DESIGN WITH CLIMATE : Bioclimatic design approach in Sekeping Serendah NAME : LOW JIA CHENG STUDENT ID : 0314883 TUTOR : Ms Sharrianne SEMESTER : July 2015

DESIGN WITH CLIMATE : Bioclimatic design approach in Sekeping Serendah

Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Principles and definition of Bioclimatic Architecture ............................................................................... 5

2.1 Principles of Bioclimatic Design Architecture ..................................................................................... 5

2.1.1 Passive Solar Heat Protection ........................................................................................................ 6

2.1.2 Passive Cooling Techniques .......................................................................................................... 6

2.1.3 Day lighting techniques ................................................................................................................. 6

3.0 Bioclimatic design concepts and techniques ............................................................................................. 7

3.1.1 Sustainable Concepts & Techniques.................................................................................................. 7

3.1.2 Location ............................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1.3 Reflectivity ........................................................................................................................................ 7

3.1.4 Orientation ......................................................................................................................................... 8

3.1.5 Windbreaks ........................................................................................................................................ 8

3.1.6 Green roofs ........................................................................................................................................ 9

3.1.7 Solar Shading and External Protection .............................................................................................. 9

4.0 Principles of Building Comfort ............................................................................................................... 10

5.0 Site Contexts and Local Climate Considerations of sekeping serendah .......................................... 11

5.1 Shading ................................................................................................................................................11

5.2 Ventilation ...........................................................................................................................................11

5.3 Humidity ..............................................................................................................................................11

5.4 Poetic feeling .......................................................................................................................................11

5.5 Local Climate ......................................................................................................................................12

6.0 Bioclimatic Design Features Adopted in Sekeping Serendah and its Relation to Building Comfort15

6.1 Shading and daylighting ......................................................................................................................15

6.2. Material Selection ...............................................................................................................................16

6.3 Ventilation ...........................................................................................................................................18

7.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 27

8.0 References ............................................................................................................................................... 28

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Abstract This paper will study and investigate on the concepts and techniques of design with climate, the definition and principles of bioclimatic approach in building design and how Sekeping Serendah through the basic principles of design with climate was able to fulfill comfortable building environment. From the site analysis, it appeared that the sustainable and bioclimatic design approach of Sekeping Serendah draws from the local vernacular of simple structures sitting lightly on stilts. It demonstrated that we can build and live harmoniously with the land even on very steep forested terrain without the need to destroy too much. Further investigation and analysis shows that sekeping serendah has incorporated principles of sustainable design by using suitable and sustainable local materials , construction technique and labours as much as possible. Bioclimatic design approach of Sekeping Serendah capitalizes on the characteristics of the site (climate, vegetation, topography and geology of the soil) in order to minimize the energy needs of the building and to create a more comfortable environment (hygro-thermal, acoustic, natural day-lighting, passive ventilation, space layout and orientation, openness, etc) adapted to the ways and lifestyles of the inhabitants and achieving building comfort without relying on mechanical equipment .In addition, special attention is paid to respect the existing landscape and integrate the building within it. The positioning and orientation of the building as well as the interior distribution are calculated to profit as much as possible from the solar gain but not interfere with building comfort. In conclusion, Sekeping Serendah through the basic principles of design with climate was able to fulfill comfortable building environment and merge into a harmonious and aesthetically sound design product.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Located in Rawang, Selangor, Sekeping Serendah is a private retreat sheds built on a forest site with hot and humid climate, roughly 45 minutes drive north from Kuala Lumpur. The site, largely consisting of a steep valley, stream and remnant rainforest. The retreat consists of 10 different uniquely designed sheds and one characteristic that distinguish themselves from each other is the distinctive choice of materials. Some of the sheds use recycled timber as the main materials, some are constructed using local laterite and concrete, while others utilize glass and steel in design. The sheds are intentionally kept basic and free from extravagances, aim to incur least disruption to the forest and reduce long term maintenance. The sheds were designed to respect and harmoniously intergrate into its natural surroundings without neglecting the importance of human comfort. This paper will investigate bioclimatic design approach of Sekeping Serendah and its effectiveness in maintaining building comfort, energy efficiency as it celebrates the forest and natural landscape within local climate and successfully maintains the integrity and beauty of the land and at the same time responding to the following research questions:

Question 1: What is the definition and principles of bioclimatic design

architecture

Question 2: what are the bioclimatic design concepts and techniques commonly applied to achieve a more comfortable building environment?

