Final report Building Science P1

Project 1 Human Perception of Comfort Level

Building Science 1 (ARC 2412)

Tutor: Ms Cheryl Final Report Ong Wei Hoow (0304468) Gan Sze Hui (0303709) Tie Sing Kiong (0304054) Tay Ren Siong (0303286) Brandon Ang Ee Shen (0302955) 1|Page

CONTENT 1. Summary…………………………………………………………………………....3 2. Introduction……………………………………………………………………….4-5 3. Methodology……………………………………………………………………6-23 3.1 Data Logger 3.2 Site Context 3.3 Orthographic Drawings 3.4 Location of Data Logger 3.5 Factors affecting Thermal Comfort 4. Result & Analysis……………………………………………………………..23-41 4.1 Analysis & Comparison of Indoor & Outdoor Results 4.2 Wind Analysis 4.2.1

Building Orientation

4.2.2

Ventilation and Fenestration

4.2.3

Building Design Approach

4.2.4

Mechanical Equipment

4.3 Sun Analysis 4.3.1

Sun Path Diagram

4.3.2

Solar Radiation

4.3.3

Shading and Building Orientation

4.3.4

Day Lighting

4.3.5

Mechanical Equipment

4.4 Thermal Comfort Zone 5. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..……41 6. References…………………………………………………...……………….42-43 7. Appendix………………………………………………………...…………….44-47 2|Page

1 SUMMARY

As a summary to this project, we have come up with the details as referred in the report. The objective of this project is for 5 of us to fully understand how and why the principles of heat transferred in relation to the building and the people inside it. In addition, we also find out how the outer factors responses on the readings verify.

Moreover, we also fully understand the thermal comfort for living conditions within a home. For instance, we understand that how the organization of the building must be made, how the materials verify the buildings living conditions and how to understand the space more fully. In further analysis and study, we have come to a comprehension that the thermal living condition of the tenant and neighbor around currently ask for more than what is given.

After further analysis, we have concluded that how the thermal comfort affects the inhabitants within the house. Factors like the site conditions and climate also takes into effect. We also now fully understand how insulation, thermal mass and air movement have an effect on thermal performance of buildings.

The method used by the group was to place a data logger within an area of the selected house and record the data all through 3 days. It was set within the living hall where the use of artificial humidifiers, air-conditioning, or fans was not present as the project brief required. With all condition, we could get the best and accurate result of how it affects the spaces and recorded by the data logger.

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2 INTRODUCTION Recent studies show there are increases in energy consumption in residential sector especially for terrace house. One of the main factors that contribute towards this problem was high energy use for space cooling in providing thermal comfort to the building occupants. In fact, the contemporary house types studied have shown that good thermal comfort in hot, humid climates cannot be achieved with natural cooling and ventilation alone. For urban areas, thermal comfort can be improved through enough microclimate strategies within the surrounding areas of the building. Moreover, it was found that most people didn’t apply night ventilation due to safety reason thereby, created indoor discomfort. Based on research, there are least effect of ventilation strategies such as fan, natural ventilation, or the combination of both natural ventilation and fan, on residential building. This research was conducted in order to understand the indoor environment in Malaysian residential. Moreover, terrace houses at PJS 7, Bandar Sunway have been selected for measurement of indoor and outdoor environment in the living room. This house is located in the urban setting.

A. Malaysia’s Climate Malaysia is located in the tropical region of Malay Archipelago of South East Asia. The average outdoor temperature was 27 degree Celsius with the humidity level of 70% to 85%. The rainy season in the South Western part of Malaysia occurs in September to November. The average monthly precipitation was between 200 and 400mm. The wind velocity was around 15 knot.

B. Case Studied House For this measurement, a terrace house has been selected which is located in No, 14, Jalan PJS7/7F, 46150, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya. This area is located in the South-West of Malaysian Peninsular.

