INDEX 1.0 Building Profile 1.1 Description 1.2 Highlights of Passive Design 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Historical Background 2.2 Site 2.3 Design Concept 2.4 Green features A) Low-E double glazed windows B) Sun shading devices C) Centralized water-chilled air conditioning system D) Destination-based lift system E) Daylight sensor system F) Sky garden G) Triple-volume garden terrace on every third floor 2.5 Certification 2.5.1 Green Mark Gold Certification 2.5.2 Green Building Index 2.6 Plans
Page Number
1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11
3.0 CLIMATE DATA 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Urban heat Island (UHI) 3.3 Climate data of Kuala Lumpur 3.4 Graphical Analysis
13 13 15 15
4.0 WIND STUDIES 4.1 Wind frequency chart 4.2 Annual wind rose diagram 4.3 Psychometric chart 4.4 Wind flow
17 17 18 19
5.0 SUN PATH STUDIES 5.1 Daily Sun Path in April 5.2 Daily Sun Path in June 5.3 Daily Sun Path in September
20 20 21
6.0 PASSIVE DESIGNS 6.1 Sun shading devices 6.2 Daylight
22 25
7.0 CONCLUSION
27
8.0 REFERENCES
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1.0 Building Profile
Building Name
: Menara Binjai
Architect
: Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd
Location
: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Building Type
: Office Tower
Square footage
: Appox 473,000 sq ft
1.1 Description Menara Binjai, the tower of sustainability, is an award-winning green building which has attained both Green Building Index (GBI) and BCA Green Mark Gold Certification. The 35-storey office tower is located at the KLâ€&#x;s famed Golden Triangle, which is at the junctions of Jln Ampang, Jln Binjai and Jln Tun Razak. The building is strategically located with easy access of both public and private transportations as well as surrounded by premium residential developments and hotels. The construction of Menara Binjai is completed in August 2012.
1.2 Highlights of Passive Design a) b) c) d) e)
Building is facing west which is shaded by the opposite tall building Low E double glazed windows on the exterior curtain walls of building Sun shading devices on the building faç ade Window louvers in the emergency stairs zone for air circulation Sky terraces in every third floor of the building and sky garden in Level 30
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2.0 Introduction 2.1 Historical Background
Before Menara Binjai was built, a 6000 sq. ft. double storey colonial bungalow (refer to Figure 2.1) which belonged to Chua family (Khor Joo Saik & Chua Seong Siew) sat on the land that was predicted to be valuable in future. (Figure 2.1.1) Due to the extensive commercial development in the area, the family had planned to demolish the existing house to accommodate an office tower in 1990. This project would be a realization of the family’s vision. The project began in 2008 when the house was finally demolishes. Khor Joo Saik Sdn Bhd teamed up with internationally renowned architectural firms such as Veritas Design Group, Ranhill Bhd, Crest Building Holdings and Web Structures Pte Ltd to embark on this development. Figure 2.1.1 The colonial bungalow
Two generations in the making, the 35 storey Menara Binjai is the Chua family’s labour of love. (Figure 2.1.2) It used to be a place with air raid shelter, annex and mahogany trees in the garden where the Chua family’s children would play. Today, Menara Binjai is the landmark of green building which served as an office tower that provides a conducive working environment. The green spaces are intended to give a calming, meditative effect.
Figure 2.1.2 Menara Binjai
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2.2 Site The location of Menara Binjai is very strategic as it is located at the intersection of Jalan Binjai, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak which are the three major roads in the city. (Figure 2.2.1) It is situated next to the Ampang Park LRT station. The building is easily accessible by all means of transportation. It is also a stone’s throw away from the Petronas Twin Tower. The main entrance of Menara Binjai is orientated facing west, towards the InterContinental and Menara Citibank. (Figure 2.2.2)
Figure 2.2.1 Location map of Kuala Lumpur
Figure 2.2.2 Location map of Menara Binjai
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2.3 Design Concept
Figure 2.3.2 The glass facade
Figure 2.3.1 Glass façade with shadings
Figure 2.3.3 Timber finishing from the remain trees
Menara Binjai was designed based on the request of Dr. Chua Seong Siew who is the elder son, whom firmly stated that he wants the “best building” - envisioned as a tall and graceful silvery vision housing cutting-edge green technology. The design of Menara Binjai also sought to leverage the site’s unique position which will provide unobstructed views from the office tower overlooking the Ampang Park LRT station, Jalan Tun Razak junction and Nikko Hotel plaza. The openness is achieved by using glass façade facing the open junction. (Figure 2.3.1 & 2.3.2) The lobby of Menara Binjai features mahogany wood panels and benches created from the salvaged remains of the tree that once sheltered the family home which was believed to bring good luck. (Figure 2.3.3)
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2.4 Green Features A) Low-E double glazed windows
Figure 2.4.1: Harsh light soften by the double glazed windows at office area.
