Asian Architecture Case Study Report

SOLUTIONS TO HEAT GAIN CHALLENGES

USING OPEN LAYOUT PLAN IN DECK HOUSE

Asian Architecture (ARC 2213/2234)

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

NAME : TEOH HUI YU

STUDENT ID : 0313701

LECTURER : PN. NOR HAYATI RAMLI

SUBMISSION DATE: 24/12/2015

Solutions to Heat Gain Challenges Using Open Layout Plan In Deck House

Table of Content

Abstract pg

1.0 Introduction .........................................................................................................3

1.1 Overview of Deck House.........................................................................4

1.2 Research questions...................................................................................6

2.0 Open layout plan..................................................................................................7

2.1 Comparison of traditional Malay house layout plan

with Deck House layout plan.................................................................8

2.2 Importance and advantages of using open layout plan..........................10

3.0 Strategies to reduce site impact.................................................. .......................13

3.1 Elevated structure...................................................................................14

3.2 Advantages and function of vegetation..................................................16

4.0 Design features...................................................................................................19

4.1 Building design.......................................................................................20

4.2 Openings.................................................................................................22

4.3 Materiality........................................................................ .....................24

5.0 Conclusion.................................................................. .......................................27

6.0 References....................................................................... ..................................28

7.0 Plagiarism check................................................................................................29

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Abstract

This paper show the integration between contemporary Deck House Janda Baik with Malay

vernacular architecture to achieve thermal comfort in tropical climate. The main objective of this

paper is to investigate the open layout plan used to reduce heat gain in Deck House. Deck House

is a light-looking structure build on the hill using mainly steel and glass. It is designed based on

the surrounding context and climate which will influence the design, layout and materials of the

building. One of the main features that can be seen in Deck House is the open layout plan. Build

in the middle of rainforest, Deck house uses open layout plan, which have minimal partitions

wall to allow good ventilation to occur. The traditional open layout plan let the air to circulate

throughout the interior spaces and remove the heat in the room faster. Based on the semi-outdoor

concept, the open space living, dining and kitchen areas are connected to the deck which can

enjoy the view of nature. In assisting the validation of research, literature reviews based on

various sources regarding open layout plan design was conducted to enhance the process. To

further remove the heat gain, there are few solutions that used in the Deck House. The first

solutions is the openings(ventilation) in buildings. Deck House uses louvers at ceiling height,

operable windows and sliding door to maximize natural ventilation. The large overhang roof aid

in sun shading and rainfall. For the material, Deck House used light weight materials such as

steel, glass, and timber. The building design are focus on ventilation and shading. Deck House

elevated on the site, without changing much on the contour and blend in with nature. The

orientation of Deck House are design according to the sun path and wind pattern in the site.

(Vernacular Architecture, 'Malay Houses'. N.p., 2011)

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Overview of Deck House

Vernacular architecture is a local architecture style that considering the factors such as culture,

climate and surrounding context, which these factors will influence the building layout, design,

and materials use. In this fast pace era, architecture style are revolve in fast speed with the use of

new technology. In Malaysia, our building are mostly build with vernacular style. One of the

richest elements in our culture and history will be traditional Malay houses. Traditional Malay

houses are excellent in ventilation and thermal comfort.

For this research paper, I had chosen Deck House, Janda Baik which designed by Architect Choo

Gim Wah. Deck House is a contemporary house which integrate traditional Malay house features

into its modern design. Deck House is a light-looking structure sit on the hill, materials are

mainly steel and glass. Build with two and half storey tall with 3 bedrooms and spanning a total

area of 370 square meter. The semi-open concept allow the indoor and outdoor areas to have

nearly equal division of spaces. Deck House are designed according to the site contour, which

concept focus on the surrounding environment. One of the most interesting part of Deck House is

the use of traditional Malay layout plan as main design approach. With the aid of open layout

plan, Deck House are extraordinary cold as there are less partition walls in the interior space. The

building layout allow well ventilation occurs throughout the day and night. To further reduce

heat gain in the building, Deck House implied the other design features of Malay traditional

house such as openings, large overhangs, elevated structure and so on. (Figure 1.1.1 and Figure

1.1.2)

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Figure 1.1.1: Deck House view from distance.