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Photo 2.1 The Appearance of Terrace House

Terrace house have been design and built by new Malaysian architects to cater high demand in housing due to urban migration to the city in the early 1980’s. This newly design house is built connected to each other. Today, new materials from foreign countries such as the glass casement windows and glass sliding doors are installed which didn’t interact well with the design strategies and environment.

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3 METHODOLOGY

Temperature (째C) Indoor Temperature is recorded by using data logger and outdoor temperature is gathered from forecast climate via www.timeanddate.com. This is to study the relationship between the indoor and outdoor temperature and how it affects the residents of in the house.

Relative Humidity, RH (%) Indoor Humidity is recorded by data logger and outdoor humidity is gathered from forecast climate via www.timeanddate.com. This is to study the relationship between the indoor and outdoor humidity and how it is affected by the number of occupants inside the house.

Wind analysis For indoor air movement, the ventilation of the house is recorded and also study about how the air movement inside the house.

For outdoor air movement, a wind rose diagram accurately is generated according to wind data gathered from forecast climate via www.timeanddate.com based on the site.

Sun analysis The direction of the sun orbits through the site is recorded and analysis through a sustainable design computer software, Ecotect which can generated a sun-path diagram accurately. This is to study the relationship between the sun positions and site location and to conclude how the sun orbit as in relation towards human activity, their discomfort and steps for prevention of excess sun.

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3.1 DATA LOGGER

The data logger is an electrical device that allows the user to measure and record the temperature and relative humidity (RH) accurately. The model of the data logger that we used for recording is LUT 0176 HT-3007SD thermohygrometer with SD card slot. Data logger is placed in the middle of the specific room (living room) for research and analysis. The placement of the device must be at least 1 meter in height above ground for three consecutive days of recording which is Friday (6 a.m. on 6 September 2013) to Sunday (6 a.m. on 8 September 2013). In addition, the settings of data logger must be recorded in 3600 second interval automatically with a beeping sound when it records.

3.2 SITE CONTEXT

Address of the house: No. 14, Jalan Pjs 7/7F, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Selangor. Malaysia.

The house is located at Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya. The site context is filled with shopping mall, terrace houses, shop lots, and universities. Besides, a medium size park with a futsal and basketball court is located near the site and trees are planted along the street which is the main street of Jalan PJS 7/7.

The house chosen is a common double story terraces which can be found around the site. The space that was chosen for analysis is the living room which at the ground floor. Living room is mostly used for serving the visitors, friend gathering and also even for assignment and project. It is the one of the most potential and ideal spaces in the house for further analysis.

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Photo 3.2.1 The faรงade of the house

Photo 3.2.2 The living room (space chosen)

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Photo 3.2.3 The park that is located in front of the street of the house.

Photo 3.2.4 The park beside Leubhraya Damansara - Puchong highway.

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3.3 ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWINGS

The orthographic drawings are key plan, site plan, first floor plan, longitudinal section and the front and rear elevation. The drawings prepared are with the objective to have a better understanding of spaces in the house including the openings and the site context. The living room which at the ground floor is the target space to place the data logger. The interior space of the dining hall is shown through the plans.

Orthographic Drawings: 3.3.1 Key Plan 3.3.2 Site Plan 3.3.3 Ground Floor Plan 3.3.4 First Floor Plan 3.3.5 Front Elevation 3.3.6 Rear Elevation 3.3.7 Longitudinal Section

Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus

Drawing 3.3.1 Key Plan 10 | P a g e

JALAN PJS 7/7G JALAN PJS 7/7

JALAN PJS 7/7F

Drawing 3.3.2 Site Plan

Drawing 3.3.3 Ground Floor Plan

Drawing 3.3.4 First Floor Plan 11 | P a g e

Drawing 3.3.5 Front Elevation

Drawing 3.3.6 Rear Elevation 12 | P a g e

Drawing 3.3.7 Longitudinal Section

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3.4 LOCATION OF THE DATA LOGGER

The data logger is placed in the middle of the living hall to obtain and at least 1 meter above from the ground is the most accurate reading of the temperature and relative humidity (RH). The plan shows the exact location where the data logger is placed in the space.