The low-E double glazed windows are installed as the exterior curtain wall of Menara Binjai. This is to optimize heat and sound insulation and shielding from glare.
B) Sun shading devices
Figure 2.4.2: Overhang of Sky Garden
Figure 2.4.3: Vertical shading devices
Horizontal and vertical sun shading devices are used as part of the building envelope of Menara Binjai. For the vertical shading devices, the fins are installed perpendicular to the window to create a critical horizontal shadow angle. These sun shading devices control the penetration of sunlight to reduce the amount of heat transfer into the building.
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C) Centralized water- chilled air conditioning system
Figure 2.4.4: Water chiller system connected to the air conditioning system
Figure 2.4.5: Air conditioning system at level 5
Instead of using conventional air conditioning, Menara Binjai used centralized water chilled air conditioning system with individual air handling unit (AHU) on each floor and state of the art energy saving green chiller. Thus, energy is efficiently utilized even when it is operating at partial load
D) Destination-based lift system Lift systems for access are classified into two - low zone lift and high zone lift. Low zone lift allows access from level 1 to level 19, whereby high zone lift allows access from level 19 to level 33. This system customized the floor selection to minimize waiting and stopping time, resulting in shorter travel time and excellent handling capacity at peak hours. Figure 2.4.6: The lift system
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E) Daylight Sensor System Energy saving light fittings with daylight sensor system enables peripheral light fixtures to be dimmer during the day, and switched on when the daylight level drops, or when it is activated by the motion sensors after working hours.
Figure 2.4.7: The sensor system
F) Sky garden
Figure 2.4.8 Timber screen shading
Figure 2.4.9 View from the gym
A sky garden is located at level 30 of Menara Binjai. It serves as an informal venue for meeting and is a testament to the developer’s ecologically driven aspiration. The gym is located at this level so that it has a broader view.
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G) Triple-volume garden terrace on every third floor
Figure 2.4.10 Triple volume garden terrace
Figure 2.4.11 Interior space of garden terrace
Bamboo are planted at the triple volume garden to further enhance the natural aura of Menara Binjai while creating a magnificent green panorama that adds to its iconic presence.
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2.5 Certification 2.5.1 Green Mark Gold Certification
Menara Binjai received the award of Green Mark Gold Certification from Singapore's Building and Construction Authority in 2010. BCA Green Mark is a benchmarking scheme which aims to achieve a sustainable built environment by incorporating best practices in environmental design and construction, and the adoption of green building technologies. Menara Binjai is leading the way in implementing Green building concept and requirements for office towers. The energy efficient operation allow up to 25% savings on electricity and air conditioning consumption. Figure 2.5.1.1 logo of BCA Green Mark
Marking criteria for BCA Green Mark for new non-residential buildings Part 1 2 3 4 5
Criteria
Points 30
Energy Efficiency Water Efficiency Environmental Protection Indoor Environmental Quality Other Green Features
20 Total Score
50
Figure 2.5.1.2 Green mark award rating and prerequisite requirements (http:// www.bca.gov.sg)
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2.5.2 Green Building Index
The Green Building Index is an environmental rating system for buildings developed by PAM (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia/Malaysian Institute of Architects) and ACEM (the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia). The Green Building Index is Malaysia’s first comprehensive rating system for evaluating the environmental design and performance of Malaysian buildings based on the 6 main criteria. Figure 2.5.2.1 logo of Green Building Index
Assessment Criteria from Green Building Index Part 1 2 3 4 5 6
Item Energy Efficiency Indoor Environmental Quality Sustainable Site Planning & Management Material & Resources Water Efficiency Innovation Total Score
Maximum Points 35 21 16 11 10 7 100
Figure 2.5.2.2 Green building index classification (http:// www.greenbuildingindex.org)
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2.6 Plans Floor plan – office with garden terrace
Floor plan – office without garden terrace
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Floor Plan (Sky Garden)
