addressed with passive design features to maximize heat loss.
Building envelope plays a vital role in regulating heat transfer. The thermal properties of
materials are taken into account as different materials have different heat transfer value.
The issue of solar radiation is also being addressed with sufficient shading of forest
trees on site.
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3.03.03.03.0 PassivePassivePassivePassive ArchitectureArchitectureArchitectureArchitecture DesignDesignDesignDesign
3.13.13.13.1 ThreeThreeThreeThree TierTierTierTier BuildingBuildingBuildingBuilding DesignDesignDesignDesign ApproachApproachApproachApproach
There are 3 basic tiers in building design approach . It is arranged in pyramidal
form with basic building design taking the lowest tier as it is the most fundamental
design approach. Basic building design focuses on designing a building form and
structure to reduce heat gains in building. Passive design systems take place on the
second tier of the pyramid. It is a set of design strategies honed to enhance the
building's thermal performance without consuming any energy. It allows cooling of
buildings to achieve thermal comfort at a minimal cost. The mechanical system takes
place on the top most tier of the pyramid. It is the last resort in compensating the
remaining issues on the building.
Figure 3.1.1 Three tier building design approach
Source: author.
3.23.23.23.2 PrinciplesPrinciplesPrinciplesPrinciples andandandand SignificanceSignificanceSignificanceSignificance ofofofof PassivePassivePassivePassive DesignDesignDesignDesign StrategiesStrategiesStrategiesStrategies
According to Boake (2011), Passive Design is a design method based upon
climate considerations and its purpose is to control thermal comfort of the building
without consuming fuels. The basic passive design strategies being developed for
tropical climate include the building orientation, design, sun shading devices and
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materials to control and regulate heat gain in building. Gut (1993) pointed out the fact
that "...solar radiation can contribute up to 97% of total heat gain in tropical
environments" Therefore, it is crucial to introduce passive design strategies within
Malaysia's tropical climate to achieve thermal comfort. Passive design strategies are
also directly linked to sustainability as most buildings with passive design requires
lesser overall energy consumption. Most of the passive design buildings require active
users to achieve its efficiency (Boake,2011) For instance, users will have to adjust the
no n-automated louvers or any sort of fenestration of the building depending on the
current climatic condition to allow the building to be well ventilated.
The passive design strategies used on the Sheds of Sekeping Serendah Retreat
include Building Design and Envelope, Building Placement and Orientation and the
Choice of Building Materials used. These strategies are used to tackle the heat gain
issue of the sheds as they are all nature driven design with minimal visual boundary of
inside and outside environment.
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4.04.04.04.0 PassivePassivePassivePassive DesignDesignDesignDesign StrategiesStrategiesStrategiesStrategies adoptedadoptedadoptedadopted bybybyby SekepingSekepingSekepingSekeping SerendahSerendahSerendahSerendah
ShedsShedsShedsSheds
4.14.14.14.1 BuildingBuildingBuildingBuilding DesignDesignDesignDesign andandandand EnvelopeEnvelopeEnvelopeEnvelope
4.1.14.1.14.1.14.1.1 Cross-ventilationCross-ventilationCross-ventilationCross-ventilation
The Glass, Mud and Timber Sheds of Sekeping Serendah retreat are nature
driven designs that revolve on openness and transparency as the design intention. The
feeling of loose boundary between the indoors and outdoors is to enable users to be
fully connected to the surrounding tropical rain forest. One of the most prominent
features of these sheds is the open plan design with openings and fenestrations on
almost all sides of the sheds. The open plan design enables users to fully circulate
around the sheds with minimal obstruction for the wind flow. A typical layout plan of the
sheds is observed as below with open plan design.
Figure 4.1.1 .1 Typical layout plan of the Timber Shed
Source: author.
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Santamouris and Wouters (2006) stated that cross-ventilation systems provide
ventilation to the floor of a building and depend upon building form and the environment.
Cross-ventilation system is facilitated via the used of open plan design with maximum
opening on all sides of the sheds. According to Santamouris and Waters (2006), two-
sided or cross-ventilation takes place when air enters the building on one side, sweeps
the indoor space and leaves the building on the other side. Thus, the prevailing wind is
able to enter from one side of the shed and passing through the internal spaces, then
exits from the openings on the opposite direction. The interior is cooled during this air
exchange and successfully reduce the heat gained during the day. Below briefly
illustrates the general idea of air exchange and cross-ventilation features in the typical
shed of Sekeping Serendah retreat.
Figure 4.1.1.2 Cross-ventilation in Glass Shed.
Source: author.