Source: Fooyoh Entertainment!,. (2013). The Deck House in Janda Baik is Modern with Amazing Rainforest Views .

Retrieved 20 November 2015, from http://fooyoh.com/homegazine_homegarden_architecture/8552157/the-deck-

house-in-janda-baik-is-modern-with-amazing-rainforest-views

Figure 1.1.2: Front view of Deck House.

Source: KARMATRENDZ,. (2014). The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect. Retrieved 20 November 2015,

from https://karmatrendz.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/the-deck-house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/

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1.2 Research Question

This research paper will discuss about solutions to heat gain challenges using open layout plan in

Deck House guided by the questions and diagram below:

Diagram : concept diagram of solutions to heat gain challenges using open layout plan in Deck House.

1. Why open layout plan is consider as an effective design approach in tropical climate?

2. What are the strategies implemented by Deck House to reduce the negative impact on the site

context?

3. How does the design features act as solutions to help in solving heat gain problem in Deck

House?

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2.0 Open Layout Plan

Traditional Malay house belongs to Malay, and different states have different kind of design

features. But they are having some common features in Malay house. For traditional Malay

house, they are having minimal partitions wall in interior to allow flexible use of spaces. The

function of space changes at different times of month or year. Besides that, the minimal interior

wall allow good ventilation to occur. Body level ventilation provide comfort for the occupants in

house. The open layout plan in traditional Malay house shows how important is the need of

ventilation provided into a design. (Vernacular Architecture, 2011)

Contemporary Deck House has well integrates traditional Malay house features into its design.

One of the main feature is the use of traditional Malay house open layout plan as design

approach. Open layout plan one of the most effective layout design to achieve thermal comfort in

tropical country such as Malaysia. It not only allow the good ventilation to occur through the

spaces without obstacles, it also provide wider open space and natural lighting into the building.

The following topic will discuss on how successful Deck House integrate Malay open layout

plan into its design and how effective it is.

Research Methods:

1. Document Analysis : Floor plans, sections, elevations

2. Observation : Digital Camera

3. Thermal measurement : Thermometer

4. Literature Review

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2.1 Comparison of traditional Malay house layout plan with Deck

House layout plan

Data Analysis Traditional Malay House Contemporary Deck House

1. Elongated open plan allow easy passage of

air and well cross ventilation.

Figure 2.1.1: Traditional layout plan

Analysis:

As we can see in Figure 2.1.1, the highlighted

part is the wall separating the living area and

bedroom(Bilik). The wall are exist to divide

public and private spaces only. Apart from

bedroom, we can see that there all absence of

walls at public spaces. The spaces are connect

to one another. As I mentioned early, the

spaces are divided into areas, instead of rooms,

for various social and household activities.

1. Uses traditional vernacular layout plan as a

design guides in arranging spaces.

Figure 2.1.2: Deck House ground floor plan

Analysis:

As we can see in Figure 2.1.2, less partition

walls are found in Deck House. The

highlighted parts are the walls exist to separate

bedroom and bathroom from public area such

as kitchen, dining area and living area. The

open space living area, dining area and kitchen

are connected to the open deck area.

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Figure 2.1.3: Traditional Malay house interior

From Figure 2.1.3, we can see that there are no

walls between the public spaces. The

ventilation can well occur throughout the

interior spaces.

2. Temperature

Interior temperature are cooler than the outdoor

temperature. This is due to the materials used

to build Malay house, and also its building

design. The open layout plan allow air to

circulate throughout the house effectively.

Figure 2.1.4: Interior space of Deck House

From Figure 2.1.4, we can see that Deck House

are applying the traditional Malay house

building layout into design. The Living area

are connecting to dining and kitchen area, with

no partition wall in between.

2. Temperature

Deck House operable windows are open most

of the time, to allow the cross ventilation to

occur. The difference of temperature between

outdoor and indoor are different about 4 degree

Celsius. It is cooler then outdoor as the open

layout plan allow the air to circulate with no

obstacle in the spaces, and the trees and

overhang roof had helped to cool down the air

temperature before enter the house.