Question 3: what are the principles of building comfort and how do we

achieve sustainable comfortable environment through bioclimatic design approach

Question 4: How Sekeping Serendah demonstrates an analytical

approach to site context and local climate management can merge into a harmonious and aesthetically sound design concept.

Question 5: What are the design features, local materials adapted and

how do they act as solution in achieving bioclimatic design in Sekeping Serendah?

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Fig 1.0 Site plan of Sekeping Serendah.

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Fig 2.0 Location Plan Of Sekeping Serendah

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2.0 Principles and definition of Bioclimatic Architecture

Bio climate basically deals with the relationship between living things

and climate. The term "bioclimatic design" implies design which aims

to protect the environment and natural resources. Bioclimatic

Architecture is defined as an architecture which has a connection with

nature, it is about a building that takes into account the climate and

environmental conditions to favor optimal thermal comfort and visual

comfort of users as it establishes bonds with nature. This architecture

seeks perfect cohesion between design and natural elements (such as

the sun, wind, rain and vegetation), leading us to an optimization of

resources, avoiding complete dependence on mechanical systems,

which are regarded as support. Bioclimatic is a sector of architecture

that dominated by the principles of ecology and sustainability. The aim

of bioclimatic architecture is to create buildings that are designed in

order to fully cover their energy requirements without inducing

undesirable environmental impact.

2.1 Principles of Bioclimatic Design Architecture

The main principles of this architecture are:

- The reduction of energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting

and equipment.

- The minimization of the building overall energy balance, covering

the design, construction, use and end of its life.

- The fulfillment of requirements of thermal comfort, safety, lighting

and occupancy of buildings.

Key elements of bioclimatic building design are passive systems, which are the components of a building. Passive systems operate with minimum or without mechanical components or additional external power supply and naturally warm and cool buildings. Bio-climatic architecture deals exclusively with building design concepts, techniques and localized materials to achieve energy efficiency and comfortable microclimate.

In a tropical country like Malaysia, bioclimatic design generally

can be divided into three categories:

passive solar heat protection

passive cooling techniques and

Systems and day lighting techniques

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2.1.1 Passive Solar Heat Protection

In this approach, the location, site context, sun path and orientation of the building is important to provide maximum solar protection and minimum heat gain. The presence of surrounding trees, landscaping features will be exploited to provide effective shading against the overheating. Materials with good insulating property like earth blocks, stones, timber logs used to clad the exposed external façade facing the sun path provide effective protection against significant amount of incident solar heat and radiation. Vertical plantings, carefully designed and positioned gardens with suitable selection of trees and green roof can also be used to reduce the heat gain.

2.1.2 Passive Cooling Techniques

There are many passive cooling techniques and strategies that can be applied in a warm climate like Malaysia. Using different heat sinks: air, water, earth, high atmosphere, etc. Natural day and night ventilation is the most applied technique in order to obtain passive cooling; good ventilation design with appropriate placement of openings based on the direction of wind will effectively help to reduce indoor temperature when it is higher than the external one and to cool the overall building during the night time to improve Indoor thermal comfort. Other techniques for passive cooling includes night flush cooling, direct and indirect evaporative cooling, radiant cooling, as well as earth cooling.

2.1.3 Day lighting techniques Day lighting or using sunlight to illuminate your building, is an effective way to both decrease your building’s energy use and make the interior environment more comfortable. The sun is predictable and daylight can be a very reliable source of light, with properly designed openings, windows, skylights and reflective surfaces at strategic locations of the building usually at the north and south facing facades along the sun path in Malaysia. This provides sufficient diffused natural light and ensures effective internal lighting, maximizes visual comfort during the day while avoiding the problem of glare

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3.0 Bioclimatic design concepts and techniques

3.1.1 Sustainable Concepts & Techniques

The purpose of bioclimatic design is to create a favorable microclimate both inside and outside of a building through Architectural Techniques.

Bioclimatic Architecture has become increasingly popular to the general public due to its sustainability. In all types of climates and regions across the world, bioclimatic homes and buildings are energy efficient and cost effective. The reduction of the energy consumption not only represents lower economic cost, but also cuts down on pollution cause by production and reproduction of fuels.

The main point of bioclimatic design is to build with the climate and its surroundings. Nature has a good way of mixing up the climatic conditions (difference in air temperature, solar radiation, different air directions, wind speed, and variation in humidity), which all can be turned into some kind of energy source through multiple kinds of Bioclimatic Architectural Techniques.