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Figure 4.1.1.3 Louvers and openings on all sides of the Timber Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Timber Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
Figure 4.1.1.4 Open air shower area of the Timber Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Timber Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
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Figure 4.1.1.5 Louvers and Fenestrations on all sides of the Glass Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Glass Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
4.1.24.1.24.1.24.1.2 InfusionInfusionInfusionInfusion ofofofof MalayMalayMalayMalay VernacularVernacularVernacularVernacular ArchitectureArchitectureArchitectureArchitecture
Vasani (2012) refers to vernacular architecture as a piece of architecture without
architects and it is constructed and built to purely response to the building needs of a
particular society . These societies usually consist of the natives and locals of the land
as they often have close interaction with nature and its surroundings. Malay Vernacular
Architecture is often tailored perfectly to suit the tropical climate, usability, functional,
terrain, sociological and aesthetics needs of the locals. Thomas and Garnham (2007)
stated that one of the key actor with Malay Vernacular Architecture is that they often
strike people as having an organic relationship with the environment in which they sit
and often contribute greatly to a sense of place. Vernacular design is also often built to
reflect the social identity and ethnicity, cultural and heritage of the particular society.
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Traditional Malay Vernacular Architecture is often built to overcome the
Malaysia's tropical climatic issues of sun, wind and rain. It is usually constructed of
locally sourced materials like timber, mud and Nipah leaves. It is a sturdy yet lightweight
building design that reflects the social identity of the local. There are several main
design principles in Malay Vernacular Architecture. These design principles influenced
and acted as some of the main features on the Sekeping Serendah retreat sheds. The
principles of a vernacular design can be observed below.
Figure 4.1.2.1 Typical vernacular design of a Malay house
Source: [Untitled diagram of a typical Malay house]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.studio505.com.au/work/project/malaysian-academy-of-han-studies/79
The vernacular house often consist of large roof overhangs to provide shading
against sun and rain. The Timber and Mud sheds of Sekeping Serendah retreat are
designed with large overhangs with a covered veranda. The overhangs are able to
shade the sheds from being exposed to direct sunlight. The large overhangs create dim
interior spaces that is able to affect the psychological sense of the users by presuming a
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cooler indoor space. The large openings and louvers of the sheds are also able to be
left opened as these overhangs are able to shield the sheds from driving rain and sun
glare. Heat gain is successfully reduced with this particular design method.
Figure 4.1.2.2 Large overhang and covered veranda of the Timber Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Timber Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
Figure 4.1.2.3 Overhang of the Mud Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Mud Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
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Figure 4.1.2.4 Diagram of overhang shading the openings of a house
Source: [Untitled diagram]. (2013). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-cooling
The traditional Malay vernacular houses are often built on stilts. These raised
houses catch wind of higher velocity and promote air flow underneath the house. The
entire building would be much cooler and well ventilated. The Timber and Glass sheds
had incorporated this vernacular design method by raising the sheds off the ground.
These raised sheds not only fulfilled the concept of "threading lightly on earth" as it is
able to be constructed on the forest grounds without altering much of the terrain, it is
also able to provide another solution to tackle the heat gain issue. Instead of altering the
contour forest grounds, the Timber and Glass sheds are raised about 1.5 meters to 2.0
meters off the ground to go along with the sloped terrain. Both of these structures are
lightweight and sturdy, with stilts anchoring them to the ground. Cross-ventilation is
facilitated and successfully cools the both of these sheds during hot and windy days.
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Figure 4.1.2.4 The Glass Shed and Timber Sheds being raised on stilts.
Glass Shed Source: author
Timber Shed Source: [Untitled photograph of the Timber Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8,
2015, from http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
Traditional Malay houses often feature open interior spaces with minimal
partitions and fully operated louvers. The all three sheds of Sekeping Serendah (Mud,
Timber and Glass) fully comply to this vernacular architecture principle with open plan
design. The interior of these sheds are wide and open which gives off a spacious
feeling to the users. The hot air is able to escape with openings on all sides of the sheds.
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Figure 4.1.2.5 Open plan design of the Mud Shed
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Mud Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
4.1.34.1.34.1.34.1.3 FloatingFloatingFloatingFloating RoofRoofRoofRoof DesignDesignDesignDesign
Perhaps the most significant part of the Mud Shed is its floating roof design. The
design of the Mud Shed is slightly different from the rest of the sheds (timber and glass).
Instead of resting on stilts like the rest of the shed does, the Mud Shed is designed to
be grounded on the forest ground as it is a much bulker and heavy design as compared
to the lightweight glass shed. The floating roof design is able to overcome the
shortcomings of the bulky structure. The large cantilever flat roof of the Mud Sheds are
supported by steel columns, thus leaving a gap in between the walls the roof. Hot air is
able to escape from floating roof design and therefore reduce heat gain within. Cross-
ventilation is also facilitated via this design method.
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Figure 4.1.3.1 The red arrow pointed indicating the floating roof
Source: author
Figure 4.1.3.2 Floating roof design at the shower area.
