Asian Architecture (ARC2234 / ARC60403)

Project 2: Case Study Paper – Topic & Issue Proposal (10%)

Due Date: 11 October 2016 (Tuesday)

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 names and IDs:

Chan Yi Qin (0315964)

Chia Cheng Wei (0322091)

Chew Jia Chen (0322852)

Kooi Yong Kai (0323152)

Lee Xiang Loon (0322090)

Tutor: Ms Nurul Alia Ahamad

An Analysis of the Application of Design Strategies of Vernacular Malay

Architecture to Achieve Thermal Comfort in 8D House, Bukit Damansara

Research Questions:

1. How does the choice of materials address solar heat gain issues to achieve thermal

comfort in 8D House?

2. How does the implementation of shading devices improve thermal and visual comfort

in 8D House?

3. How does the site response contribute to the reduction of solar heat gain in 8D

House?

4. How does local materials, site response and shading devices modernize traditional

vernacular architecture in 8D House?

5. What are the considerations required to achieve thermal comfort while still relating to

its surrounding context of 8D House?

Summary of the topic (300 words):

Malaysian architecture started off with a vernacular design approach to suit with the local hot

and humid climate. These vernacular styles adapt to its surrounding context and designed to

fulfill the needs of the users. Traditional Malay houses are usually oriented in the east-west

direction to minimize areas exposed to solar radiation and to suit the wind patterns available

in Malaysia. Sufficient window and door openings are the main elements for ventilation to

allow air passage into the interior spaces of the building. Roof spaces and large roof eaves

help to cool the house and provide ample shade. The construction of traditional Malay houses

uses renewable natural materials such as timber as an effective way for climatic comfort in

the building.

Since 8D House is situated in a modern geographical context with its surrounding

neighborhood being fully developed with generally large vernacular bungalows, a

contemporary approach is incorporated with reference to that of typical traditional Malay

houses including a tropical verandah and roof design strategies. Critical thinking and careful

considerations were required as the building lot slopes down from the road about 10 metres

and the building was needed to blend well with the neighboring houses.

This research paper focuses on how the application of design strategies of vernacular Malay

architecture helps to reduce solar heat gain and improve thermal comfort in 8D House. A

deeper analysis will be carried out to investigate how the choice and properties of the

materials would influence the performance of sun shading to reduce solar heat gain. In

addition, this paper also analyses how the building responds to the site context in terms of its

orientation, natural landscape and the presence of water bodies to improve the living

condition of the users in the building. Innovative sun shading strategies with vernacular

architecture reference is used to address solar heat gain issues in 8D House.

Annotated Bibliography:

1. ArchDaily (2016). 8D House / DRTAN LM Architect. Retrieved September 13, 2016,

from http://www.archdaily.com/784182/8d-house-drtan-lm-architect

This online article provides an in-depth project description from the architect himself

about 8D House through both text and visuals showcasing photos and drawings of the

building.

2. Green Home Building (n.d.). Shaping buildings for the humid tropics - Green home

building. Retrieved October 6, 2016, from

http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/pdf/shapingbuildings1.pdf

The article focuses on various design strategies for buildings located in humid tropics

such as Malaysia.

3. Knoji (n.d.). Contextualism: Architecture and Context. Retrieved October 5, 2016,

from https://architecture.knoji.com/contextualism-architecture-and-context/

This site contains information on the three types of contextual references such as

regionalism, critical regionalism, and vernacularism.

4. Lee, H. (n.d.). The kampong house: Architecture and culture of the Malay vernacular

in Peninsular Malaysia. doi:10.5353/th_b4456973

This journal gives an understanding on the architecture and culture of the traditional

kampong house in various states of Peninsular Malaysia.

5. Lim, W. S., & Tan, H. B. (1998). The new Asian architecture: Vernacular traditions

and contemporary style. Hong Kong: Periplus Editions.

This book showcases the outstanding examples of contemporary architecture in South

East Asia and how it pushed forward the Asian trend of returning to one's roots.

6. Vernacular Architecture (2011). Malay houses. Retrieved October 5, 2016, from

https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/hello-world/

An article on vernacular architecture, specifically the traditional Malay house, that

talks about its origins, climate responsive design, and also its spatial layout.