ASIAN ARCHITECTURE [ARC 2234]

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234] PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

NAME:

ANGELINE KON KEE HOOI

STUDENT ID:

0302068

LECTURER:

MR. KOH JING HAO

SUBMISSION DATE:

11 NOVEMER 2014

Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Table of Content

Page

Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.0

Introduction....................................................................................................... 4

2.0

Thermal Comfort............................................................................................... 6

2.1

An Overview of Thermal Comfort .................................................................. 6

2.2

Factors that affect Thermal Comfort .............................................................. 6

3.0

Openings .......................................................................................................... 9

3.1

An Overview of Openings ............................................................................. 9

3.2

Reaction of Openings to the factors of thermal comfort ................................. 9

4.0 Openings in Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort ................................................................................................................................ 12

5.0 Comparison of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort .......................................................... 18

6.0 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 19

7.0 References ...................................................................................................... 20 ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Abstract This research paper investigated on the effectiveness of openings as a method in achieving thermal comfort between Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding. Literature review was conducted to highlight the achievements of thermal comfort with the implementation of openings. With the application of openings in climate-response in the design to understand that the existence of opening and vernacular architecture, which is designed with a deep cultural importance to the symbol of a local context can be incorporated onto contemporary and contemporary vernacular architecture. A comparison of the openings in Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort was intended to understand the significance of openings through its functions and components. It was found that the reaction of the openings to the factors of thermal comfort such as types of openings, size of openings, location of openings, and the orientation of openings has minimized solar heat gain and improve indoor air quality of a building. The implementations of openings in both Adapted Malay Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort have implied the similar design strategies to achieve thermal comfort.

While one demonstrates cultural identity of a place, the other is an immediate response to the environment.

Keywords: opening, thermal comfort, adaptation, vernacular architecture, contemporary architecture

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

1.0 Introduction The emerging thermal comfort challenges call for a revolution of building design strategies. Vernacular architecture varies which responds to the local climate, topography, local building materials, and cultural tradition. The significance of openings in vernacular architecture has been acknowledged by the people. Across a period of time, wide application of openings have grown as the needs change from providing basic shelter to adapted architecture has reflected the desires and standing of that reflect upon change and identity of a place and to meet the demands of modern lifestyles. Contemporary architecture response to the environment and

This case study is particularly interested in the effectiveness of openings in adapted vernacular architecture and contemporary architecture in achieving thermal comfort.

The findings provide a comparison of the Kampung House villa and Contemporary Deluxe suite in Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding. Kampung House villa of Belum Rainforest Resort adopted the concept of traditional Perak Kutai House which is a traditional wooden house, peculiar to Perak, made of a special type of hardwood.

Halim and Hashim (2011, p. 94) found that the original house had small windows in the front wall of the house. These windows opened outwards and another feature of a kutai house is a sliding door at the front of the house known as pintu gelungsur.

Figure 1: Small windows openings and a sliding door at the front of Perak Kutai House

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding Openings are valuable architectural elements to allow penetration of sunlight and natural ventilation to achieve thermal comfort. Thermal comfort aspects are taken into design consideration in view of air temperature, air movement, humidity, and the length of exposure to hot environment to acceptable human comfort range. Many studies were conducted on vernacular architecture based on their building construction technology, materials used, spatial organization and life cycle of the building. The challenge of today’s architects are the responsibility to deal with find a balance among environmental sustainability, site context, materials and technological aspects by applying the features in vernacular architecture to contemporary architecture to offer better solutions to meet the building user’s needs.

This paper will investigate the effectiveness of openings as a method in achieving thermal comfort between Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding by responding to the following research questions:

1.

What are the factors that affect thermal comfort?

2.

How opening reacts to the factors of thermal comfort?

3.

How are the openings used in Belum Rainforest Resort in Adapted Vernacular Architecture to achieve thermal comfort?

4.

How are the openings used in Belum Rainforest Resort in Contemporary Architecture to achieve thermal comfort?

5.