Data Logger

Diagram 3.4.1 Placement of Data Logger 14 | P a g e

3.5 FACTORS AFFECTING THERMAL COMFORT

Thermal discomfort is a common complaint of building occupants. There are individual differences in preferences for thermal comfort, so it may not be possible to achieve an acceptable comfort level for all occupants. The most commonly used indicator of thermal comfort is air temperature – it is easy to use and most people can relate to it. But although it is an important indicator to take into account, air temperature alone is neither a valid nor an accurate indicator of thermal comfort or thermal stress. Air temperature should always be considered in relation to other environmental and personal factors.

Few factors affecting thermal comfort are both environmental and personal. These factors may be independent of each other, but together contribute to a worker’s thermal comfort.

3.5.1 Relative humidity 3.5.2 Ventilation 3.5.3 Occupancy 3.5.4 Thermal Transmittance (U-value) 3.5.5 Thermal Mass of Building Material 3.5.6 Internal Surface of Temperature 3.5.7 Exterior Temperature 3.5.8 Interior Temperature

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3.5.1 Relative Humidity The amount of water vapour in the air at any given time is usually less than that required to saturate the air is defined as relative humidity (RH). Based on our analysis, the humidity in Malaysia will be higher compared to other country as Malaysia is a tropical country that rains occasionally.

The relative humidity is the percent of saturation humidity, generally calculated in relation to saturated vapour density.

Diagram 3.5.1.1 Relative Humidity Calculation Equation

3.5.2 Ventilation Ventilation is the process of "changing" or “replacing� air in any space to provide high indoor air quality. The main entrance of this house is facing south while another entrance is facing north where we conducted this experiment is well ventilated. The cool air comes from southeast through the opening such as windows and doors from one end to another end of the house causing a cross ventilation effect where the hot air ventilated in the process. Artificial cooling system enhances the ventilation in this house as well such as fan and air vent.

Photo 3.5.2.1 Windows improves the ventilation in living room

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Photo 3.5.2.2 Door also improves the ventilation in living room

Photo 3.5.2.3 Fan which is located in living room helps to improve the ventilation inside that area

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3.5.3 Occupancy The number of occupants will affect thermal comfort of a room. As in more carbon dioxide release due to human metabolism, the more heat will be trapped and causes the temperature rises. Other than that, relative humidity will affect as well due to occupants add considerable moisture to the room through exhaled air.

Photo 3.5.3.1 Room occupant in the living room

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3.5.4 Thermal Transmittance (U-value) Shading Device

Day

Night

Windows, doors

closed

open

Curtain (Internal)

closed

open

Heat transmittance through a surface by conduction, convection and radiation is expressed by its U-value. In this experimented room, thermal transmittance is lower due to the only opening (double-glazing windows).

Double-glazing affords better thermal insulation than single glazing. Other than that, glass with a low-emissivity or low-E coating will be suggested for doubleglazing windows to reduce the radiated heat transfer. The use of insulation external to the mass and insulation of the glazed areas can enhanced the mass effect. Thermal mass can be used in conjunction with passive solar design strategies to inhibit heat build-up. In our experimented area, there is a significant diurnal temperature range, night ventilation will cool the building by convection, leaving it ready to absorb the heat build-up during the next day.

Photo 3.5.4.1 Room occupant in the living room 19 | P a g e

3.5.5 Thermal Mass in Building Material Factors that determine thermal mass: Specific Heat Capacity Specific heat capacity refers to a material's capacity to store heat for every kilogram of mass. A material of 'high' thermal mass has a high specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity is measured in J/kg.K. Density The density refers to the mass (or 'weight') per unit volume of a material and is measured in kg/m3. A high density material maximizes the overall weight and is an aspect of 'high' thermal mass.

Thermal Conductivity Thermal conductivity measures the ease with which heat can travel through a material. For 'high' thermal mass, thermal conductivity usually needs to be moderate so that the absorption and release of heat synchronizes with the building's heating and cooling cycle. Thermal conductivity is measured in units of W/m.K. During the day, 'greenhouse' effect can trap large amounts of heat, this heat can also be quickly lost if materials with radiant thermal mass are used.