Source: author
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4.24.24.24.2 BuildingBuildingBuildingBuilding OrientationOrientationOrientationOrientation andandandand PlacementPlacementPlacementPlacement
Building orientation plays a major role in the building design process. When
deciding the building orientation, one must take the local climate, landscape features
and sun path into account. According to MS1525 (Department of Standards Malaysia,
2007) the longer building facades are to be facing North and South directions whereas
the shorter facades are to be facing East and West directions. This is to decrease the
surface area of building being exposed to direct sun glare.
The sheds are Sekeping Serendah are strategically place within the dense
tropical forest of Rawang. The thick foliage and forest canopies is able to provide
sufficient shading to the sheds. The sheds are able to avoid direct sun exposure and the
sheds are bathe in the warm glow of diffuse sunlight instead. Heat gain is greatly
reduced with such building placement. Moreover, the location of each sheds are
meticulously planned, carefully obscuring direct views from the neighboring sheds and
pathways. This ensures maximum privacy of the users even though the shed designs
are quite open and transparent.
Figure 4.2.1 The Timber Shed is tucked in away from the public pathway.
Source: author
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Figure 4.2.2The dense canopy of the forest provide sufficient shading to the somewhat
transparent glass shed.
Source: [Untitled photograph of the Glass shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
The largest surface area of the glass facade and the terrace of the Glass Shed
are orientated away from the East and West direction. This is to reduce the glass
facade and the terrace from direct sun exposure as these area are somewhat
vulnerable as heat gathers quickly. Louvers are also integrated into sheds' designs to
provide adequate shading from sun and rain. Thermal comfort is achieved by using the
advantages of the existing site condition.
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Figure 4.2.3 The map diagram of the Glass Sheds.
Source: [Untitled site map of Sekeping Serendah]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.sekeping.com/serendah/home.html
The blue rectangles in figure 4.2.3 indicates the glass facades and terraces of
the glass sheds. It can be observed that the glass facades are orientated towards South,
away from East and West direction.
Figure 4.2.4 Terrace of the Glass Shed
Source: author
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4.34.34.34.3 ChoiceChoiceChoiceChoice ofofofof BuildingBuildingBuildingBuilding MaterialsMaterialsMaterialsMaterials
For past centuries, building materials played an important role on the
construction of building. The environmental impacts caused by building materials
should be considered. The choice and relationship of local materials selected for the
sheds of Sekeping Serendah. There are three major types of materials being used in
constructing the sheds, namely timber, mud and glass. The different choice of materials
used contributed to different themes and mood of the sheds. The material thermal mass
properties and its thermal conductivity is being evaluated as they are particularly close-
knit to reducing heat gain in sheds.
The interesting pairing between mud and glass for the Mud Shed, timber and
brick for the Timber Shed and glass and steel for Glass Shed created an interesting
outcome on overcome heat gain problem. Each of this materials has it short comings in
terms of thermal conductivity or thermal mass properties. Hence, the materials pairing
enable each pair to overcome its shortcoming by complementing each other.
Table 4.3.1 Various materials and its' thermal properties.
Source: [Example thermal properties of materials]. (2013). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.cibsejournal.com/cpd/2013-01/
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Table 4.3.2 Thermal conductivity of building materials.
Source: [Building material thermal conductivity chart]. (2011). Retrieved June 8, 2015,
from http://www.whitetopsnyc.org/blog/?p=179
The red boxes on table 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 highlight the relevant building materials
used on the sheds of Sekeping Serendah. It can be observed that steel has the highest
thermal conductivity, with 50W/(m. K). The high thermal conductivity of steel result in
rapid heat transfer and heat gain. The high thermal conductivity of steel is balanced off
with the pairing of glass, as the latter possessed only 0.8W/(m. K) for conductivity. The
combination of steel and glass structure is somewhat lightweight and airy. Both of these
materials has low thermal mass storage. Therefore, heat gained during the day time is
able to dissipate rapidly once the dusk sets in. The Glass Shed cools rapidly during the
night, thus creating a relatively cool environment for the users. The shading of forest
canopies also played a major role in reducing the heat gain of the Glass Shed during
the day.
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GlassGlassGlassGlass SteelSteelSteelSteel
ThermalThermalThermalThermal ConductivityConductivityConductivityConductivity Low High
ThermalThermalThermalThermal MassMassMassMass Low Low
Table 4.3.3 Comparison of thermal properties between glass and steel for Glass Shed
Source: author
Wood has a relatively low thermal conductivity, with about 0.13W/(m. K). This is
hardly surprising as timber were used as main building materials for centuries and is
one of the natural material. It is easily sourced in Malaysia's tropical climate and has low
embody energy. It is also the major building material for Malay Vernacular Architecture
as it is able to create lightweight structure. Its thermal mass properties is low as well.