What are the differences between the types of opening of Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort?

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

2.0 Thermal Comfort 2.1 An Overview of Thermal Comfort (ASHRAE, 2004) states that thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. The human body maintains its temperature constant at 37 ± 0.5 °C under different environments. A range of factors such as environmental factors and personal factors can affect human thermal comfort under a stable and natural condition.

2.2 Factor affecting Thermal Comfort Personal factors include individual metabolic rate and the level of clothing which may be non-uniform over a person’s body. For example, human are sensitive to local thermal discomfort when the body is cooler than neutral. As found this standard, (ASHRAE, 2003), “a lightly clothed person with clothing insulation between 0.5 and 0.7 clo (clothing insulation) unit engaged in near sedentary physical activity with metabolic rates between 1.0 met and 1.3 met (metabolic) unit are required in determining acceptable thermal comfort (p. 14)”.

Furthermore, the relationship between environment and thermal comfort are interrelated which affected by air temperature, air movement, humidity, and radiant temperature.

Air temperature affects thermal comfort. Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy (ASHRAE Standard 55, 2003) states, "there are large variations, both physiologically and psychologically, from person to person, it is difficult to satisfy everyone in a space. The environmental conditions required for comfort are not the same for everyone.” Accordingly, the temperature range for thermal comfort should between 21-23 °C, as illustrated in Figure 2.1.

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Figure 2.1: Air flow velocity (m/s) against Air temperature (°C) (Source: I so over airtightness)

Besides, air movement affect thermal comfort at different air temperatures. It increases heat loss when the moving air temperature is lower than human skin temperature.

Agarwal (2012) identifies that ‘Pleasant’ ranges of air movements increase the rate of skin evaporation, provided that the humidity level is in the medium range of 40% to 50% humilities.

Other than that, humidity has insignificant effect during comfort condition except in extreme high or low temperature. Relative humidity is used to determine the rate of evaporation. As shown in Figure 2.2, there is variation in temperature tolerance with the change in relative humidity. Skin evaporates faster in hot and dry environment.

Figure 2.2: The changing rate of humidity with the temperature tolerance of a human (Source: Healthy Heating, 2012)

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding In addition, radiant temperature is the mean of thermal radiation readings from all material in the surrounding includes floors, building walls, human sensory organs, etc.

The radiation from the direct sunlight reacts on the body surface and causes the skin to warm the air. When the radiation reacts on clothes, heat is conducted through clothing to skin. As found in this standard (ASHRAE, 2004), people are more sensitive to the asymmetric radiation caused by a warm ceiling that caused by hot and cold vertical surfaces which can be shown in Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: Local thermal discomfort caused by radiant temperature asymmetry (Source: ASHRAE Standard 55, 2004)

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

3.0 Openings 3.1 An Overview of Openings Openings play a significant role in the architectural type of a building to create an environment suitable for building occupants. In designing a simple building, windows and doors are made to control airflow by opening or closing of the elements, gives excellent insulation and thermal comfort. Nevertheless, the types, size, location, and orientation of openings are important to maximize aesthetic appearance of a building and natural ventilation.

3.2 Reaction of Openings to the factors of thermal comfort In order to achieve thermal comfort, openings are used to achieve thermal comfort by adapting to the building. Various types of openings can be used depending on the concept and or the programme of a building. As shown in Figure 3.2, the type of openings such as louvres, side hung window, bottom hung window, tilt and turn window, top hung window, horizontally pivoted windows, sliding windows, lift and slide door, parallel slide and tilt door can provide passive cooling and heating. These types of windows should be put accordingly to the application area in a building to suit the needs of users and avoid the radiated heat.

Figure 3.2.1 Types of Windows (Source: Architecture Courses, n.d.)

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding Size of Openings include wide variety of dividing possibilities for frames and casings, mullions, glazing bars and applied bars on glazing units which can reduce glare.