Thermal mass influences comfort by radiant exchanges with the skin. In fact, the most efficient way of maintaining comfort is radiant exchange with mass surfaces compared with another technique as the body is more than twice as sensitive to radiant losses and gains than all other pathways combined (conduction, convection, respiration, evaporation) and more than four times as sensitive than any other single pathway.

The thermal mass effect is the most important of only three commonly possible means of cooling a structure without the use of externally sourced energy or fuel. The others are ventilation and evaporation.

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Daytime Absorption

Nighttime Flushing

Diagram 3.5.5.1 Indicate how the materials of the building transfer the heat in specific time Materials suitable for thermal mass are heavy (or denser) materials with the ability to store large amounts of heat energy (see Table 3.5.5.1).

Material

Density (Kg/m3)

Specific heat (kJ/kg.K)

Volumetric heat capacity Thermal mass (kJ/m3.K)

Concrete (walls)

2240

0.920

2060

Marble, floor

2560

0.880

2252

Brick (walls)

1700

0.920

1360

Stone (Sandstone)

2000

0.900

1800

Plaster 1300

1.000

1300

Gypsum (ceiling)

Table 3.5.5.1 Density, specific heat and thermal mass of a range of materials

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Marble floor have been using for living room flooring. Based on the Table 3.5.5.1, if denser object, like marble tiles with higher thermal mass are kept out of the sun, they will tend to stay cool and thus, help to keep the building cool.

Photo 3.5.5.1 Marble floor in living room

Diagram 3.5.5.1 Show how the building material distribute the heat 22 | P a g e

3.5.6 Internal Surface Temperature When heat enters a space directly by penetration of sunlight and artificial lighting, the temperature rise will be in inverse relationship to the accessible volume of thermal mass. Therefore, the indoor temperature will rise almost immediately if there is little thermal mass in the room.

3.5.7 Exterior Temperature The exterior temperature is obtain from the weather forecast website: www.timeanddate.com/weather/Malaysia/kuala-lumpur.

3.5.8 Interior Temperature Indoor temperature is recorded using the data logger for consecutive 3 days (6 to 8 September 2013.

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4 RESULT & ANALYSIS 4.1 Analysis & Comparison of Indoor & Outdoor Results

Graph 4.1.1 Indoor & Outdoor Readings   

Temperature from indoor and outdoor stated above from 20-40 °C. Relative humidity from indoor and outdoor stated above from 60%-100% Y-axis stated time for three continuous days of the experiment period which is from 6 to 8 of September 2013.

Thermal comfort is determined by the room’s temperature, humidity, solar gain from sun and air speed. There are many additional factors such as activity level, clothing, age, gender and health status that affect your comfort. Radiant heat (hot surfaces) or radiant heat loss (cold surfaces) from building materials are also important factors for thermal comfort. Through this experiment, we observe the changes of the temperature and relative humidity against time.

Within this experiment period, temperature changes not much but the relative humidity changes very severely.

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Temperature (°C) Air temperature is a measure of the heat. From this experiment, data logger is used to measure the ambient air heat. However, radiant heat loss or gain is also important. Radiant heat may not be reflected in the air temperature, but is the impact of cold or hot objects in the area.

General Temperature The temperature in this living room is generally between 26-30 °C. We noticed that with or without artificial cooling system that temperature remains constant throughout the day. Based on our record, windows were open throughout the day.

Natural ventilation is the most contributing factor that affects the temperature.

Windows ventilation provides high rates of air movement in a room compared to artificial cooling system. In additional, climates throughout the three days were between 25-31 °C which also affects the interior temperature relatively. In addition, the number of room occupants was less throughout the days.

Relative Humidity, RH (%) Relative humidity (RH) is a measure of the moisture in the air, compared to the potential saturation level. Warmer air can hold more moisture. When you approach 100% humidity, the air moisture condenses – this is called the dew point.