Hence, timber does not store excessive heat during the day and is able to dissipate
heat rapidly as the night falls. However, timber structures require regular maintenance
and it may rot over the time due to exposure to moisture if not treated properly. This
lifespan of the Timber Shed is prolonged by pairing timber structure with bricks. Bricks
is made of clay and has higher thermal mass storage. The wet area and footing of the
timber shed is constructed of bricks as bricks are able to withstand moisture. The higher
thermal storage of bricks also able to retain some of the warmth gathered during the
day. Brick's thermal conductivity is 0.77W/(m. K). The higher conductivity is balanced off
by the timber's lower conductivity of 0.13W/(m. K). Furthermore, bricks are used mostly
in wet areas of the shed only. Therefore, the higher thermal mass of bricks does not
post issues to the Timber Shed.
TimberTimberTimberTimber BricksBricksBricksBricks
ThermalThermalThermalThermal ConductivityConductivityConductivityConductivity Low Low
ThermalThermalThermalThermal MassMassMassMass Low High
Table 4.3.4 Comparison of thermal properties between timber and bricks for Timber
Shed
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Source: author
The building material of mud is a rather unusual choice in current modern
building materials. Mud construction is mainly found in places which are relatively dry.
The mud used in the Mud Shed of Sekeping Serendah possessed nearly similar outlook
of precast concrete. Mud has lower thermal conductivity as compared to concrete as the
former is a clay based natural material. According to Khan (2012), mud construction is
durable, can be easily recycled and has cooling properties. Mud is paired with glass for
the Mud Shed of Sekeping Serendah. This create lightness and transparency within the
Mud Shed as users are able to have a closer experience with the forest surroundings.
Larger openings are able to be form with the use of glass and operable sliding glass
doors are used to retain the open plan design. Heat gain is able to be reduce as both
mud and glass has low thermal conductivity. Moreover the use of mud structure is able
to create a dimmer interior which gives off users a psychological perception of a cooler
space.
MudMudMudMud GlassGlassGlassGlass
ThermalThermalThermalThermal ConductivityConductivityConductivityConductivity Low Low
ThermalThermalThermalThermal MassMassMassMass High Low
Figure 4.3.5 Comparison of thermal properties between mud and glass for Mud Shed
Source: author.
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5.05.05.05.0 ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion
As quoted by Thomas and Garnham (2007), architecture is fundamentally about
space and relationships. It is about how buildings are created to celebrate and respect
the environment. Architecture also strive to create a comfortable living environment for
users. The problem with nature-driven design is the heat gain issue as the climate of
Malaysia is set in the tropical region. To achievement thermal comfort, passive design
strategies are developed.
The sheds of Sekeping Serendah retreat is able to overcome heat gain issue by
implementing an open plan design with minimal party wall obstruction. Air exchange is
able to be carried out via cross-ventilation. Influences from Malay Vernacular
Architecture also contributed to the solution of overcoming heat gain. Large overhangs,
wide openings and buildings raised on stilts are the strategies used by the sheds. The
elegant design of the floating roof is also used on the Mud Shed to maximize air
exchange. Not only that, the strategic location of the sheds also contributed to reducing
direct exposure from sun. The forest trees played a major role in sun and rain shading
and greatly helps the glass shed in achieving thermal comfort. The choice and duo
material relationship is being experimented and the outcome is successful in reducing
heat gain.
It is important to start a design with basic design principles and passive design
strategies as these two method are the fundamental idea of design. Passive designs
are able to educate users as most of the principles are drawn from the age-old
vernacular architecture principles and able to engage them with the piece of
architecture itself in order for the passive designs to work.
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6.06.06.06.0 ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences
Boake, T. (2011). Sustainable Design Part Three: The Basic Principles of Passive
Design. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/tboake/sustainable-design-part-three-
the-basic-principles-of-passive-design
Gut, P. (1993). Climate Responsive Building: Appropriate Building Construction in
Tropical and Subtropical Region. St. Gallen, Switzerland: Swiss Centre for Development
Cooperation in Technology and Management.
Hamme, R. (2010). Blending architecture with nature: The old man in the mountain
(Master's Thesis). Retrieved from
http://docs.rwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1052&context=archthese
Khan, A. (2012). Mud architecture. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/aziz_khan/mud-architecture
Santamouris, M.,& Wouters, P. (2006). Building Ventilation: The state of art. Sterling,
VA: Earthscan.
Thomas, R.,& Garnham, T. (2007). The Environments of Architecture: Environmental
design in context. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.
Vasani, K. (2012). Vernacular Architecture. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/khyativasani3/vernacular-architecture-15569131
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PassiveDesignStrategiesAddressedtoLocalClimaIntroductionHeatGainandThermalPerformanceofBuildings