Bioclimatic design provides not only a large reduction of the environmental impacts but also a reduction of operational costs. In the end sustainable bioclimatic design is much smarter, money saving, environmentally safe way to design buildings, and would have a huge impact on the economy.

3.1.2 Location

The location of the building is a very important factor to the overall layout of the design. Proper design of the building should utilize solar radiation during the winter time and at the same time protect the building from overheating in the summer time. The suitable location of the building construction depends on the climate, the direction of the winds, the presence of trees or other landscaping features, uses and the internal layout of the building.

3.1.3 Reflectivity

When designing the exposed surface near the building, should take special care to avoid the use of high-reflectivity materials (cement slabs, asphalt, etc.) and to prefer vegetation with grass or other ground cover plant species which absorb a significant proportion of solar radiation and heat.

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The proper utilization of pervious flooring is important as it reduces the runoff from paved areas, which reduces the need for separate storm water retention ponds and also naturally filters storm water and can reduce pollutant loads entering into streams, ponds and rivers. Pervious flooring functions like a storm water infiltration basin and allows the storm water to infiltrate the soil over a large area, thus facilitating recharge of precious groundwater supplies locally. All of these benefits lead to more effective land use. Pervious flooring can also reduce the impact of development on trees. A previous flooring allows the transfer of both water and air to root systems allowing trees to flourish even in highly developed areas.

3.1.4 Orientation

It is important to provide maximum protection against western sun. The west side of a building can be made with small openings, protected by appropriate blind and shading (deciduous trees, awnings, plant hedges, etc.). The choice of plant species, the size at maturity, the way of pruning and the exact sitting of solar light trajectory is important for effective protection. Evergreen vegetation layout can be designed, with a preference for trees with dense foliage in combination with deciduous trees, in order to provide effective cross ventilation and thermal comfort.

3.1.5 Windbreaks Besides structural materials, plant hedges can be used to control air flow. Shrubs, trees, and the combination of fences with other materials can be used as windbreaks, creating zones of relative calm on the leeward side. The open barriers, such as trees and shrubs provide maximum reduction of wind speed in ratio of their height. The size and shape of the barrier significantly affect the effectiveness of protection. The thinner the element of protection is; the greater the protected zone will be on the leeward side. A key element of the obstacles is the density. Full windbreaks provide an area of calm, but only very close to them, due to the fact that after the obstacle, the wind quickly regains its characteristics. Open windbreaks that consist of trees and shrubs are crossing a part of the wind, which reduces turbulence and create a broader zone of calm.

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3.1.6 Green roofs

Green Roofs - converting roofs into a garden, which is grown in

controlled conditions with environmental, energy and economic

benefits. By implementing a green roof on the roof of a building

reduces significantly the cost of cooling the building, the multi

layered roof and the vegetation acts as extra insulation

depending on the coverage and density of foliage.

Implementing green roofs at the urban web, improves the

balance of the ecosystem within cities, creating an excellent

microclimate and absorbs a large amount of dust and pollutants.

Through photosynthesis, plants produce more oxygen in the

atmosphere and reduce carbon dioxide. In this way, the wider

ecosystem enhances by helping reduce the "Heat island"

phenomenon and the "Greenhouse effect".

Some additional benefits of green roofs are the relief of the

sewerage network, the protection of the insulation from

mechanical stresses and temperature changes, the aesthetic

improvement, the increase of functional areas, the possibility of

farming into the urban web, the improved quality of life and the

protection of the ecosystem.

3.1.7 Solar Shading and External Protection

Proper design and location of a pergola or other shading

systems can provide the protection for the building against

overheating during the summer. In some climates the shading

devices may also be used to control wind driven airflows around

a building facade.

The choice of bioclimatic design for the building and its

surroundings can likely increase the total construction cost, but

that can be depreciated by the limited use of units of

conventional heating and air conditioning units. Furthermore, the

indicators of fertility and living standards will be optimized.

