Case study

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

The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

NAME:

Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing

STUDENT ID:

0316202

LECTURER:

Shahrianne

SUBMISSION DATE:

9th June 2015

The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

The

Integration

of

the

Malaysian

Vernacular

Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

Table of Contents

Page

Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 2 1.0

Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3

2.0

Overview of Vernacular Architecture ............................................................... 4

2.1

Malaysian Vernacular Architecture ............................................................. 6

2.2

Design approach towards the context ......................................................... 7

3.0 Vernacular Architectural Elements....................................................................... 8 3.1

Traditional Malay House ............................................................................. 9

3.2

Case Study: The Deck House ................................................................... 11

3.3

Summary and Comparison ....................................................................... 14

4.0

Energy Efficiency Analysis ............................................................................ 14

4.1 Internal and External Ventilation ................................................................... 14 4.2 OTTV…………………………………………………………………………………16 4.3 Carbon Emission and Energy Consumption…………………………………….22 5.0

Green Building Index .................................................................................... 23

6.0

Conclusion .................................................................................................... 24

7.0

References ................................................................................................... 25

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

Abstract Conducting this analytic study of architectural elements has the purpose of assessing the energy efficiency of the Vernacular Architecture elements, which have been indicated in the contemporary modern houses. Based on local context and environmental issues, Vernacular Architecture, by definition is sustainable as it does not exhaust local resources. As energy efficiency is the first step towards achieving sustainability in the design of buildings, we discover factors which control the energy usage, and reduce environmental footprints. Regulating the energy usage is a step after the design of the building; in terms of plan layout, façade design, design strategies and material selection. In proceeding with the study, we must fully understand the definition of vernacular architecture, the characteristics in the design. Through literature review, we learn about the vernacular style of Malaysia. One representation of the architectural style of Malaysia is the Deck House. As it is evident that the Deck House was built with contemporary materials and construction methods, the essence of the traditional is felt. It is understood that the priority of the design was energy savings. It was proven through the extensive use of glass as a façade material, to promote natural well-lit interiors and aluminium louvers high up on the walls, as well as ample windows for efficient ventilation. Proving the efficiency and approving the design strategies is in the aftermath of the analysis made using appropriate rating tools and calculation methods. Thermal comfort is one part of energy efficiency. Glass, as a curtain wall, allows great heat transfer. Large openings induce cross ventilation as a cooling strategy. Hence it has come to a conclusion that the Deck House’s design features minimize the use of artificial energy sources, such as lighting and cooling appliances. It

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. has become a fascinating experience to learn that the old vernacular style was source of great solutions in the field of sustainability.

1.0 Introduction Vernacular architecture, by definition, is the simplest form of architecture to respond to the needs of the users. It appeared to be forgotten in the design of modern architects, only until recent rises in energy consumption costs, a sudden change in architecture towards vernacular architecture has occurred.

Cultural building traditions are being important factors to consider, since that it has been stated after proof, that these structures are energy efficient and altogether sustainable. We have now approached an era where urbanisation has increased exponentially and where we have made great technological advancement, but we still know little from the traditional knowledge of vernacular construction.

This paper will investigate on the analysis of the vernacular architecture elements as a solution to Energy Efficiency demands, by responding to the following research questions: Question1:

What are Vernacular Architecture and the elements that define the vernacular style of Malaysia?

Question 2:

What are similarities and differences in elements between the old traditional Malay house and the modern style house such as The Deck house?

Question 3:

What is OTTV?

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

Question 4:

The Deck House is considered as an example of sustainable architecture. How does it overcome the sustainability needs through the design strategies?

Question 5:

How effective are the elements of the Deck House to promote energy efficiency in term of GBI Assessment?

2.0 Overview of Vernacular Architecture Since the beginning of human civilisation, man has been forced to adapt himself to the natural resources and his surroundings as a matter of survival. Man needed to find shelter and comfort which would protect him from the nature elements. Vernacular architecture was originated as a response to man’s or society’s building needs, making him, even before the architect, a shelter builder to help in his situation.

Figure 2.0(a): Vernacular Architecture from Africa (top left) to North America (bottom right)

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

The particularity of Vernacular architecture is that it is culturally linked to the surroundings and the environment or the typology of that location. It abides to basic green architectural principles of energy efficiency and the use of local based materials and resources. It takes into the account the advantages of local resources which helps in reducing embodied energy usage in the transportation of these materials. Hence for example, rich forest areas will develop vernacular designs based on wood.

Figure 2.0(b): Wood used in the forest context (left) and stone and clay used in hilly regions (right)

Vernacular architecture can be considered as a harmonious, traditional, folk or popular style. The terms vernacular is derived from the Latin vernaculus, which means “domestic, native, and indigenous. It is largely influenced by a wide range of different aspects of human behaviour and environment. This leads to a variety of designs unique to one another for every site context.

