Asian architecture [arc2234] case study paper

Asian Architecture [ARC 2234]

Project 1: Case Study

Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive

Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum

Rainforest Resort

Name: Nurul Jannah Masturah Jailani

Student ID: 0310210

Tutor: Pn. Norhayati Ramli

Submission date: 11th November 2014

Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort

Asian Architecture [ARC2234] 1

Table of Contents

Abstract •••••••••••••• 1

1.0 Introduction •••••••••••••• 3

2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture •••••••••••••• 4

3.0 Passive Heating •••••••••••••• 5

4.0 Passive Cooling •••••••••••••• 9

5.0 Daylighting •••••••••••••• 15

6.0 Active Design Strategies •••••••••••••• 19

7.0 Achieving Energy Efficiency •••••••••••••• 22

8.0 Conclusion •••••••••••••• 24

9.0 References •••••••••••••• 25



Abstract

Bioclimatic architecture is a sector in architecture, which is influenced by the principles

of ecology and sustainability. It has a connection with nature, seeking perfect cohesion

between design and natural elements such as wind, sun, rain, and vegetation, which

leads to the optimization of environmental resources. Bioclimatic architecture helps

reduce energy consumption, rendering artificial cooling, heating and lighting

unnecessary thus saving excess energy and costs from being produced. The objective of

this research paper is to identify and analyze the design principles of bioclimatic

architecture. It optimizes natural environment resources and the design strategies

applied in order to reduce fossil fuel and electricity consumption. This paper will focus

on Belum Rainforest Resort and bioclimatic design principles applied to its buildings. The

local climate and surrounding ecosystems are taken into consideration for the concept

and design of the Resort to achieve thermal comfort without relying on mechanical

equipment. Not only the usage of proper passive design, but the application of suitable

building materials also increase the energy efficiency and improve the microclimate of

the building. The orientation of individual buildings in a certain way can help manipulate

the surrounding natural resources to be used into the building such as natural

ventilation flow and day lighting. Passive cooling design strategy is an alternative to

using mechanical cooling ventilation systems in maintaining the level of thermal comfort

in the building. The importance of identifying the design principles and approaches of

the bioclimatic design of Belum Rainforest Resort allows the production of sustainable



design and architecture. The key elements that make up bioclimatic architecture are the

passive systems, which can be divided into three categories: passive solar heating

system, passive cooling techniques and system, and day lighting techniques. The

building materials also play an important role in conserving energy, which is why most

of the materials used in the construction of the resort are local to ensure the reduction

of energy used in transportation.



1.0 Introduction

Belum Rainforest Resort is situated in Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia. Located in

the region near to the Earth’s Equator, Malaysia experiences medium to high

temperatures, high humidity levels, light winds, and an ample amount of rainfall all year

round. The variation of climates in Malaysia are due to varied altitude levels and the

exposure of the coastal lowlands to the alternating southwest monsoon winds that

blows from April to September and northeast monsoon winds that blows from

November to February. The Belum Rainforest Resort accommodates for guests that

partake in jungle trekking or visiting the Royal Belum State Park, one of the oldest

rainforests in the world, or simply for a vacation.

The Resort adopts a humble sustainable design, to respect and complement the

surrounding nature instead of contrasting it. The materials used in the construction as

well as the finishing of the Resorts were mainly retrieved from local supplies, to

decrease the need for transporting materials from far places, which may induce extra

energy consumption and costs. Using local materials is considered to be a strategy that

was implemented by the architect towards sustainable architecture.

This research paper aims to identify and analyze the different passive design

approaches adopted by the architect of Belum Rainforest Resort in order to achieve

energy efficiency through the consumption of environmental resources.



2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture

A sector in architecture that adapts to the environment is called bioclimatic

architecture. The key elements of bioclimatic architecture is passive design, which is a

strategy that utilizes the local climate and environmental by playing around with the

local environmental characteristics such as topography, climate, vegetation, direction of

prevailing wind, sun path, etc., to develop appropriate design, geometry and building

orientation. (Martinez, 2012) Through passive design, natural energy sources can be

consumed instead of relying on purchased energy like electricity or natural gas, thus

reducing the usage of mechanical systems. (Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.)

The natural sources around can be used for heating and cooling, like sun heating and

cooling breeze. A well-‐designed and orientated building can reduce unwanted heat gain

and loss.

