Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234] PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY
The Influence of Tropical Architecture at Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
NAME:
Tong Chia Sin
STUDENT ID:
1101A12324
LECTURER:
Ms Shahriane
SUBMISSION DATE:
12 JUNE 2014
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
The Influence of Tropical Architecture at Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. Table of Contents
Page
Abstract.......................................................................................................................... 2
Abstract Being a tropical country, Malaysia’s hot and humid conditions could greatly influence the temperature, and degree of air flow within an indoor environment. Significant cooling is required within the building due to high intensity of heat transient from the building envelope. With the influence of ‘Tropical Architecture’, air temperature in the spaces can be potentially reduced and where large energy savings can be achieved. Within Royal Belum Resort, there is a need to identify the degree of architectural discrepancies that could exist between two phases of construction within the same site. The main intention of this research paper is to observe and compare the contrasting tropical design principles employed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 in an effort to reduce internal heat gain in the rooms, and to ultimately achieve a comfortable indoor environment. Literature reviews and site study aside, climatic data taken from the Malaysia Meteorology Department will be adopted for analysis in this paper. With all these figures in mind, it is observed that in Phase 1, the buildings are subtle in terms of its tropical design considerations while in Phase 2, it is perceived to be new and liberating; tinged with a dash of modernism, and yet maintains an entity of timeless tradition and vernacular architecture. In Phase 1, the design emphasizes on an elongated floor plan with minimal internal partitions. Corridors are ‘open’ and lined with bamboo shoots. This shows an understanding of cross ventilation in the building and ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
2
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. promotes natural ventilation; whereby reducing mechanical means to cool the rooms and corridors. Large roof overhangs are designed to further reduce the solar heat gain during the day, while also permitting windows to be open, allowing wind-induced ventilation to still infiltrate the building during rainy days. In terms of materiality, local resources such as bamboos, are utilized as they have low thermal capacity and can help in reducing solar gains. In Phase 2, specifically the Kampung Villas, the buildings are built on stilts, which gives shade to the ground and helps in catching winds of a higher velocity, again reducing need for mechanical system to cool building. A modern approach of mix use of timber and concrete is also a sustainable option as it is high in resource efficiency, durable and low in thermal mass. Unnecessary embellishments are ripped. It can be concluded that Royal Belum Resort has taken a very sustainable approach where the environment is left relatively untouched. Energy needs over the entire life cycle of the buildings is reduced with its material choice and efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems used. Despite a different aesthetic approach, sustainability in the design principles employed for both phases are evident.
1.0 Introduction Due to the tropical climatic conditions, buildings in the tropical regions are growingly dependent on air-conditioners to achieve thermal comfort. The high energy consumption depletes energy reserves, causing a significant rise in fuel costs, and is therefore expensive to run. With a much-needed shift from mechanical cooling needs to a more viable natural cooling in recent architecture, it is high time that locally and environmentally sensitive design strategies come into play; and this is where ‘Tropical Architecture’ comes into the picture. In Royal Belum Resort, being one of the premier ecotourism holiday destinations, it would only be appropriate that there is a pressure to re-evaluate design strategies that would reconsider passive techniques as a ‘free and readily available’ option when it comes to cooling its spaces within. The hypothesis of this research is that the design strategies applied in Royal Belum Resort helps to decrease the indoor air temperature which would ultimately increase the users’ overall thermal comfort. The main objective of this study is to assess and compare the impact of tropical building design principle for comfortable indoor environment in the rainforest resort. It is also to identify and establish the efficiency of ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
3
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. the existing tropical design applied in the resort in response to the actual outdoor condition. That being said, there are several questions raised regarding the tropical sustainable architecture that involve the environmental dimensions in Royal Belum Resort, Pulau Banding. These being: 1.
What is Tropical Architecture, and why are the elements used in the design?
2.
What are the climate-conscious considerations taken in Phase 1 and how is it different from Phase 2?
3.
Through the adaptation of the contemporary, what kind of innovations is observed in the buildings?
4.
How do the strategies taken assist with sustainability of the resort in the long term? Are the techniques used efficient?
5.
In retrospective, is sustainability in tropical architecture sustainable?