Vernacular architecture is defined according to factors such as climate, culture and environment, and will influence the design, layout and materials of the buildings.

Indigenous builders use these factors to guide their processes instead of years of ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. formal teaching. Obviously these factors constraint the designer, but making choices inside the presented constraints allow for innovation to occur outside of initial expectations. Innovations can take different forms depending on the macro climate of the area in which the building is constructed. Cold areas influence designs to have high thermal masses and significant amounts of insulation. Warm climate areas require lighter materials and easily ventilated spaces.

Figure 2.0(c): Lighter materials used in warmer climates (left) & high thermal mass materials in cold areas (right)

2.1 Malaysian Vernacular Architecture It has been largely suggested that the Malaysian vernacular would take its precedent from the traditional Malay house. Since agriculture and fishing were the two main practices during ancient times, the settlements were situated in geographically typical areas such as hilltops, valleys to lowlands and coastal areas.

Figure 2.1(a) Malay houses in valley (left) and on the coastal area (right)

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

The construction elements are mostly light timber-framed structures. The houses are almost elevated on timber stilts, protecting the occupants from floods, and providing sufficient natural ventilation. It is also known for its steep and wide overhangs for shading and shielding against tropical downpours. These and other design elements have the aim to provide control on the three climatic factors mostly happening in Malaysia; sun, rain and wind.

2.2 Design approach towards the context To maximise the benefits of the 3 climatic factors, several design strategies are adopted in the design of the house.

Site Planning – In a community, the houses are randomly arranged to facilitate the natural ventilation control. This unplanned arrangement helps to minimise the risk of strong winds. The houses are elevated as with height increases, the wind velocity also increases due to the less dense cover plants blocking the air movement. They are built to be exposed and catch the high velocity winds.

Figure 2.2(a) Concentric and Linear arrangement

Orientation – Having followed the Islamic religion, the Malay house face the Mecca, which in Islamic religion is the east-west direction. Hence the larger façades ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. are less exposed to direct solar direction. In addition, the building’s orientation catches the wind patterns in Malaysia (north east and south west).

Building Layouts – Those houses are mostly open plan in such a way to provide good ventilation. Reviewing the floor plans indicate that it is very elongated so as to promote cross ventilation. Architectural elements such as windows, openings and doors play an important role in cross ventilation.

Figure 2.2(b): Traditional Malay House

3.0 Vernacular Architectural Elements In architecture the elements determine the uniqueness of a building. The Malay house is known for its raised floors built on stilts. All design must have a reason; in this case the several benefits.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

3.1

Traditional Malay House 3.1.1 Raised Floors The raised floors supported by a skeletal structure of timber stilts and timber

planks helps in bringing air to the inner space because of the high altitude winds and air through the gaps in the flooring. Raising the floor not only helps the building but also the site. The quality of the soil requires direct sunlight exposure. The damped ground also increases the risk of flooding. The height elevated will depend on the region of the site context due to variations in climatic conditions.

Figure 3.1.1(a): Elevations

Figure 3.1.1(b): Built on stilts

3.1.2 Windows and openings Cross ventilation is further promoted by having many full-length windows and openings at body level. It is known that there are 2 types of ventilations occurring in buildings, namely the latter cross ventilation and stack ventilation; stack effect which ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. uses air pressure, temperature differences to move air. Hot air rises because it is lower pressure and cooler air going down because of a denser composition. Large openings and high air intakes can however reduce the performance of the stack effect.

3.1.3 Double-Slope Roof Ventilation is also well promoted in a Malay house’s roof space. The doublesloped roof is built with incorporated ventilation joints and panels. It is built with 2 opposite openings on both sides of the roof’s gable ends, allowing air movement into the house. The design of the roof aside, the materials with which it was constructed have a low thermal capacity; meaning it does not retain heat.

Figure 3.1.3(a): Double-slope roof

The roof angle may vary from 30 degrees to 60 degrees depending on the site location, especially rain catchment areas. Thatch, being the material used for the sheathing, rain may seep through the layers. As a response to this issue, the solution would be to increase angle the roof. The extended parts of the sloping roof are the overhangs. They serve as sun and rain shading designs, especially the facades of the building facing the east-west direction. The overhangs allow the user to leave the windows and doors opened for most of the time for natural ventilation.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

3.2

Case Study: The Deck House The two-and-a-half storey Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect expresses

simplicity and modernity. The structure is built on the hillslopes of Janda Baik over the site’s existing terrain, sloping down from a higher public road. Despite its contemporary outlook, the Deck House is very much a traditional tropical house at heart. Vernacular architectural elements such as, lofty ceiling heights, naturally well-lit interiors and aluminium louvers high up on the walls are derivations of the old traditional elements.