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Living area

Kitchen

Dining area


2.2 Importance and advantages of using open layout plan

Data AnalysisTraditional Malay house Contemporary Deck House

1. More open wide space

Figure 2.2.1: Traditional Malay house layout

Lesser partition wall allow the spaces to

carry out various social and household

activities. (Figure 2.2.1)

2. Better ventilation

Figure 2.2.3: ventilation across every level in

traditional Malay house.

The concept of ventilation in traditional

1. More open wide space

Figure 2.2.2: Deck House layout plan

Lesser partition walls allow visually and

physically wider space in public area.

(Figure 2.2.2)

2. Better ventilation

Figure 2.2.4: Dark color arrow showing ventilation across

body level.

The less partition walls in Deck House allow

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Malay houses is a three approaches

combination, which are ventilation from top,

cross ventilation from body level and also at

bottom level. (Figure 2.2.3) The less

partitions allow no obstacles for the cross

ventilation to occur. Thus, reduce the heat in

interior space.

3. Natural light

Figure 2.2.5: Malay house interior

Traditional Malay house tends to be under

light. This makes the interior feel cooler.

ventilation at body level to occur efficiently. The

wind flow are not block by any obstacles(walls).

The body level is the most vital space for

ventilation for comfort. Windows and doors at

body level are full length full operable.

(Figure 2.2.4)

3. Natural light

Figure 2.2.6: Deck house interior

Deck House has brighter interior space. Lights

penetrate into the house through the large glass

windows. Whole open space are full with

daylight.

Conclusion:

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Deck House integrates successful with traditional Malay house open layout plan to achieve

thermal comfort in tropical climate. The use of open layout plan in Deck House help to achieve

good ventilation throughout the day. The less partition walls create no obstacles for cross

ventilation to occur, and also provide wider views to outside house. Besides, the interior space of

Deck House are flooded with light like most of the traditional Malay house do. Built at the

slanting hill in the middle of tropical climate, using open layout plan as design approach are

aiding Deck House to have a cool and windy interior. To further reduce heat gain in the house,

selection of materials and building design had been considered. This will be explained in the

following topic.

3.0 Strategies to reduce site impact

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Traditional Malay houses are elevated on timber stilts or pile. The elevated structure are due to

our tropical climate and weather. Early settlements were build along rivers, thus raise floor

construction was used to prevent floods and also wild animals. Besides that, this feature also

serve as a source of natural ventilation. Elevated Malay house reduce impact on the existing site,

and also uses existing vegetation for shading, foods and act as construction materials. The

vegetation does not block the passage of wind at the house level. (Vernacular Architecture, 2011)

In contemporary house nowadays, vegetation are used to provide shading and also to reduce the

temperature gain into house. This idea same goes to Deck House. Deck House built on the

slanting side of the hill, with reinforced concrete stilts support the building structure. Deck

House concept was highlights the aim to keep focus on the surroundings. The stilts allow Deck

House to maintain mostly the existing vegetation and also reduce impact to the site such as

natural hydrology. Elevated structure also allow Deck House to catches winds at high velocity

due to the high altitude of house level. The windows and openings of Deck House are mostly

located at north and south side. Wind flow through the vegetations into interior, bring in cold

wind from outside. . The deck are extended out for the occupants to spend more time there and

enjoy the nature view. Following topics will elaborate on the strategies use in Deck House to

reduce site impact.

Research methods:

1. Document Analysis : Section drawing, elevations, diagrams



3.1 Elevated structure

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Data AnalysisTraditional Malay house Contemporary Deck House

1. Elevated to prevents floods and animals.

Figure 3.1.1 Elevated Malay house

To avoiding flooding and also animal attack,

traditional Malay house are build on timber

stilts. As we can see in Figure 3.1.1, the stilts

make the house higher from the ground. The

external environment of traditional Malay

house are surround by vegetations. Wind

velocity increase with altitude, thus Malay

house catches more wind into interior.