Climate-‐sensitive design is important, especially in seasonal and temperate

climates, where constant thermal comfort is difficult to achieve naturally. By

understanding the principles of effective passive design, thermal comfort can be

attained, lessening costs needed to heat and cool buildings, and minimizing the impact

on the environment. The principles of bioclimatic architecture apply when considering

for passive design. These principles include passive heating, cooling, and daylighting.



3.0 Passive heating

Passive heating uses the sun to heat up a space without using mechanical

systems. In the context of Malaysia, passive heating is not necessary due to the climate

being hot and humid all year round. However, with the understanding of the concept of

passive heating, it is possible to avoid solar heat gain.

3.1 Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is the quantity of material that exhibits good retention of heat; for

example a thick concrete wall. Thermal capacity refers to the amount of heat that a

material can hold. (Binggeli, 2003) It is crucial to have effective passive heating design,

especially in locations that have sharp changes in temperature from day to night. Even if

the thermal mass does not prevent heat energy from flowing into or out of the interior

spaces, like how insulation would, it can still slow down the heat flow so much that it

contributes to comfort rather than causing discomfort.

(Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.) Thermal mass helps in storing heat during

the day and releases it into the cool night. Examples of materials with high thermal

capacity are concrete, metals, plaster, stone and brick.

The architect of the Belum Resort has chosen materials with high thermal mass,

especially concrete and steel. A material like steel, which has high heat conductivity, it is

most probably cool to touch even when it is out in the sun. This is due to the heat of



your fingertips being conducted away from your body quickly by the steel and into the

surrounding air. (Binggeli, 2003)

3.2 Shading for Solar Heat Gain

Through proper location and design of shading systems, the buildings can be

protected from gaining unwanted heat gain and improve thermal comfort. In order to

achieve effective shading, the sun angles of the site must be calculated, and climate and

house orientation must be considered. (Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.) Interior shading devices

like draperies and blinds provide the least effective shading and thermal insulation but

gives the occupants easy operation access. Instead, it is mainly used for privacy

purposes. Exterior shading devices are the most effective in reducing solar heat gain,

reducing the sun’s radiation before it reaches the glass. Examples of exterior shading

include louvers, awnings, roof overhangs and screenings. Vegetation and foliage on site

can also be used as a natural external shading device.



Image 1: Deep overhangs are used at main restaurant of the resort, to prevent direct sunlight from

penetrating through.

(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)

Image 2: A single wall and trees are used as shading devices to prevent direct sunlight from entering into

the room.




Image 3: Wooden sticks are used to shade the windows, arranged properly to let sunlight in but prevent

glare at the same time.


Diagram 1: Using foliage as shading device



4.0 Passive Cooling

The evolution of passive cooling has been manifested through different building

forms, constructional methods and orientation alignments. Effective passive cooling

design does not only address heat removal from the building but also heat gain

reduction of the building. (Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.) Passive cooling strategies include

natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and shading.

4.1 Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation is the movement of air into and out of a space through

fenestrations such as windows and doors. It provides cool and fresh air from outside to

inside, replacing the hot interior air through air motion. (Bradshaw, 1993) This strategy

is only suitable depending on the site. For example, if there are high levels of acoustic

noise, such as heavy traffic zones, it may be not suitable to implement natural

ventilation. Natural ventilation is also unsuitable in areas with poor air quality, which

may require mechanical systems to filter the air before in comes inside.

(Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.)

Due to the location of Resort being at the edge of Pulau Banding, there is an

abundant of wind blowing from the lake. The buildings are designed to have many

fenestrations, and spaces without walls covering them, in order to maximize natural

ventilation as a method for passive cooling. Wide openings can be seen especially at the



reception and Phase 2 buildings. Due to both areas being exposed to sunlight (unlike

Phase 1, which is covered by trees), cool wind from the lake is highly welcomed to

ventilate the area.

Image 5: Due to the windy location, the corridors are not enclosed, to prevent the formation of wind

tunnel effect.




Image 6: The lobby of the resort relies on the air of environment to ventilate the space, thus the

openings are large in size allowing air to pass freely.


Image 7: One of the restaurants of the resort has an open dining space for ventilation. Due to the windy

location, the trees surrounding the restaurant act as windbreakers.