Figure 3.2(a): The Deck House

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

3.2.1 Introduction to Janda Baik Contrasting with its neighbouring hilltops, Janda Baik differentiates itself because it does not have the winding, hairspin turn-filled ascending routes. Unlike Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands, it does not welcome tourists with Colonial-styled scenery or the vibrant entertainment parks of the more commercialised, Genting Highlands. Janda Baik is famous for its quiet charm, which is Malaysia’s natural characteristic attribute.

3.2.2 Overview The Deck House rests on the slopes with minimum interference to the site; which means that the floors barely touch the ground. To be achieved, it is built on stilts connected to the foundation made of conventional reinforced concrete. The house is accessible at the entrance found on the ground floor after walking on a bridge which was also elevated on stilts. The rest of the house is found underneath the ground level.

Figure 3.2.2

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

External walls were not very favourable for the facades of the Deck House.

Choo Gim Wah Architects had most of the four elevations to be two-storey curtain walls. Even the doors and windows were sliding framed glass panels. On top of the glass panels, were installed aluminium louvres. These design elements were among the architect’s objectives to minimise the use of artificial lighting and air conditioning.

From the images above, no air conditioning systems are found, especially due to the moderate climate in Janda Baik, but most importantly because the architect wanted to keep that connectivity to the natural surroundings of the site.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

The roof is a sloped corrugated steel sheet supported by joists. This choice of material evokes the lightness of the building; very skeletal, not massive.

3.3

Summary and Comparison It is noticeable that both the traditional Malay house and the Deck house have

similar type of architectural elements. They all have the function of allowing large air movement into the interior. The Deck House possesses the architectural qualities that define its identity to be vernacular. We are talking about open plan layout, high elevated floors, and large perimeter of walls with windows and openings, less exposed facades and lofty height ceilings. As a tropical country, Malaysia receives a lot of sunshine throughout the year. We are exposed to high solar radiation and glares. It contributes as a response to the need for lighting during the day to light up the interiors, especially due to the curtain wall glazing. It can however be the cause of high temperatures. The Malay house uses low thermal mass materials, which can release heat from solar radiation readily. The interior of the houses are protected from glare using shading devices. The full-length windows in a traditional Malay house are divided into three components, which are top, middle and bottom. Except from the top, which is fixed opened; the middle and bottom components are fully operable.

4.0

Energy Efficiency Analysis 4.1

Internal and External Ventilation

According to a rough study of the drawings of the Deck House provided by Choo Gim Wah Architects, we can calculate the percentage of external wall and opening percentage on the faรงade of each room. The selection of the spaces is in conjunction with the similarities of the traditional Malay house, where the living area has the same function with the rumah ibu, while the dapur has the same purposes as a ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. kitchen in modern housing. From the analysis, estimation can be made on the airflow intensity.

Figure 4.1(a): Deck House (left) & Malay House (right) Building’s

Location

Total External

External Opening

Percentage

Wall Areas (M2)

Areas (M2)

(%)

KL/Subang

485.9

80.0

16.5

KL/Subang

259.0

46.4

17.9

Janda Baik

159.1

27.0

17.0

Name House of Tan Mas Mohar House of Andak Endah The Deck House

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

The table above contains data collected from 2 traditional Malay houses. They are compared to the measurements done from the Deck House’s architectural drawings to calculate the percentage openings in the Deck House.

Presenting similar plan layout in both traditional Malay house and the Deck house, Paper researches done by Mohammadi,et al., 2010, has stated that external ventilation wind speeds could reach 1.6m/s to 5.4m/s. As referring to a normal house such as PHP 2000, according to the paper, wind speed could reach only 0.03m/s.

Figure 4.1(a): Wind Simulation in a Traditional Malay House

4.2

Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV)

4.2.1 Definition An OTTV is a measure of the energy consumption of a building envelope in the energy efficiency objectives to be achieved. Authorized persons, registered structural ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability. engineers and other persons in charge of design and construction of buildings use this formulation to have a legit variety of envelope components, such as glazing, window size, external shading to windows, wall colour and wall type to meet the maximum OTTV criteria.

4.2.2 General Principles of Control of OTTV (a) It is a comprehensive energy code to cover, among other energy uses, lighting and air-conditioning. (b) Proper site a building to avoid shading to window areas to reduce solar heat gain.