Floor plan – Penthouse Office (level 31, 32, 33)
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3.0 Climate Data 3.1 Introduction Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate which is hot and humid. The weather of Malaysia is relatively consistent with high humidity and abundant rainfall. The rainfall in Malaysia is seasonal which can be categorized into two: northeast monsoon season which is during January to February and June to July as well as southwest monsoon season which is during April to May and October to November. Malaysia does not have the difference of summer and winter, yet it has dry and wet season. The driest season is during May to July whereas the most humid season is during October to November. 3.2 Urban Heat Island (UHI) It can be defined as the difference of temperature measures between urban and rural areas (Streutker, 2003) even though the intensity and magnitude varies from each city. The intensity of UHI in Kuala Lumpur varies from 3.9 to 5.5 ยบC and it will be increasing 1.5 ยบC in the coming subsequent years which could affect the human health and comfort.
Graph 3.2.1 Average temperature of the stations in Kuala Lumpur within a week. (https://ams.confex.com)
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From the survey, we could conclude that the nucleus of the UHI is at the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Puduraya station has the highest temperature throughout the survey because it is busiest station with bus terminal, LRT and KTM stations together. Therefore the rate of the human activities is the highest thus making it having the highest UHI among all the other stations. Besides Monday is the day which has the highest temperature compare to the other days which make it the most crowded day in the stations. Thus it has a higher rate of UHI as human circulation.
Graph 3.2.2 Malaysia Climate Graph (http://www.malaysia-tourism-guide.com)
The graph shown is the Malaysia’s climate graph. It shows the average maximum temperature, average temperature, minimum temperature, average precipitation, average wet days, average relative humidity and average sunlight hours. During April to May and October to November, Malaysia has the most rainfall with the highest precipitation and relative humidity. This is because it is the period of southwest monsoon season which is the wet days in Malaysia. The average sunlight hours in Malaysia are 6.5 hours per day.
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3.3 Climate data of Kuala Lumpur Annual average temperature
: 27ºC
Average highest temperature
: 33° ºC
Average lowest temperature
: 24ºC
Average annual precipitation
: 2366.2mm
Average percentage of humidity
: 80%
Average annual sunshine
: 2228 hours
Average wind flow
: 10-20 knots
3.4 Graphical Analysis
Graph 3.4.1 Average Temperature (ºC) Graph for Kuala Lumpur (http://www.worldweatheronline.com)
The graph stated that Kuala Lumpur has an average temperature of 27 ºC. The average high temperature is 33 ºC whereas the average low temperature is 24 ºC. The high temperature causes the office to be enclosed and artificially ventilated using airconditioners to provide thermal comfort to the employees of the office.
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Graph 3.4.2 Average Rainfall (mm) Graph for Kuala Lumpur (http://www.worldweatheronline.com)
According to the graph above, it shows that Kuala Lumpur has copious rainfall with an average 20 days of rainfall. The average monthly precipitation is 224mm whereas the average annual precipitation is 2366.2mm. The average precipitation in Kuala Lumpur is higher during March to April and October to November because they are the period of monsoon seasons. High precipitation leads to excess moisture which causes the humidity to increase. The increase in humidity would often lead to thermal discomfort of the habitants which is addressed by enclosing the space and introducing artificial ventilation.
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4.0 Wind Studies
Diagram 4.1: Kuala Lumpur yearly wind frequency chart
The diagram above shows the annual direction and wind speed frequency of Kuala Lumpur. It is clearly seen that the wind is more frequent from the southeast direction. The regular wind speed from that direction is less than 30 km /h.
Diagram 4.2: Kuala Lumpur wind rose in relation to site.
The stairwell is located at the south of the building to harvest the wing to ventilate naturally. However, Menara Binjai does not have any neighbors of similar heights. Hence, standing at 35 storey, the wind exerts strong lateral forces upon the building. 17
Diagram 4.3: Psychrometric chart of Kuala Lumpur.