4.2 Evaporative Cooling



Evaporative cooling is considered to be the most effective form of natural cooling

methods. It plays a major role in contributing cooling effect in the immediate local

climate. (Gallo, Sala & Sayigh, 1998) The Belum Resort uses passive evaporative cooling

by adding ponds and water features around the Resort, especially nearby Phase 1, the

part of the resort where its furthest from the lake, to cool the air. The lake surrounding

the island is used for evaporative cooling as well, a natural resource that’s easily

available to cool the air.

Image 8: The swimming pool is not only a place for the occupants to cool off in, but also acts as a water

feature to improve surrounding temperature.




Image 9: One of the water features around the resort to cool the area through evaporative cooling.


Image 10: The resort is surrounded by a large lake that provides cool windy air during the day.




Diagram 2: The process of evaporative cooling of the lake



5.0 Daylighting

Daylight is a reliable source of light during the day, reducing both energy

demands and saving costs from electrical usage. Daylighting inside the building also

improves the occupants’ moods and make them more productive. In order to attain

effective daylighting system, several factors must be taken into consideration. A certain

amount of light is needed to illuminate the interior, enough to brighten up the spaces

but must provide visual comfort to the occupants. Glare and heat gain tend to be the

critical factor in designing openings for sunlight to shine into the building. However,

direct sunlight penetration must be minimized. (Sustainable Building -‐ Design Manual:

sustainable building design practices, 2004) Although sunlight is an effective way to light

up a space, it is rather unpredictable with the intensity and brightness of the light

depending on the weather.

5.1 Skylights

Application of skylights can make a huge contribution in saving energy and

providing comfort. It admits much more light than windows, making it an excellent

source of natural lighting. However, with poorly designed skylights, they may be

contributors to unwanted heat gain. Several factors must be considered when designing

skylights, which are the size of opening, energy efficiency and climate appropriateness.

(Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.)



Image 11: Skylights are used in some of the units to light up the interior spaces.


Image 12: Skylights illuminate along the walkway, reducing the need to use artificial lights during the

day.




5.2 Glass panels

Using glass panels to replace solid walls is an effective method to maximize

sunlight admitted into the building. While providing daylighting, it also acts a protection

from rain and unwanted wind flow. However, using glass wall panels around the

building may increase solar heat gained inside the building and cause visual discomfort

as well as glare. To prevent this, glass wall panels are usually used in places where there

is no direct sunlight beam, or there are shading devices equipped with it. At the

reception area of the Resort, the glass wall panels around the lobby is surrounded by

trees, which act as natural shading device to the reception building.

Image 13: The villa of the resort uses glass sliding doors and panels along the entrance, providing

maximum light into the space.




Image 14: Glass panels are used along the upper part of the lobby area, to provide natural lighting

throughout the space.




6.0 Active Design Strategies

Despite aiming for sustainable design through bioclimatic architecture, it is

almost impossible to rely completely on the environmental sources to maintain comfort

in the Resort, especially at night and on days with unpredictable weather. To solve this

problem, the Resort has taken up mechanical systems into its design. Although

mechanical systems are not meant to be the main system to maintain thermal comfort

amongst the occupants, they provide aid to when natural resources reach its limits.

6.1 Mechanical Cooling

To aid in generating air movement in spaces where wind is absent, ceiling fans

are used. It is not the most effective method for mechanical cooling but it still provide

air movement that carry away the heat from inside the building. Ceiling fans are found

in more public open spaces, where the outside temperature can still provide thermal

comfort. Air-‐conditioners are used in places where the spaces require more control to

achieve thermal comfort. It allows the occupants to have complete control over the

temperature and humidity of the space, while providing clean air. Air-‐conditioners can

be found in individual rooms.



6.2 Electrical Lighting

Sunlight, although a natural source of light, is an unpredictable natural source for

light. Clouds tend to block the sun’s light, especially on cloudy and rainy days, which

makes daylighting redundant during those times. Instead, electrical lighting is used to

help light up darker spaces where sun’s light is not available. In order to overcome the

darkness at night, ground streetlights are used all over the Resort. However, daylighting

is still used as the main source of light during the day instead of the electrical lighting.

Image 15: The main restaurant of the building being lit up with electrical lightings and using ceiling fans

to generate air movement and ventilation in the building.