Windows’

material

with

a

low

thermal

heat

transmittance

characteristic will also minimise solar heat transmission. (c) Artificial lighting consumes electricity, and creates light and heat. Natural lighting is much encouraged, by using glazing. Visible lighting transmittance and thermal transmittance properties of materials are important in taking into account the application of natural lighting as a supplement to artificial lighting. (d) Other measures include use of energy efficient building services equipment and appliances.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

4.2.3 Principles of OTTV Calculations

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

4.2.4 Building materials assigned to a traditional Malay house and the Deck House.

Construction

Traditional Malay

U-Value

Elements

Houses

(W/m2k)

Roof

Sloping Roof –

3.3775

Domestic

The Deck House

U-Value (W/m2k)

Sloping Corrugated

1.2300

Steel roof (w. insulation)

External Wall

Timber Frame Wall

0.4493

Double-glazing

2.1000

Curtain Wall Ground Floor

Un-insulated

0.6278

Suspended Timber

Treated Suspended

0.6278

Timber Floor

Floor Door

Wooden Door

2.1944

Double Glazing Door

2.1000

Panel The table above indicates an estimated calculated value of U-value according to the material description obtained from research papers.

4.2.5 Air temperature Case study This case study involves a comparative study between a traditional Malay house and a normal house. The results from this case study are brought forward to the Deck House’s case to get an approximate efficiency of the Deck House’s architectural qualities.

Thermal Variable

Statistic

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Normal House 21

The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

House Air Temperature

Space

Rumah Ibu

Living Room

(0C)

Mean

25.2

26.9

Max

29.9

29.2

Min

23.3

24.4

4.3

Carbon Emission and Energy Consumption

High heat mass materials are usually responsible for the high temperatures in dwellings. Consequently it becomes the reason why air conditioning systems are installed. It is indeed the fastest and easiest way to reduce heat in the house, but it also produces high-energy consumption and carbon emission.

For the purpose of analysing the energy efficiency of the Deck House, it is simple to proceed to a comparative study of the energy consumption between a house equipped with an air conditioning system and a fully naturally ventilated house, having the same characteristics of the Deck House. In this case, the house is PHP 2000.

Variables

Air conditioning system

Naturally ventilated

equipped Energy Consumption

20.1952

6.8413

18308

5967

(MWh/Year) Carbon Emission (KgCO2/Year) The values above are not representative of the data collected from the Deck House. It is only indicative of an estimate value that the Deck House may possess, since having the same natural ventilation qualities of the PHP 2000.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

66% and 67% are indicative of how much higher is the carbon emission and energy consumption for the air-conditioned house compared to the naturally ventilated house.

5.0

Green Building Index The GBI Residential Rating tool evaluates the sustainable aspects of residential

buildings. This tool places more emphasis on sustainable site planning & management, followed by energy efficiency. Energy efficiency being the first step towards sustainability, it is important to assess the energy consumption of a building along the years it is being occupied. Energy consumption depends on the services found in the building. Hence the Deck House’s focus on minimum usage of artificial sources of energy and maximum usage of natural sources for user’s comfort makes the Deck house an energy efficient building. Such achievement will help reduce the negative impact to the environment and create a better and safer place for residents and the community as a whole.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

6.0

Conclusion The effectiveness of climate responsive architecture is evident over the course

of its life, in reduced costs of utilities and maintenance. It can be very expensive for the occupants if it is a poorly designed structure which doesn’t consider environmental or vernacular factors – in addition to the environment – more in resources than a properly designed building. For instance, a structure with large windows on the south façade in a hot, arid climate would lose most of its air conditioning efforts to the pervading sun, ultimately increasing the cost of energy. By applying vernacular strategies to modern design, a structure can ideally achieve net zero energy use, and be a wholly selfsufficient building.

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The Integration of the Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and its Elements into the Contemporary Era Context of the Deck House, with the Objectives of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Sustainability.

7.0

References

1. Sahabuddin, F. (n.d.). Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate. [online] Academia.edu. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Archite cture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

2. Sahabuddin, F. (n.d.). Chapter 4: Case Studies Analysis : Traditional Malay Houses and People's Housing Project (PHP). [online] Academia.edu. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/2377424/Chapter_4_Case_Studies_Analysis_Traditi onal_Malay_Houses_and_Peoples_Housing_Project_PHP_ [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

3. The Scottish Government, (n.d.). Tables of U-values and thermal conductivity. [online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/217736/0088291.pdf [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

4. Moo, Z. (2012). The New Natural. Ideas Asia, [online] (2), pp.62-68. Available at: http://www.cgwarchitect.com/images/IDEAS2012Edited.pdf [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

5. Chan, M. (2012). Jungle retreat. StarSpecial Homes, [online] pp.12, 13.

Available at: http://www.cgwarchitect.com/images/TheStar_20121004.pdf [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

6. Greenbuildingindex.org, (n.d.). Greenbuildingindex.org - How GBI Works. [online] Available at: http://www.greenbuildingindex.org/how-GBI-works2.html [Accessed 7 Jun. 2015].

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