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4.0 Principles of Building Comfort

Buildings are designed to accomplish a task –to keep people comfortable, efficient, healthy, and safe. Bioclimatic design seeks to create buildings that keep people comfortable while minimizing negative environmental impacts. To keep people comfortable you need to provide the right mixture of temperature, humidity, radiant temperature and air speed. The right level of these variables depends on what activity is occurring, how active the people are, and what they are wearing. Everyone has slightly different criteria for comfort, so comfort is often measured by the percentage of occupants who report they’re satisfied with the conditions. Uncomfortable conditions in buildings - too hot, too cold, too noisy, too dark, too light, too much glare-restrict the ability of workers to function to full capacity and can lead to lowered job satisfaction and increases in illness symptoms

To ensure comfortable environments, building design must have comprehensive, integrated perspective that seeks to achieve:

Thermal Comfort - Maintain optimal thermal comfort Visual Comfort - Create a high quality visual environment Auditory Comfort - Provide a superior acoustic environment Olfactory & - Maintain acceptable indoor air quality

Hygienic Comfort

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5.0 Site Contexts and Local Climate Considerations of sekeping serendah

For the site contexts, the main characteristics are shading, ventilation, humidity and poetic feeling.

5.1 Shading

The major characteristic of the site is the large number of trees. Due to the site being a tropical forest area, the species of trees that can be found there has long trunk and huge span of crown area that provide excellent shading from the sun. Surrounded by dense vegetation and with most of the sunlight obstructed by heavy foliage, UV radiation and heat do not penetrate into the forest and reach Sekeping Serendah, lowering the temperature compared to an exposed site, both of which are under hot and humid climate. Therefore, the temperature in the forest is relatively low even during daytime and lower after nightfall.

5.2 Ventilation

Despite the benefits of reduced sunlight penetration and heat gain of a dense vegetation, they contribute to the screening effect that blocks most of the natural breezes from entering the site, resulting in limited natural ventilation. Experience on the site verified that minimum to no natural breezes can be felt during the site visit.

5.3 Humidity

The humidity level on site is high as there is a high concentration of water vapour in the air and moisture can be found on the ground. Transpiration process of plants release moisture from the pores on the leaves into outer atmosphere and contributes to the water vapour concentration. Moreover, since the ventilation on site is limited, the damp air cannot be easily replaced. These two factors result in a high humidity level.

5.4 Poetic feeling

Although the shading effect on site is excellent, they do not obstruct all of the natural light. What little sunlight that does penetrate is actually welcomed as it creates a warm and poetic experience in the forest. In addition, the sound of bugs buzzing and birds chirping can be heard clearly throughout the experience on site, resonating with the essence of nature on the site.

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5.5 Local Climate Sekeping Serendah, is located within Selangor, Malaysia, it is important to understand its geography and nature of the environment. Local 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 has two monsoon seasons; the Southwest Monsoon (May - September) and the Northeast Monsoon (November-March). When designing buildings with Malaysian climate, the indoor temperature should remain at a range 23 to 26°C and the humidity level at 55-70% to ensure thermal comfort. The building design should focus on 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.

Fig 3. Walking towards the sheds

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Fig 4. The front entrance of Sekeping Serendah

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Fig 5. Vegetation and winding paths of Sekeping Serendah

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6.0 Bioclimatic Design Features Adopted in Sekeping Serendah and its Relation to Building Comfort

Bioclimatic design features adopted in sekeping serendah can be divided into three basic categories: shading and daylighting, material selection and ventilation

6.1 Shading and daylighting

In Sekeping Serendah, shading is one of the main bioclimatic design feature used to achieve thermal comfort, various types of shading can be seen ranging from corrugated metal roof as well as off form concrete slab. The sheds are placed deep in the forest area with most of the sunlight and heat that associates with it obstructed by the excellent shading provided by the dense vegetation, the heat gain in the interior of the sheds are reduced. Therefore, only minimum mechanical ventilation such as mechanical fans is required to achieve thermal comfort and ensure comfortable user experience. Without the need of air-conditioning, the active energy usage is reduced and the sheds becomes more sustainable. Corrugated polycarbonate plastic and circular slab openings covered with glass panels are used as roofing as well as skylights to shelter sheds from the heated sun and also to maximize natural daylighting. 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 provide additional shading effect so mostly only allow the diffuse light coming through the “skylights” into the internal spaces with minimum glare and therefore enhances users’ visual comfort. Large overhangs were also used as passive heat protection; minimize direct solar radiation onto the glass façade to maintain thermal comfort. Others shading devices such as louvers, wooden planks, solar netting together with surrounding vegetation were also used for the same purpose. In addition to the sufficient shading effect on site, the sheds are orientated with their entrances facing south and away from direct sunlight coming along the east-west axis. However, sunlight that does penetrate is still welcomed into the interior by the openness in design to create poetic feeling of the space. The overall spatial experience of the interior created by the natural light is warm with a sense of elegancy.