2.0 Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort Tropical architecture is often referred to vernacular architecture located in the tropical belt, between latitude of 23° South and latitude of 23° North. It is distinguished by hot humid conditions with a mean annual temperature reaching a maximum of 30ºC during the day and 24ºC at night. However, diurnal ranges tend to be low, ranging at a rough estimation of 8ºC. The primary concerns of the tropical climate are its high humidity levels, temperatures and solar radiation. With all these figures, locally and environmentally sensitive design strategies must come into play, and this is where ‘Tropical Architecture’ comes into the picture. Many might argue that the term ‘Tropical Architecture’ ought not exist, and that it is perhaps a misnomer or a faux pas. Even more wonder if any architecture built and inhabited in the tropics not be tropical? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Much of the work that passes for architecture in the tropics today is unadulterated adaptation of modern design and construction trends from the temperate countries, and blatantly ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
4
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. applied locally. In Belum Resort, however, the imported technologies not only deal with the climatic conditions, it also employs poetic statements of local social and cultural conditions, and therefore has undergone a slight change that is more appropriately applied in Belum Resort to reduce the resort’s energy consumption, particularly the cooling load. One of the objectives is also to tackle the heat island effect surrounding the resort. The tropical architecture in the resort works to achieve thermal comfort through the use of design elements, such as sunshades, overhangs, roof and wall insulation and even natural sun-shading from trees. Other considerations taken include the building and sol-air orientation itself to maximise cross ventilation and natural lighting. Careful material selection is also a key element in optimising natural ventilation to cool this tropical resort.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
5
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
3.0 Climate-Conscious Considerations Taken 3.1 Phase 1 Landscaping with the Surrounding
Figure 1: Site surrounded by lush greenery
The Royal Belum Resort is nestled in within a dense rainforest, surrounded by lush greenery, with large overhanging trees. This method is effective in providing natural shade to the building, protecting it from solar radiation whilst creating a cooler microclimate. It is also observed that shady trees line along windows admitting the most sunshine especially windows facing the East and West direction. In spaces where there is limited ground space, the use of vines and creepers on bamboo shoots to reduce the heat gain within the buildings is observed. Also there is a fish pond (Figure 1) featured on the ground floor. It is interesting to note that when water evaporates, it draws a significant amount of heat from the surrounding air. This evaporative cooling method lowers the surrounding temperature.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
6
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
Shape and Form
Figure 2: Open Corridor
Building ventilation is one of the important aspects in providing an acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) and good ventilation helps in supplying fresh air and removing heat and air pollution in the building. The resort from Phase 1 emphasises on an elongated floor plan with minimum internal partitions, creating an easy circulation that allows for maximum cross ventilation. With numerous large windows placed at human body level, there is not much obstruction blocking the wind flow, and the spaces are mostly breezy. Dependence on mechanical cooling systems can be largely removed. The open corridor concept (Figure 2) also shows an understanding of cross ventilation in the building and promotes natural ventilation
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
7
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
Large Roof Overhangs
Are essentially designed to keep rain water off the walls and to prevent the ingress of water at the junction where the roof meets the wall. The eaves prevents the corridor walkway around the building from the rain; thereby avoiding erosion of the. That aside, it also limits the solar heat gain during the day, while also permitting windows to remain open so that ventilation could still infiltrate the building during rainy days. The eaves overhang may also shelter openings to ventilate the roof space above.
Natural Lighting Natural lighting is an important tool in attaining sustainability. It gives an increased visual appeal to interiors. Natural illumination is still the best type of lighting system as it provides better aesthetics, better colour, better definition of space, and highlights architectural details. Large windows are placed in rooms. However, traditional windows on walls could not allow as much light into a space as a well-placed skylight. The use of skylight in the corridors allows the interiors to be flooded with natural lighting, reducing the need to depend on artificial lightings, and therefore helps to save on electricity.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
8
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. Materials
Figure 3: Timber for Material
Sustainable and locally available materials were utilized in all the instances at Phase 1. Materials used were close to hand and readily available. Timber, a material of a low thermal capacity, is a lightweight material used for the floorings and the insides of the roof. Not only does it give the users a warm earthy ambience, it gives the overall building a good insulation from solar heat gains. This method would again, reduce the need to rely on mechanical cooling needs to provide a thermally comfortable space. Perhaps as a result of the sustainable movement, bamboo has become increasingly popular. A renewable alternative resource for a more environmentally sustainable development, bamboo has a relatively higher tensile and compression strength than steel, is even harder than some tree species such as the likes of Red Oak and Maple. In a country such as ours, it also helps that bamboo has a greater resistance to expansion and contraction associated with temperature and humidity changes. Its water-resistant feature makes it an extremely durable piece of material that can last for years. That aside, the bamboo-lined corridors provide a semi-private space for the users, while also allowing for ventilation to take place. Corridors are generally very breezy. ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
