Asian Architecture (ARC 2234 / ARC60403) Project 1: Case Study Paper

Topic & Issue Proposal (10%) Due Date: 30 Sept 2014

Prepare a two-page type-written proposal, including a concept mapping, a summary of the topic and/or issue to be explored, some of the questions you hope to address, along with a title, and an annotated bibliography of sources.

Student name and ID: Foo Wei Min 0321577

Tutor: Miss Alia Ahamad

The Implementation of Solar Shading Strategies to Achieve Thermal and Visual Comfort in 8D House, Bukit Damansara.

Research Question(s):

1) What are the potential solution from vernacular architecture to overcome solar heat gain in 8D

House?

2) What are the sun shading strategies adapted to accommodate the microclimate at Bukit

Damansara?

3) How does each solar shading device act as a solution in addressing the solar heat gain in 8D

House?

4) What are the critical external factors influencing the effectiveness of the strategies

implemented?

5) How does the design of solar shading device improve in living condition and to achieve both

thermal and visual comfort?

Summary of the topic (300 words):

In geographical locations with hot and humid climate, solar control is one main issue to be looked into.

By influencing natural lighting levels in the interior and view to the exterior, this issue greatly affects user

comfort as well as energy consumption in a building. Adaptive and self-sustainable is the key of success

of vernacular architecture, which is designed to fulfill user and local needs. Thus, it is believed to be the

best model of inspiration for contemporary architecture and innovative design solution.

In 8D house at Bukit Damansara, the brief required a house with resort facilities and green sustainable

feature to minimize the cooling energy consumption. One of the most effective way is that, to minimize

the solar heat gain through building envelope. This paper aims to discuss the impact of the

implementation of solar shading devices in response to context. To accommodate the micro climate in

Bukit Damansara, 8D house located on a hillside in the affluent suburb stretches along the road

frontage has appropriate location for its fenestration. Innovative design solution with vernacular

architecture reference is used to address the solar heat gain in 8D House. For instance, the roof design

with large overhangs, vertical metal louvers as well as the design of building to shade itself from

evening sun etc. A deeper analysis on how the external factors and properties of material would

influence the performance on sun shading feature will highlight the importance of shading in improving

living condition, and affecting wellbeing and productivity of user.

Annotated Bibliography

Amirhosein. M. et al.. (2014). The Essence Of Malay Vernacular Houses: Analysis Of The socio-cultural and

Environmental Values. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262074631_THE_ESSENCE_OF_MALAY_VERNACULAR_HOUSES_A

NALYSIS_OF_THE_SOCIO-CULTURAL_AND_ENVIRONMENTAL_VALUES

This article explains about the relationship between Malay Vernacular House and environmental issue these day.

It reminds designer to be more concern about essence of vernacular architecture and apply them in contemporary

residential design.

Archdaily. (2016). 8D House/ Drtan LM Architect. Retrieved from http://www.archdaily.com/784182/8d-house-

drtan-lm-architect

This article gives information about 8D House, explaining the feature and provide photos of the house.

Don. P. (2014). Whole Building Design Guide. Sun Control and Shading Devices. Retrieved from

https://www.wbdg.org/resources/suncontrol.php

This site provide practical and effective ways in designing solar shading devices.

Firrdhaus. S. (n.d.) Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Cli

mate

This book give an idea of the relationship of climatic issue and Malaysian vernacular architecture.

James. A. (2006). Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. United Kingdom.

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=KXaX4tUEOOsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

This book explains about the characteristic of vernacular architecture in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore in

response to their context.