Highest Relative Humidity Based on the forecast climate and recorded by one of our group members, rain and thunderstorm were occur on the second day of the experiment around 18002100, which affect the relative humidity raises so rapidly. In addition, number of occupants at that time also will affect the results recorded above. Room occupants increase the considerable moisture to the room through exhaled air which is at 100% relative humidity. The higher the number of room occupants, the higher the relative humidity which reaches almost 75 percent.

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Lowest Relative Humidity During this time, the lowest level of humidity was on the early morning and night time due to the fact that it was at the lowest activity. At this point, this was no room occupants within the room, due to this point there is no activities carried on in the living room. The only thing that affects the humidity within the room is the air vent and fan. Fan ventilation controls the air speed which removes the moisture within the air. When there is no activities occur during that time, artificial cooling system might affect relative humidity as well.

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4.2 WIND ANALYSIS

Diagram 4.2.1 The Wind Rose show where the wind comes from and the speed of the house.

Diagram 4.2.2 The Wind Rose shows the highest wind intensity is from North West and the lowest wind intensity is from South East.

The wind flows in the site mostly from North West. The living room is not directly exposed to the wind flow as it is located in the opposite side of the wind direction. That results less cooling sometimes unless we use some electrical devices such as fans or air vent to renew the air cycle.

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4.2.2 Ventilation and Fenestration The ASHRAE Standard specifies that forced ventilation is required in houses with infiltration less than 0.35 ACH. This is typically accomplished with heat recovery ventilation or exhaust fans running constantly. The general parameters of a comfortable living room are the temperature of it has maximum difference with the outside temperature which is 4.9 째C and the relative humidity approximately 76.7 %.

Diagram 4.2.2.1 Ventilation through The Whole House.

Diagram 4.2.2.2 Cross Ventilation

Diagram 4.2.2.3 One-side Ventilation 28 | P a g e

Ventilation Mechanical and natural ventilation are the types of ventilation that used in the living room. The fan is categorized as mechanical ventilation while the operable window is categorized the natural. Hence, the hybrid ventilation is formed as more than one type of ventilation are using in the living room.

Not matter in hot or humid place; it is not possible to use only natural ventilation to maintain the thermal comfort. Therefore, fan (mechanical ventilation) is used as a control measure to regulate the natural ventilation process and maintain the thermal comfort.

Fenestration Fenestration is the external surface or faรงade that allows the wind flow through the house.

Window is compulsory to be designed to fit on the external faรงade. It is the aperture of the house where the light and the wind circulates. So that, the wind comes from the front faรงade blows inside the house, and cools down the indoor temperature. There is casement window on the front faรงade which allows 100% of ventilation, while sliding window is used on the rear faรงade which also allows 100% of ventilation.

Photo 4.2.2.1 Tinted window glass in living room

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Photo 4.2.2.2 Casement tinted window in living room

Photo 4.2.2.3 Tinted window glass in the kitchen

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Glazing has played an important role for the window opening. It is used for blocking the heat radiation from the sun into the house. Tinted glass is used for glazing system in the house.

Exterior door is also one of the parts for the opening of the house. In our analysis, the exterior door is made by solid timber door. The timber door might be shrinking due to the weather although it is waterproof timber door. However, the function of external shading can prevent this from happening. In addition, the solid timber door also acts as a conductor when the solar heat penetrates through the opening.

Photo 4.2.2.3 Exterior Solid Door at the Porch

External Shading External shading is good for exterior opening such as window and door for not allowing the solar radiation penetrate straight away into the house.

Internal Shading Internal shading is not quite helping that much because the heat is already being transferred into the house. In this case, internal shading is basically used for interior design purpose.

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4.2.3 Building Design Approach Since Malaysia has a tropical climate, the house must be designed to adapt the surrounding as we analyze that the type of the roof is being designed with gable roof. Gable roof is very suitable in our country as it has 30 degree of steepness and it allows the rain to fall to gutter. While in the hot and sunny day, gable roof has played an important in preventing the heat to penetrate straight into the house.