Although bigger openings may enhance ventilation, at the same time, it may invite direct sunlight into a building and encourages thermal discomfort. Therefore, only minimum 10% of opening upon floor area is required as stated in Uniform Building ByLaw (1984).

Moreover, the orientation of openings is as important as the design of the openings.

The long faรงade of a building should have minimal sun exposure to the east and the west as shown in Figure 6. This passive solar design strategy will help to minimize solar heat gain and conserve building operational energy. The air temperature and air movement are delivered at a low rate. Consequently, it helps to provide a cooling effect to the building. As the diffusing and indirect light coming from the North, larger windows with louvres are recommended.

Figure 3.2.2: Orientation of building with the longest faรงade of the building facing the north and the south

As illustrated in Figure 3.2.3, the location of openings can maximum daylight use and provide ventilation which will contribute to the thermal comfort of the users.

Organization of openings helps to catch the incoming wind and create desirable ventilation. The openings can be located at the level of occupants to direct wind for optimal thermal comfort. Tall windows on opposite sides of a room can be applied for cross ventilation as shown in Figure 3.2.4. Placement of windows on adjacent walls can produce some airflow.

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Figure 3.2.3: The location of openings helps to maximize cross ventilation

Figure 3.2.4: Room organization strategies and air ventilation

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

4.0 Openings in Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort The design of Phase 2 is divided into two types which is adapted vernacular architecture represented by traditional Kampung House villa and contemporary architecture represented by Deluxe Suite.

Vernacular architecture strongly reflects bioclimatic design, cultural heritage and local building materials. As illustrated in Figure 4.0, the Malay Kampung House are well blended with the tropical climate, with the design of smaller openings. The architecture of Kampung House are adapted from Rumah Kutai which is a traditional Perak Malay House with the use of appropriate sun shading elements on the openings such as traditional louvres and small vertical openings to allow ventilation and minimal sunlight to enter the house. Sliding door is used at the house front. The original Kutai Houses had smaller outward opening windows.

Figure 4.0: Kampung House villa adapted from Perak Kutai House Architecture

From the researches that have been conducted, skylights were installed in most of the Kampung House, especially away from the facade, as shown in Figure 4.0.1. This design actually reduces the energy usage during daytime by allowing the sunlight to penetrate directly into the building. As shown in Figure 4.0.2, the modification of openings allows more light into the house which is used to be dark in vernacular Perak Kutai House architecture. The sunlight will then illuminate the spaces inside the building. At the window openings at entrance of the house are covered with walls which ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding block the lights from getting in. By practicing this design strategy, the energy consumption of the chalets can be lowered and discourages the usage of artificial lights in the construction.

Figure 4.0.1 Skylight installed in toilet reduces daylight energy usage

Figure 4.0.2: Long and small vertical casement winodws in Kampung House allow more sunlight to brighten the space

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Figure 4.0.3: A rammed earth wall blocking the window opening to reduce solar heat gain

The platform with fenestration of all the traditional Kampung House is elevated up from the ground level. The prevailing winds can sweep through the floor deck and reduce the indoor temperature throughout the year.

Figure 4.0.4: Platform with fenestration underneath invites prevailing wind to cool the building interior

The orientation of windows openings of Kampung House are designed to face Temenggor Lake to catch the breeze from the lake. The location of the windows adjacent to the wall to maximize the natural ventilation as illustrated in Figure 4.0.5.

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Temenggor Lake

Figure 4.0.5: The windows adjacent to the wall help to maximize the natural ventilation

Kampung House has relatively well adapted to the traditional Malay architecture by using appropriate openings to ensure users’ thermal comfort. It shows good understanding of the adaptation of vernacular architecture to the local context. Thus, a balanced environment can be achieved with the knowledge of vernacular architecture and the advancement of technology.

Figure 4.0.6: Large openings encourage natural ventilation to the Deluxe Suite

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding On the other hand, the contemporary architecture of Deluxe Suite in Belum Resort has been found to possess the characteristic of large openings to provide the natural ventilation to the buildings as illustrated in Figure 4.0.6. As shown in Figure 4.0.7, the use of fixed glazing in frame windows are stationary and highly insulated windows provide excellent weather tightness and sliding doors with the focus on the simplistic design and aesthetic value.