Image 16: Electrical lights are being used inside individual guest rooms to aid in lighting the interior

when sunlight is not enough.




7.0 Achieving Energy Efficiency

Conserving energy by not using mechanical systems as the main source for

thermal comfort helps reduce humans’ dependency on the usage of fossil fuels and

electricity. The lack of dependency leads to the decline in demand for such energy

sources, reducing the purchase costs for energy supply. Instead, natural environmental

sources are used to replace it.

It is impossible to not rely on mechanical systems, especially with the

development of technology and the rise in global temperature. With the climate getting

warmer, it is difficult to rely solely on passive design to maintain thermal comfort

indoors. However, it is still possible to reduce the dependency on it. Passive design is an

effective solution in being energy efficient, which can be implemented even in the most

extreme climates but still require the aid of mechanical systems to maintain the comfort

of indoor spaces.



7.1 Energy Balance

Energy efficient architecture warrants for careful balance between energy

conservation and energy gain. It is related to using mechanical systems sparingly and

expressing effective passive design. Imbalance between these two factors may cause

the loss of thermal comfort in the interior spaces and the need for more effective

regulatory regulations. Proper planning, construction and technology can affect the

energy balance.

The Resort has achieved energy balance, split up equally between energy

conservation and energy gain, with the use of mechanical systems and implementing

passive design to exploit the use of environmental resources around the Resort. Energy

efficiency does not only mean the minimal reliance on mechanical systems, but by using

local materials, it is also considered as conserving energy. Making use of locally available

materials on site or from nearby factories, helps in cutting energy and costs of

transporting the materials to the site. The further the materials are retrieved from, the

higher the energy consumption and are likely to be very costly.



8.0 Conclusion

Environmental resources are free and readily available all year long, that provides

nature’s thermal comfort and it being natural, it significantly improves productivity.

Despite the benefits of using environmental resources, there are disadvantages to it.

Sunlight for example, can be unpredictable. The Resort cannot depend completely on

daylighting due to the changing weather that may or may not disturb the sunlight in the

area. Due to the Malaysian climate with constant rainy days, sunlight may seem

unsuitable but it still remain to be the best source for lighting since Malaysia has an

equal number of days where it is bright and sunny. Cooling is not issued faced by the

Belum Rainforest Resort, due to the large lake surrounding it. Passive evaporative

cooling and natural ventilation are best exploited since the are many water bodies that

supports evaporation and the frequency of cool winds during the day from the lake.

The Belum Rainforest Resort is surrounded completely by nature, filled with

abundant resources that can be used as replacement for fossil fuels and electricity to

maintain comfort of the guests. These resources are taken advantage of by the

architect, applying the principles of bioclimatic approaches in his design. He

manipulated his buildings, trying to optimize the utilization of the natural resources

surrounding the Belum Resort through passive design approaches.



9.0 References

Binggeli, C. (2003). Building systems for interior designers. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

Bradshaw, V. (1993). Building control systems. New York: Wiley.

Gallo, C., Sala, M., & Sayigh, A. (1998). Architecture. New York: Elsevier Science.

Gonzalo, R., & Habermann, K. (2006). Energy-‐efficient architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser-‐

Publishers for Architecture.

Kachadorian, J. (1997). The passive solar house. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green

Pub. Co.

Landco.gr,. BIOCLIMATIC ARCHITECTURE. Retrieved 25 October 2014, from

http://landco.gr/en/services-‐2/environmental-‐applications/24-‐

services/perivallontikes-‐efarmoges/95-‐bioclimatic-‐architecture-‐in-‐association-‐

with-‐landscaping

Martinez, M. (2012). Bioclimatic Architecture (Undergraduate). VIA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE.

Sensiblehouse.org,. Passive Cooling. Retrieved 19 October 2014, from

http://www.sensiblehouse.org/nrg_cooling.htm



Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com,. Passive Design Strategies | Sustainability

Workshop. Retrieved 17 October 2014, from

http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/passive-‐design-‐strategies

Sustainable Building -‐ Design Manual: sustainable building design practices. (2004). New

Delhi.

Yourhome.gov.au,. Passive design. Retrieved 15 October 2014, from

http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-‐design

Asian architecture [arc2234] case study paper

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