4.2.4 Mechanical Equipment The mechanical equipment that can be found in the house are fan and air vent. Fan produces airflows with high volume and low pressure. Fan works by evaporative cooling sweat and increases the heat conduction into the surrounding air due to the airflow from the fan. Moreover, fan may become ineffective for cooling if the surrounding has high temperature and high humidity.

The fans are placed in several rooms around the house.

Air vent is placed in the living room with the purpose to pull air from the inside to outside. This is because of the activity of the occupants in living room will produce heat energy, hence the air vent has played an important role to pull the hot air out of the house and make the living room to become cooler.

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4.3 SUN ANALYSIS 4.3.1 Sun Path Diagram

Diagram 4.3.1.1 Sun Path Orientation

22 June (9am)

22 December (9am)

22 June (12noon)

22 June (5.30pm)

22 December (12noon)

22 December (5.30pm)

Diagram 4.3.1.2 Sun Path Orientation during the Whole Year 33 | P a g e

Generally, Malaysia has the same sun path as most of South East Asian.

However, some of the places are hotter than others as this is caused by the number of buildings within the area. Based on our site analysis, the house is allocated within the suburbs. This making it to be more exposed to other residential building which causes its temperature to become higher compared to those countryside houses. After our analysis, we found that the amount of heat is kept longer and more within this kind of area. This is due to there is crowded highway, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong located beside the housing area that will produce a lot of heat energy from the vehicles.

Besides that, there is also difference on the amount of sun and heat that circulates within a suburban area and the countryside. In suburban area, the heat is harder to evaporate compared to the countryside area. This is mainly due to there is less obstacles within the area. Therefore, the trapped heat affects the circulation because during daylight sun and heat reflects off adjacent buildings and does not let up after only a long period of time. This means the heat can penetrate every part of the exterior building easier.

To further understand the orientation of the sun path provided, below are the diagrams to fully understand how the building is orientated. It is about how the sun moves being a tropical region, and explains the reason of the temperature at night is almost the same and also why the general public of the city decide to use artificial ventilation system.

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4.3.2 Solar Radiation

22 June (9am)

22 December (9am)

22 June (12noon)

22 June (5.30pm)

22 December (12noon)

22 December (5.30pm)

Diagram 4.3.2.1 Solar Radiation during the Whole Year

Solar Radiation is radiant energy emitted by the sun, particularly electromagnetic energy. One of the element will affect the thermal performance of a building is solar radiation by transmitting heat directly to a surface of a certain element or material or through an opening thus affecting the thermal performance. The case study is not affected by glare; this is because of the neighbor building that blocked glare transmitting the heat into the building.

Besides that, the tinted windows also can block glare and very much of direct and diffused sunlight. The north facade and south faรงade have the only wall with windows and could receive the solar radiation. In addition, after analysis, we found that the south facade would receive the most solar radiation in the morning.

However, the east and west faรงade cannot receive any solar radiation as the house is covered by other units on both side. As a result, it has only limited amount of light entering the living room thus requiring the user to use artificial lighting most of the time.

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4.3.3 Shading and Building Orientation Front Elevation

22 June (9am)

22 June (12noon)

22 June (5.30pm)

22 December (12noon)

22 December (5.30pm)

22 June (9am)

22 June (12noon)

22 June (5.30pm)

22 December (9am)

22 December (12noon)

22 December (5.30pm) 36 | P a g e

22 December (9am)

Rear Elevation

Longitudinal Section

22 June (9am)

22 June (12noon)

22 June (5.30pm)

22 December (9am)

22 December (12noon)

22 December (5.30pm)

Diagram 4.3.3.1 Shading Pattern of House 37 | P a g e

Due to the orientation of the house, it is facing North and South, thus the house does not get direct sunlight and form the minimal shading elements outside the house.