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6.2. Material Selection

A combination of basic localized sustainable materials consisting of recycled timber, exposed bricks, laterite blocks, granite stones, off form concrete, glass, steel and various metals were used in designing the sheds’ envelope. Most of the materials were kept raw with minimum or no coating/paint finish so v.o.c. emission is kept to the minimum. The sheds required minimum maintenance. Design of Sekeping serendah has incorporated principles of sustainable design by using local materials as much as possible. The approach is sustainable as the use of imported materials will be too expensive given the cost of transportation. Natural materials like laterite blocks, exposed bricks are porous materials, they have the ability to absorb moisture and release the moisture thru evaporation and thus help to regulate the temperature and humidity in the sheds. Timber is another commonly used material in Sekeping Serendah retreat, Wood is the oldest material used by humans for construction after stone. It is readily and economically available; easily machinable; amenable to fabrication into an infinite variety of sizes and shapes using simple on-site building techniques; timber is exceptionally strong relative to its weight, an excellent heat and electrical insulator as well. It is a reusable, recyclable, renewable and biodegradable resource. Timber is the most environmentally responsible building material. Timber has low production energy requirements and is a net carbon absorber. Well-managed forests produce timber on a sustained continuous basis, with minimal adverse effects on soil and water values. The use of these natural materials help to provide thermal and hygienic comfort of the sheds and their natural and rustic appearance has resulted in an architectural masterpiece that perfectly blended into the nature. The primary building materials that are used to construct the glass sheds are steel and glass. Steel is highly durable and performs excellently either in compression or tension, as its tensile strength and compressive strength are both very high. Steel also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, thus it is considered as a lightweight material. it is able to be recycled and reused.

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The design draws from the local vernacular of simple structures sitting lightly on the landscape, so the sheds are raised on stilts within audible range of the stream. It was primarily to demonstrate that we can build and live harmoniously with the land even on very steep forested terrain without the need to destroy too much. Steel and glass were chosen to celebrate the context and cause least disruption, enabling the buildings to disappear among the trees and blurring boundaries between internal and external space. Use of steel and glass as the main materials for the facade also maximize natural lighting and visual comfort in the space.

In addition, the high strength of steel enables long span to create large opening at the entrance. This helps to facilitate maximum natural ventilation, even though it is limited on site. Together with the reduced heat gain and enhanced ventilation, no air-conditioning is needed to achieve thermal comfort, only minimum mechanical ventilation such as fan, is used. Glass is a transparent material that does not obstruct views exchanged between the interior and the exterior. Unless laminated or with proper shading devices installed, it has little to no effect on blocking incoming heat and UV radiation from entering the building that contributes to the heat gain. The common problem of a building with curtain walls, façades that is made up entirely with glass, is that it needs air-conditioning to maintain interior thermal comfort. However, in the case of the glass shed of Sekeping Serendah, due to the site itself having such heavy foliage that provides excellent shading, glass can be used to create the openness and transparency required by the concept without compromising its sustainability, as most of the heat is obstructed already. This is a good example of how the site context influences the design in terms of the choice of material. This openness and transparency resonate with the concept of embracing the nature and blurring the line between interior and exterior, in doing so creates a comfortable user experience in terms of thermal comfort and spatial experience. Concrete is widely used in all of the sheds, mainly due to its durability. Concrete is an active component of a building’s energy system. Its high thermal mass allows it to store heat from the sun, helps moderate indoor temperatures, which reduces peak heating and cooling loads, making building occupants more comfortable.concrete can minimize the in-use energy demands of a structure over its service life.

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The concrete elements used in sekeping serendah are all off- formed without external plastering which has a much lower lifespan and usually contain unwanted chemical in the mix. No paint or coating as well. Pervious materials like stone aggregate, compacted soil, mortar bricks are used instead of usual concrete and tarmac for the roads and walkways. The use of pervious materials help to reduce the runoff from paved areas, which reduces the need for separate storm water retention ponds and also naturally filters storm water and reduce pollutant loads entering into streams, ponds and rivers. Pervious materials function like a storm water infiltration basin and allows the storm water to infiltrate the soil over a large area, thus facilitating recharge of precious groundwater supplies locally allowing the transfer of both water and air to root systems helping trees to flourish. Landscape walls are of gabion walls of locally quarried stones and dry wall construction, using locally available construction techniques. Laterite walls and soil plaster are also a common features in sekeping serendah, both are natural safe materials that provide functional needs and at the same time blending perfectly with the vegetations and natural surroundings.