Figure 4.0.7: The use of highly insulated fixed windows in contemporary Deluxe Suite of Belum Rainforest Resort, providing excellent weather tightness

Besides, the placement of window openings are facing Temenggor Lake to catch natural lake breeze as shown in Figure 4.0.8. It also encourages natural ventilation throughout the deluxe suite.

Figure 4.0.8: The windows and door openings facing Temenggor Lake to catch prevailing wind

Casement door are installed to accommodate the small private dining room. It enables the control of air movement into the room as shown in Figure 4.0.9.

Additionally, contemporary skylights are equipped outside the private dining room to ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding enlighten the space and provide thermal comfort. However, air conditioners are also installed for special occasion to ventilate the air inside the dining room.

Figure 4.0.9: Skylight along the corridor of private dining room to enlighten the space

Other than that, the opposite window and door openings in the deluxe suite promote cross ventilation throughout the house as shown in Figure 4.1 to achieve thermal comfort.

Temenggor Lake

Figure 4.1: Opposite openings in Deluxe Suite promotes cross ventilation

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

5.0 Comparison of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort The features of the openings such as type of windows, orientation of openings, size of openings, and location of windows are to be considered, depending on design and function to provide an efficient natural air exchange for ventilation in order to achieve thermal comfort.

A of comparison of the features of the openings as design strategies in adapted Malay vernacular architecture and contemporary architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort to achieve thermal comfort is shown in the following table.

Adapted Malay

Contemporary

Vernacular Architecture

Architecture

(Kampung House Villa)

(Deluxe Suite)

Louvres, casement

Types of Openings

sliding windows, pivot door,

window, and, panel door

and, skylight

(fenestration is

(openings can be opened

encouraged)

quickly, fenestration not encouraged)

Adjustable door panel,

Size of Openings

Large transparent glass

small and full wall-length

window opening

windows opening

(helps to control air

(controls air movement but

temperature but solar heat

dim interior)

gained)

Facing Temenggor Lake

Orientation of Opening

Facing Temenggor Lake

(enhance natural

(enhance natural

ventilation, promotes

ventilation, promotes

thermal comfort)

thermal comfort)

Windows openings

Location of Opening

Windows and door

adjacent to the wall

openings opposite each

(allow natural ventilation)

other (increase cross ventilation)

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

6.0 Conclusion The implementation of openings in both Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort have implied the similar design strategies by using types of openings, size of openings, orientation of openings, and the location of openings in order to achieve thermal comfort while one exemplifies a dense cultural meaning, the other is an immediate response to the environment. There are pros and cons for Belum Rainforest Resort to use the adaptation of Vernacular Architecture which is Perak Kampung House and Contemporary architecture to achieve thermal comfort.

Besides, it is the important to nurture the interest among our locals for future generations to understand that the existence of opening and vernacular architecture, which is designed with a deep cultural importance to the symbol of a local context, can be incorporated onto contemporary and contemporary vernacular architecture. It is personal fascinating experience to identify the features of openings between Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture through the research on these two case studies.

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Openings as a Method to achieve Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Study of Adapted Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

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ASHRAE Standard (2003, May). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55.Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Retrieved November 2, 2014 from http://www.labeee.ufsc.br/antigo/arquivos/publicacoes/standard-55_2003.pdf

ASHRAE (2004). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55.Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Atlanta: American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Airconditioning Engineers Inc.

Dabaieh, M. (2014). Energy efficient design strategies for contemporary vernacular buildings in Egypt. Retrieved September 8, 2014, from http://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=4437087&file OId=4437088

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London: Thomas Telford Publishing.

World Architecture. (2011, November). Recent Malaysian Work. Retrieved September 8, 2014, from http://www.c-arch.com.my/data/uploads/pub-world-architecturebelum.pdf

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