9
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
3.2 Phase 2 Shape and Form
Figure 4: House on stilts
Specifically the Kampung Villas, the houses are raised on stilts in an attempt to recreate the quality and ambiance of a traditional Malay house. Aesthetic purposes aside, this method helps shade the ground. This would create a pressure difference in between the spaces below and in the building. Cooled air from underneath will be drawn up through the floorboards. Stagnant air will be replaced by fresh air through it. Furthermore, a raised building would aid in catching winds of a higher velocity and channel it into the house, thus reducing the need for mechanical system to cool building. There are a variety of roof types seen in Phase 2. The gable roof being the most evident of all. It is rather steep, providing an excellent water drainage, leading to fewer leaks and a longer lifespan of the roof. Gable roofs also provide the most ceiling space among all roofing designs, giving it a high ceiling feature, typical in tropical vernacular architecture. This method displays an in-depth understanding of the stack effect. Hot air rises with buoyancy and is infiltrated out via ventilation roof joints above.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
10
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
Figure 5: Climbers in Steel Strings
If bamboo shoots were used as one of the shading device in Phase 1, then in Phase 2, green walls come into the spotlight. They are essentially a living, and therefore selfregenerating, cladding system using climbing plants. Climbers is known to effectively reduce the maximum temperatures of a building by shading walls from the sun, reducing the daily temperature fluctuation by as much as 50%. Damage from heavy rainfall can be avoided as well because climbers also function to protect the surface of the buildings. They also aid in shielding the surface from ultra-violet light, which might be an important consideration to maintain the building’s lifespan. Materials A modern approach to the mix-use of timber and concrete is also observed. Both materials are sustainable options as it is high in resource efficiency, durable and low in thermal mass. Concrete is a wise choice for sustainable building construction as it is environmentally-friendly in all phases of its entire life cycle, from the raw material production to its demolition. It is often distinguished by its strength, high durability and its resistance to major deterioration or destruction. A temperature-buffer, it reduces the effects that produce urban heat islands. The concrete walls and roofs are light-coloured and therefore, absorb less heat and reflect more solar radiation, reducing air cooling requirements. The concrete used is versatile in the flexibility of component materials, a
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
11
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. quality which both extends the range of performance properties – insulation, permeability, and strength – and allows variation in the resources used to produce it.
The application of stainless steel is evident is some parts of Phase 2. Despite its initial high cost, this material provides a degree of insulation value in and of itself, thereby enhancing the performance of insulating systems or even reducing the extent to which the building must be insulated. Stainless steel has a major advantage in that it is more efficient at deflecting solar energy than typical materials. It is a low emissivity material, and have surface properties which reflects solar warming of both the structure they cover and the world itself.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
12
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
4.0 Adaptation of the Contemporary Climatic considerations cannot be detached from the environmental context of the built environment. However, architects always find it challenging to apply the climate knowledge that they possess to the creation of built environment which is conducive to a sustainable living we crave for today, especially in the urban tropics. The standards and expectations in design and construction are rapidly evolving in the context of unprecedented urban population growth. Climate itself is ever changing, even more so in the rapidly growing tropical megacities. The even bigger challenge, however, is the adaptation of tropical architecture to the modern lifestyle – the translation of local cultures to the modern city. In Royal Belum Resort, despite the contemporary movement to better fit the recent times, enough cultural memory is retained. This is distinctly obvious in the incorporation of the design elements from the Malay houses into the design of the Kampung Villas. With openings strategically positioned, there is an emphasis on open, flowing interior spaces, encouraging wind-induced ventilation throughout the spaces due to the difference in pressure between the positive pressure on the windward side and negative on the roof and leeward side. While the cooling effect of urban breeze cannot be denied, the wind’s cooling potential would be greatly enhanced if the importance of shade is prioritised as well. Along with the gradual increase in built density, the need for privacy and poor air quality, ventilation strategies by themselves will struggle to achieve the desired comfort. It is vital to relate and link the two design approaches, especially ventilation and shading in order to propagate an architecture which is more geographically responsive and sensitive. The use of traditional material to shade the buildings in Phase 1 is also an innovative adaptation from the modern architecture seen these days. Brise-soleil, a term coined by the late Le Corbusier is one of the physical highlights of modern architecture of the tropics. Bamboo shoots lining the facades in Phase 1 acting as sun-screens, faced the sun, preventing sunrays from penetrating the building’s interior. As for Phase 2, despite being used traditionally on buildings for centuries, modern methods employed in the use of climbers sees the utilization of high-tensile steel cables to allow for the concept to be used far more adventurously.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