2. Provide privacy

Figure 3.1.3: Traditional Malay house on stilts.

As we can see in Figure 3.1.3, timber stilts

1. Not changing much on the contour.

Figure 3.1.2: Elevated Deck House

To reduce the impact on site contour, Deck

house uses stilts to support the structure. As we

can see in Figure 3.1.2, stilts minimize the

interference of the existing contour. Besides

that, the hydrology will also not affected much

with the use of stilts. The vegetations are also

maintained at the site. This will be further

discuss in following topics.

2. Less impact on natural hydrology

Firgure 3.1.4: Elevation Deck House on stilts.

As we can see in Figure 3.1.4, Deck House are

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make the whole Malay house higher from

ground. It is higher than eye level thus people

are hard to see through the interior space,

providing more privacy to the occupants.

3. Catches wind at high velocity

Figure 3.1.5: Section traditional Malay house

Figure 3.1.5 show the high altitude of floor

catches high velocity of wind into the interior,

and allow cross ventilation to occur.

less touching the contour. It allow the nature

hydrology on site to maintain, not affecting the

water flow pattern when it is rain. The trees are

receive enough amount of rainwater from top

of hill.

3. Catches wind at high velocity

Figure 3.1.6: Elevation of Deck House

Figure 3.1.6 show Deck houses build on the

slanting site contour with stilts. Just like

traditional Malay house, Deck House catches

more winds into interior with the high altitude

of structure. The louvers also act to catch wind

to reduce heat gain in the house. Louvers will

be further explain in next topic.

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3.2 Advantages and function of vegetation

Data AnalysisTraditional Malay House Contemporary Deck House

1. Provide shading

Figure 3.2.1: Vegetation surround Malay house

Figure 3.2.1 is the traditional compound of

Malay house. As we can see the house are

surround by vegetations. The windows facing

side are the locations of tall trees , thus the

window can be open during the day.

2. Reduce heat gain into building and does not

block the passage of wind.

Figure 3.2.3: Malay house with vegetations

Figure 3.2.3 shows the traditional Malay house

1. Provide shading

Figure 3.2.2: Vegetation at Deck House

As we can see in Figure 3.2.2, Deck House is

surround by heavy vegetation. The tress act as

a natural shading to the interior. Thus, Deck

House can design in large glass panel windows

and doors.

2. . Reduce heat gain into building and does

not block the passage of wind.

Figure 3.2.4: Deck house with vegetations

Figure 3.2.4 shows the bedroom in Deck

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with vegetations at surrounding. As the house

build on stilts, the trees are not blocking the

wind flow into interior spaces. The trees help

to reduce the excessive heat from entering the

house.

3. Food and construction materials

Figure 3.2.5: Traditional Malay house build from timber

(trees parts)

The vegetations around traditional Malay

houses are mostly coconut trees and tall trees.

Some vegetations provide foods, while some

trees are use to build houses. From Figure

3.2.5, we can see that the houses are build

using parts of trees.

House open to the forest area to allow the wind

to enter. The wind passes through the trees

before entering the interior space, thus will

lower the temperature. The trees are not

blocking the wind blow into building.

3. Nature view

Figure 3.2.6: Deck in Deck House

Deck house has a deck that connected to the

living area, dining area and kitchen. Figure

3.2.6 shows that the deck is extended into the

forest area which want the occupants to spend

more time at there and enjoy the nature views,

surround by the tall trees.

Conclusion:

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Building in the middle of the tropical rainforest with the slanting contour, Deck House has uses

the elevated Malay house as the design reference. Deck House are built considerate of the

existing site context. To reduce the negative impact on original site, Deck House are supported

by the reinforced concrete stilts. Elevated Deck House avoid cutting down the trees on site, and

not affect much on the natural hydrology. Besides, elevated Deck House let the building to catch

wind into interior with high velocity. The minimize of impact on site let the occupants in Deck

House to have enough privacy, shadings and also beautiful views into the nature. Wind velocity

increase with altitude, and this allow the interior space to have lower temperature and thermal

comfort. The shading from trees allow Deck House to have more modern design including the

large panels of glass windows and door. The glass windows are shade by the trees thus can be

open throughout the day for ventilation. The elevated structure make Deck House look more

attractive beside from its function.