Since the house chosen is located in the middle of terrace houses, the direct sunlight will hit the East and West faรงade which is covered by other units As a result, the shading pattern area as such in the diagram 4.3.3.1. Therefore, less heat gained during the morning period.

Also because of that, this may causes the house not to get the full effect of the sunlight being a terrace house. However, there is only full effect on the sunlight on the house is around the noon. For this case, the house has shading solution to reduce the direct sunlight into the house. Hence, the shading of the room, windows and porch is not as large as other orientated buildings. But during the afternoon, this also avoids residents from doing outside activities. The only way for residents to do that is to suffice for a second solution of shading.

As a solution, the house owner has glazed the windows in order to prevent heat from penetrating and also to compensate for the less shade region in the house. Unfortunately, the solution is still unsuccessful overcome the problem because the hot air within the house could not regulate thus the windows have to be opened to allow the air movement into or out of the house. According to UBBL 37, space between buildings covered too much thus not only adding to the heat but containing heat for long period at time.

Moreover, the cars that are parked outside the house would accumulate in heat as well as it is fully exposed to sunlight due the lack of shading. This adds to the contributing factors of heat that affects the house.

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4.3.4 Day Lighting The area where the data logger was placed had a large amount of artificial day lighting. In total there are 9 bulbs within the room. Due to the fact that this terrace house does not have a proper lighting system, the residents have to turn on all the lights which are needed. In addition, based on our assumption, the house owner uses the light saving energy bulbs to reduce cost for bills.

The rest of the house continues to have more lights but it is more constantly turned on for gatherings. The light bulbs used are also yellow bulbs as they emit less energy but produce less amount of light. Because of the low reflectivity of the material in the house, therefore the house requires more light.

The higher the reflectivity of the material, the more the light can be spread around the house, the fewer light bulbs are needed to lighten the house.

4.3.5 Mechanical Equipment In the living room there is varies of energy emitting heat sources. First is the artificial ventilation that applies to help circulate the air around the living room which one of the factors to the heat sources. The other contributing fact is that group discussion. During the gatherings, group mates would bring along the laptops and plug into the sockets.

Another least contributing fact is the kitchen which release varies of heat resources as well. Fridge is needed to turn on every single time for building occupants to store their foods.

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4.4 THERMAL COMFORT ZONE

1 m/s 0.4 m/s 0.1 m/s

300 W /m

2

500 W /m2 800 W /m2

Chart 4.5.1 Bio-climatic Chart shows the thermal comfort of the house (Red Spot).

Chart 4.4.2 Humidex shows the thermal comfort of the house (Red Square).

Average of Indoor Temperature: 28.5 째C Average of Indoor Humidity: 71.4 %

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It is important to evaluate the condition of air which can be described by using bio-climatic chart. This chat graphically represents the zones of human comfort based on ambient temperature and humidity, mean radiant temperature, wind speed, solar radiation and evaporative cooling. For the evaluation, it can be seen that the condition of living room do not meet the thermal comfort zone proposed by ASHRAE (summer comfort zone) in hot season due to high humidity level. Poor ventilation, high number of room occupants and tropical climates in Malaysia causes the living room do not meet thermal comfort zone. In this case, cooling and air movement are required in order to reach the comfort zone in the chart.

5 CONCLUSION It is found that building material helps to control the indoor climate and a proper selection of building material is needed. However, if the ceiling of the house is well insulated, it might provide a better indoor climate and thermal comfort to the room occupants. It is interesting to know the effect of humidity in thermal comfort. The humidity levels inside an indoor space can be as high as 80% especially during rainy season. This research proves that terraced house didn’t provide good thermal comfort to the occupants except if the house is shaded by trees or if a proper roofing and walls material is selected. This research suggests that, vegetation surrounding the house and building materials selection play an important role in controlling indoor climate. As for future research, it is hope that further research can be carried out and more parameters could be compared.

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T. Kubota, D.T.H. Chyee, and A. Supian, “The effects of night ventilation technique on indoor thermal environment for residential buildings in hot humid climate of Malaysia”, Energy and Buildings, vol. 41, Issue: 8, pp. 829-839, 2009.