6.3 Ventilation

Unlike Passive house design approach that seeks primarily to insulate the building from its environment in order to protect it from its nuisances and to rely on a highly technological ventilation system, bioclimatic design approach of sekeping serendah encourages direct contributions between the environment and the natural airflow. The objectives are more or less the same and it is the bioclimatic context that makes the difference. The sustainable and bioclimatic design approach of Sekeping Serendah draws from the local vernacular of simple structures sitting lightly on stilts taking advantage of the natural breeze and wind passing through the retreat. Therefore, natural ventilation can be integrated for passive cooling. The sheds were designed with large, open double volume spaces, walls are minimum and limited to specific private areas only. Special designed gaps and holes together with openings such as louvers, windows allow the prevailing wind to pass through.

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The warm air inside the shed is thus being replaced with fresh

cool air from the outside, and moisture that trapped within the

spaces can also be reduced and thus preventing stagnant

odours and mold or bacteria from forming. The buildings can

then maintain the thermal comfort and at the same time hygienic

and olfactory comfort as well.

The sheds in Sekeping Serendah are strategically and individually placed so they are integrated into the natural surroundings and dense vegetation. In doing so, each shed is isolated from each other and buffered from the potential noise sources for maximum auditory comfort. The sheds are carefully orientated to receive maximum cross ventilation.

Fig 6. Front Porch of glass shed

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Fig 7. Traditional Malay Architecture & Modern Glass Shed

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Fig 8. Skylight used for natural day lighting and building protection

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Fig 9. Built on stilt to suit the terrain and provide effective cross ventilation

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Fig 10. Louvres, screen, pergola, for ventilation and thermal control

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Fig 11. Concrete roof, metal corrugated with spectacular cantilever

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Fig 12. Use of loose aggregate as pervious materials

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Fig 13. Materials – laterite block, granie stone, recycled pallet wood ,

exposed bricks , fairface concrete

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7.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, Sekeping Serendah has demonstrated how an analytical approach to climate management can merge into a harmonious and aesthetically sound design concept. Bioclimatic and sustainable passive design approach of sekeping serendah capitalizes on the characteristics of the site context in order to minimize the energy needs of the building and to create a more comfortable environment adapted to the ways and lifestyles of the inhabitants. The retreat has successfully establish a connection with nature and at the same time achieve the building comfort for the internal as well as exterior spaces for the visitors through the bioclimatic design approach. Bioclimatic design approach is able to achieve passive building comfort and economically viable as well without spending too much on mechanical cost. Last but not least, Sustainability and practicality of bioclimatic approach is gaining popularity as logical alternative when designing a building.

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8.0 References

Greenbuildingindex.org - What & Why Green Buildings?. Retrieved June 8, 2015, from http://www.greenbuildingindex.org/why-green-buildings.html Stein, B., & Reynolds, J. (1992). Mechanical and electrical equipment for buildings (8th ed.). New York: J. Wiley & Sons. John, J. (2012, May 7). Comfort in Buildings. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.slideshare.net/JasmineJohn/comfort-in-buildings 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

Wikipedia.org (n.d.). Geography of Malaysia. Retrieved April 27, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Malaysia Tantasavasdi C., Jareemit D., Suwanchaiskul A., Naklada T., 2007. Evaluation and Design of Natural Ventilation for Houses in Thailand, Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies, vol.5(issue 1), 85-98 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/ Yeang, K. (2004). Eco-Design and Planning. In Jodidio, P. (Eds.), Iran: Architecture for Changing Societies. (p. 177-185). Torino: Umberto Allemandi & C. 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 Mohd Firrdhaus Mohd Sahabuddin. (2011). How important is context in contemporary architectural design?. (Academic exercise, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, England.). Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/2040500/How_Important_Is_Context_In_Contemporary_Archit ectural_Design Fathy H., 1986. Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture: Principles and Examples with Reference to Hot Arid Climates, New York: United Nations University. Mahdavi K., 1996. Implications of indoor climate control for comfort, energy and environment. In: Energy and Buildings, Vol. 24, Issue 3, 1 Oct. 1996, Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Ltd, 167–177.

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