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4.0 Design Features

Traditional Malay architecture are influence by tropical climate and weather. Common features

of Malay houses are large overhang roof, fully open able windows at body level, elevated up and

the used of local materials to build the house.

For Deck House, to further reduce the heat gain into building, its design features also uses

traditional Malay house features as reference to solve this matter. The overhang roof are modern

large overhang roof, which protect interior from sun and rain. The building are orientated to have

longer north-south facade to reduce direct sunlight into building. There are lots of openings that

can be found in Deck House, which excellent in ventilation. The materials used are chosen light

weight and sustainable materials which suitable to be used at the site.

Research Methods:

1. Document Analysis : Floor plans, materials used, sections drawings



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4.1 Building Design


1. Sloping long roof with large overhangs

Figure 4.1.1: Malay house roof

As we can see in Figure 4.1.1, traditional

Malay house have large overhangs roof which

provide good protection against the sunlight

and rain. With the large overhangs roof, the

windows can be left open during daytime for

ventilation.

1. Large overhang roof

Figure 4.1.2: Deck House roof

As we can see in Figure 4.1.2, Deck House

also uses large overhang roofs. In some part of

the house, the overhang roof are extended out

to prevent rain from coming in. The operable

windows and doors can be left open throughout

the day for ventilation to occur.

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2. Orientation

Figure 4.1.3: Orientation of Malay house

Traditional Malay house are often orientated to

face Mecca for religious purpose. The east-

west facade are shorter to minimize the

exposure to sun radiation. This orientation

suitable to use in Malaysia as longer north-

south facade will receive more wind and lesser

exposure of sunlight.

2. Orientation

Figure 4.1.4: Orientation of Deck House

Deck House are orientated based on sun

orientation. Based on Figure 4.1.4, we can see

that the longer facade is north-south facade

with more openings to allow air flow directly

into the building. The east-west facade are less

openings compare to north-south facade to

prevent too much exposure of sunlight.

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4.2 Openings


1. Doors and windows

Figure 4.2.1:Doors and windows of traditional Malay

house

Based on Figure 4.2.1, we can see that

traditional Malay house have many openings

such as windows and door. The windows can be

open throughout the day with the help of

shading devices such as overhangs roof and

vegetations on site. The openings allow cross

ventilation to occur at body level to reduce heat

in the interior spaces.

1. Operable doors and windows

Figure 4.2.2: Operable doors in bedroom in Deck

House

Based on Figure 4.2.2, we can see that Deck

house have a lot of operable doors and

windows. The use of full length full operable

windows at certain spaces can be open

throughout the daytime for cross ventilation to

occur. The overhangs roof protect interior

spaces from sun and rain, allow the windows

to be opens for people to close to nature.

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2. Louvers

Figure 4.2.3: Louvers located near the roof

Figure 4.2.3 shows that roof spaces in the

traditional Malay house are properly ventilated

through the ventilation joints and panels in the

roof construction. Louvers near roof allow the

wind to flow in and ventilation occurs

throughout day and night time.

2. Louvers

Figure 4.2.4: Louvers near the ceiling area

The aluminum louvers as shown in Figure

4.2.4 are functions to allow excellent

ventilation and air exchange during day time

and night time. Besides, it also protect interior

space from excessive heat.

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4.3 Materiality


1. Light weight timber frame structure

Figure 4.3.1 Axonometric of traditional Malay House

structure

Based on Figure 4.3.1, The house structural

frame(columns, beams and joists) are made

from hard wood. The non structural part such

as doors, walls and windows are also made up

from wood. The roof finishes are made from

nipah, rumbia or bertam. Malay houses built

using low thermal capacity construction

materials.

2. Steel frame structure with glass

Figure 4.3.2: Interior of Deck House showing the steel

frame structure.

Based on Figure 4.3.2, we can see that the

Deck House are build from steel frame

structure. Steel frame structure itself are light

weight, it is the modern low thermal capacity

materials. Thus, steel frame structure are

suitable for the climate on site. The concrete

stilts are build to withstand the load of the

building. The uses of glass panel allow no

obstacle to view the nature.