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Unknown. (2013). Thermal Mass. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from website: http://greenpassivesolar.com/passive-solar/building-characteristics/thermalmass/ Unknown. (2013). Thermal Mass. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from website: http://www.greenspec.co.uk/thermal-mass.php Unknown. (January 13, 2007). Relative Humidity. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from website: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kinetic/relhum.html Unknown. (June 19, 2009). Thermal Comfort (Relative Humidity (RH) and Air Temperature). Retrieved October 1, 2013, from website: http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/air_quality/docs/AkIAQ_ThermalComfort.pdf

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7 APPENDIX

Result of Indoor Readings Date 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013

Time 6:00:00 7:00:00 8:00:00 9:00:00 10:00:00 11:00:00 12:00:00 13:00:00 14:00:00 15:00:00 16:00:00 17:00:00 18:00:00 19:00:00 20:00:00 21:00:00 22:00:00 23:00:00 0:00:00 1:00:00 2:00:00 3:00:00 4:00:00 5:00:00 6:00:00 7:00:00 8:00:00 9:00:00 10:00:00 11:00:00 12:00:00 13:00:00 14:00:00 15:00:00 16:00:00 17:00:00 18:00:00

Relative Humidity (%) 71.8 72.5 72.4 72.2 71.1 69.5 68.1 66.6 64 64.8 65.3 66.4 71.6 75 75.3 73.1 70.8 71 70.3 70.8 71.8 73.8 72.2 71.5 72 72.7 73.9 75.6 73 70.6 68.1 66.6 64 64.8 65.3 66.4 71.6

Temperature (째C) 26.3 26.1 26.3 26.5 27.1 27.7 29.2 29.6 30.1 30.2 30.2 30.3 28.2 29 28.9 28.8 29 28.8 28.7 28.6 28.3 27.6 27.4 27.3 27.3 27.1 27.3 27.6 28.2 28.8 29.2 29.6 30.1 30.2 30.2 30.3 28.2 44 | P a g e

9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013 9/8/2013

19:00:00 20:00:00 21:00:00 22:00:00 23:00:00 0:00:00 1:00:00 2:00:00 3:00:00 4:00:00 5:00:00 6:00:00

75 75.3 73.1 74.5 74.8 74.6 76.2 75.8 75.2 75.2 74.8 76.7

29 28.9 28.8 28.5 28.8 28.6 28.2 28.2 28 27.7 27.6 27.5

Graph of Indoor Readings

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Result of Outdoor Readings Date 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013 9/7/2013

Time Relative Humidity (%) 6:00:00 7:00:00 8:00:00 9:00:00 10:00:00 11:00:00 12:00:00 13:00:00 14:00:00 15:00:00 16:00:00 17:00:00 18:00:00 19:00:00 20:00:00 21:00:00 22:00:00 23:00:00 0:00:00 1:00:00 2:00:00 3:00:00 4:00:00 5:00:00 6:00:00 7:00:00 8:00:00 9:00:00 10:00:00 11:00:00 12:00:00 13:00:00 14:00:00 15:00:00 16:00:00 17:00:00 18:00:00 19:00:00 20:00:00 21:00:00

94 94 89 89 84 79 79 74 70 70 70 70 74 79 84 84 84 89 89 84 89 94 89 94 94 89 89 94 84 79 66 66 62 62 66 79 94 94 89 89

Temperature (째C) 24 24 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 30 30 29 28 27 27 27 26 26 26 26 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 27 28 30 31 31 31 31 27 25 26 25 25 46 | P a g e

9/7/2013 22:00:00 9/7/2013 23:00:00 9/8/2013 0:00:00 9/8/2013 1:00:00 9/8/2013 2:00:00 9/8/2013 3:00:00 9/8/2013 4:00:00 9/8/2013 5:00:00 9/8/2013 6:00:00

94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94

25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

Graph of Outdoor Readings

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