13
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
5.0 Sustainability of the Methods Used Sustainable architecture is architecture which is designed in such a way that it does not harm environment. A truly sustainable building will have a design which is functionally productive and regenerative by design. Site orientation, heating and cooling, water usage, and energy usage will be few issues addressed in order to attain a truly sustainable building. Firstly, it is fundamental to be able to comprehend and understand the sun passage across the sky to ensure that orientation of the buildings work within the site. Knowledge of sun paths for any site is fundamental in design building facades to control light and passive solar gain, as well as reducing glare and overheating to the building interior. Position of the sun in the sky is dynamic, always revolving according to time of day, time of year and the site’s latitude. A wisely orientated building maximises daylighting through building facades, partly taking away the reliance for artificial lighting, as well as facilitate ventilation across the buildings. This method would highly efficient cooling and lighting systems, eventually helping in energy savings in the long run. Secondly, materials is the easiest way for architects to begin incorporating sustainable design principles in tropical buildings. For instance, the use of bamboos as an important design feature. The key factors contributing to the sustainability of bamboo are its characteristic rapid growth and its reduction of environmental toxins. Bamboo is rapidly-renewable, restoring itself for use in just five years, and requires far less energy to harvest and produce than most ‘lumber’ products. It is also locally available and recyclable at the end of the building lifespan, reducing the environmental impact
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
14
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
6.0 Conclusion With an aim to achieve a design approach that would sit well with the rainforest environment, ‘Tropical Architecture’ is definitely the obvious answer to go for. Design principles employed in Royal Belum Resort are responsive to and resistive to the effects of the local climate, combatting issues plaguing architects from the same tropical region. Energy needs over the entire lifecycle of the buildings is reduced with its wise material choice and efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems used. Despite a different aesthetic approach, sustainability in the design principles applied for both phases are evident.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
15
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability.
7.0 References Jiat-Hwee Chang & Bobby C.T. Wong (2011). Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography. Singapore: National University of Singapore and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd •
The SJTG publishes theoretical and empirical articles and reviews that deal with the physical and human environments of the tropics and development issues from geographical as well as interrelated disciplinary viewpoints.
Ji Yan and Plainiotis Stellios (2006): Design for Sustainability. Beijing: China Architecture and Building Press •
Illustrated throughout with colour plates, drawings, plans and diagrams, in dual English, Mandarin, a guide to sustainability in design for the 21st century.
Powell, Robert (2004) Singapore Architecture: A short history. Hong Kong: Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd •
Singapore Architecture captures the architectural heritage of Asia's crossroads city. The early temples, chophouses and colonial monuments hold historical significance, while the modern skyline reflects Singapore's role as a 21stcentury powerhouse. The recent work of local architects represents a unique and dynamic mix of cross-cultural influences, combining traditional Asian style with a thorough knowledge of modern architecture.
Gerard Lee Architects (2005, November 20) "Green" Design in Tropical climates. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www.gleearchitects.com/sustainablefaqtropic1.htm#climate •
An introduction to sustainable design in tropical climates.The practice of sustainable/ environmentally friendly design tends to have captured the imagination of most people living in developed nations
E. Prianto, F. Bonneaud, P. Depecker & J-P. Peneau (2000). International Journal on Architectural
Science,
Volume
1,
Number
2,
p.80-95.
Retrieved
from
http://www.bse.polyu.edu.hk/researchCentre/Fire_Engineering/summary_of_output/jour nal/IJAS/V1/p.80-95.pdf
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
16
The Influence of Tropical Architecture in Royal Belum Resort and its Sustainability. •
Microclimate
comprehension
of
building
provide
data
about
ambient
architecture**, because the role of climatology is very important in architectural design development. This paper deals with ambient architecture in tropical and humid region, the investigation of natural ventilation efficiency in traditional architecture in Indonesia Contrarian Metal Resources (2010). Thermal & Solar Reflectance of Stainless Steel. Retrieved from http://metalresources.net/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=328&Itemid=237&sessionid=5f74328572a722145cc54ae605a0927d R Emmanuel (2011). Urban Climate Design in the Equatorial Megapolii: Key Challenges to Effective Adaptive Action. FÓRUM - Mudanças climáticas e o impacto das cidades; vol. 4, no. 1. Retrieved from http://www.forumpatrimonio.com.br/view_full.php?articleID=199&modo=1# Al-Zubaidi, Maha S (2005). Role of Sustainable Building Materials in Housing Affordability. Role of Structural Engineers towards Reduction of Poverty, 235-242 (8). Retrieved from http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iabse/report/2005/00000089/00000001/art0003 1? token=005316b94dbf69383a4b3b2570747b427a317b6f3b3a66282a726e2d584643405 92f3f3b57a94459b3d V. Bezemer (2008). “Can Vernacular Architecture in the Tropics assist with Modern Passive Ventilation Design in Domestic Buildings?”. Retrieved from http://cambodiarchitecture.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/vernacular_architecture_coolin g.pdf n.d. (2011) Tropical Architecture. Retrieved from http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/59.%20FS-Tropical-architecture.pdf
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture
17