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Traditional Malay house are build from

timber frame structure (damar laut)

Roof finishes using rumbia

Non structural such as door, windows and

walls are using bamboo.

Deck House are build of

steel frame structure.

Large glass panel of windows

Timber for flooring finishes. Figure 4.3.3: The difference of materials used for traditional Malay house and Deck House

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Conclusion:

Deck House are uses traditional Malay house features as a design reference. The main features is

the open layout plan. To further reduce heat gain into building, Deck House has apply other

design features of Malay house into its design, such as openings, materials and orientation. The

overhangs roof and orientation help the Deck House to reduce sun exposure into the the interior.

The openings further bring in the cool wind from outdoor and remove the interior hot air,

increase the air circulation. Besides, build in the middle of rainforest, steel frame structure are

actually suit the climate on site. The materials chosen are low thermal capacity and light-

weighted, which help to maintain the coolness of interior spaces. These strategies had helped

Deck House to reduce heat gain into building.

Elements Traditional Malay House Contemporary Deck House

Building

materials

Local materials, wood, bamboo Steel, glass, concrete, timber

Climate concern Yes Yes

Contextual

response

Yes Yes

Lighting Good Very Good

Views Certain area Large area (glass)

Ventilation

(openings)

1. Roof space

2. body level

3. stilts

1. Louvers near ceiling

2. body level

3. stilts.

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5.0 Conclusion

Based on the data analysis, with the comparison of contemporary Deck House with traditional

Malay house, we can see that Deck House has integrate the Malay house features into its modern

design. To suit tropical climate, Deck House has uses traditional Malay open layout plan as

design approach. The public spaces are visually wide and no walls between the spaces. The walls

are only exist to divide the private spaces and give privacy to certain area. Ventilation are good

in Deck House as no walls are blocking the wind flow. The interior of Deck House are bright as

the glass wall allow the sunlight to penetrate in. The Deck House are built on reinforced concrete

stilts, which elevated structure minimize impact on the original site. The elevated structure do

not block the natural hydrology and avoid cutting down trees. The elevated structure also

increase the wind velocity into building, thus the interior spaces are cool and windy when the full

operable windows are open. Next, Deck House are orientated according to sunlight and wind

pattern on site. The longer facade are north-south facade which reduce direct sunlight into the

interior space, and bring more winds inside. As Deck House have large overhangs roof to protect

from sun and rain, the windows can be open throughout the day for ventilation. The louvers at

Deck House are located near the ceiling, to allow ventilation occurs throughout day time and

night time, it provide more winds into the spaces. Although Deck House are build using modern

materials, but the materials are low thermal capacity and light-weighted, and sustainable to the

original site. Deck House has integrate traditional Malay house design into its modern design

successfully. It has designed climatically and blend in with the surrounding. Occupants in the

house can feel the sense of harmony in nature and tranquility in the Deck House.

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6.0 References

Fooyoh Entertainment!,. (2013). The Deck House in Janda Baik is Modern with Amazing

Rainforest Views. Retrieved 20 November 2015, from

http://fooyoh.com/homegazine_homegarden_architecture/8552157/the-deck-house-in-

janda-baik-is-modern-with-amazing-rainforest-views

KARMATRENDZ,. (2014). The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect. Retrieved 20

November 2015, from https://karmatrendz.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/the-deck-

house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/

Sahabuddin, F. 'Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture And Its Relationship To Climate'.

Academia.edu. N.p., 2015. Web. 29 Sept. 2015. From:

http://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_a

nd_Its_Relationship_to_Climate

S.K., Kamarul. Climatic design of the traditional Malay house to meet the requirements of

modern living. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. From:

http://anzasca.net/wpcontent/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2004_Kamal.pdf

Vernacular Architecture,. 'Malay Houses'. N.p., 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2015 Retrieved from:

https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/helloworld/#comments

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7.0 Plagiarism Check- 3%

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Education

Asian Architecture Case Study Report