AA Final Case Study Paper

AsianAsianAsianAsian ArchitectureArchitectureArchitectureArchitecture [ARC[ARC[ARC[ARC 2213/2213/2213/2213/2222234234234234]]]]

PROJECTPROJECTPROJECTPROJECT 1:1:1:1: CASECASECASECASE STUDYSTUDYSTUDYSTUDY

PaPaPaPassivessivessivessive DesignDesignDesignDesign StrategiesStrategiesStrategiesStrategies AddressedAddressedAddressedAddressed totototo LocalLocalLocalLocal ClimateClimateClimateClimate totototoReduceReduceReduceReduce HeatHeatHeatHeat GainGainGainGain inininin thethethethe ShedsShedsShedsSheds ofofofof SekepingSekepingSekepingSekeping SerendahSerendahSerendahSerendah

Retreat.Retreat.Retreat.Retreat.

NAME: NG WEI YING

STUDENT ID: 0316366

LECTURER: MDM. SHAHRIANNE

SUBMISSION DATE: 9 JUNE 2015

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




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.




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.




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





Figure 1.1.3 Glass Shed

Source: [Untitled photograph of the Glass Shed]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from


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:




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?




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.




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.




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




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.




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.




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.




Figure 4.1.1.3 Louvers and openings on all sides of the Timber Shed



Figure 4.1.1.4 Open air shower area of the Timber Shed






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


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.




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




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



Figure 4.1.2.3 Overhang of the Mud Shed






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.




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.




Figure 4.1.2.5 Open plan design of the Mud Shed



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.




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




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




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


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.




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


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




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/




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.




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




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.




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.




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

Documents

AA Final Case Study Paper