The psychometric chart, diagram 4.3 shows the humidity of Kuala Lumpur is much higher than the humidity level stated within the comfort zone. This will lead to the need of additional thoughts and effort to provide a comfortable environment for users to work in. In Menara Binjai, These efforts are such as the introduction of the double glazed windows.
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Diagram 4.4: Wind flow on building
Figure 4.5: Rooftop garden
Figure 4.6: Stairwells with louvers
Due to its function as an office tower, and the height of the building, Menara Binjai practices infiltration (HVAC) as the main means of ventilation. However, some of the spaces of the tower are naturally ventilated. Among the spaces are the car park, stairwells as well as the open rooftop. 19
5.0 Sun Path Study Diagrams Diagram below shows the shadow casted by the building at different interval within a day (9:00am, 12:00pm and 4:00pm) in critical months which are April, June and September. 5.1 Daily Sun Path in April
09:00 hrs
12:00 hrs
16:00 hrs
As for the month of April, the shadow casted by the building is considered the intermediate one amongst the critical months that was taken into consideration. As seen in the diagrams at 9.00am and 4.00pm, the vertical shading devices were able to give shade the windows which would reduce the heat gain of the office spaces through the windows. 5.2 Daily Sun Path in June
09:00 hrs
12:00 hrs
16:00 hrs
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In the month of June, the sun rises earlier than the month of April; hence the shadow casted at 9:00 a.m. is much shorter as seen in the first diagram shown. At this hour, the vertical shading devices were not really able to provide shading to the window panes.
5.3 Daily Sun Path in September
09:00 hrs
12:00 hrs
16:00 hrs
During the month of September, daytime is much longer as compared to other months. The shades were useful as it was able to provide shading to the window panes for longer periods of time.
Diagram 5.3.1: Annual sun path diagram
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6.0 Passive Design 6.1 Sun Shading Devices The orientation of Menara Binjai is introduced to efficiently minimize heat gain (Figure 6.1.1). The longer faรงade of the building are positioned to face north and south to reduce the direct penetration of heat. The entrance is orientated towards west due to accessibility constraint. However, neighboring buildings had provided shading for the entrance of the building at late noon. (Figure 6.1.2) Visible light
N Menara citybank
Menara Binjai
Menara Citybank
shade
west Figure 6.1.1 Building Orientation
Menara Binjai
east
Figure 6.1.2 Reflection of sunlight to the building facade
Figure 6.1.3 Glass awning with perforated metal sheets underneath.
A glass awning is placed over the foyer (Figure 6.1.3). Perforated metal sheets are fixed below the awning to diffuse the sunlight and act as a rain shelter. It also reduces the heat transfer from the sun so that the temperature of the foyer is lower.
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Figure 6.1.4: Plan shading
Vertical shading devices can be found on the building faรงades. According to observation, vertical shading provides horizontal shadow angles to reduce the amount of daylight and heat gain. (Figure 6.1.4) However, the heat gain of the building is mostly controlled by the used of soft coat low -e double glazed glass which is applied throughout th e whole building.
Figure 6.1.5: Heat transmission at the entrance
Figure 6.1.6: Heat transmission (through timber screens)
On level 30, there is a sky garden which is a public space within the building. The space is partially shaded by a glass awning with timber screens The timber screens are fixed at a diagonal angle to allow light to reflect off it and shield glare. (Figure 6.1.6)
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Figure 6.1.7: Timber screens at Sky Garden
Compared to the perforated metal sheets below the glass awning which is placed over the foyer, timber screen shading provides more prominent shadow which dimmer down the space and at the same time reduces the heat transmission through the awning. (Figure 6.1.7) Each shading devices has their pros and cons. Perforated metal sheets allows more light to penetrate which gives the space a higher visibility whereas timber screens provides more shades due to its slanted panel position. (Figure 6.1.8) However, as timber is a good heat insulator, it reduces the heat gain better compared to the perforated sheets which is a good heat conductor. The metal sheets stores heat which eventually creates a hotter atmosphere. Different type of awnings are used depending on the needs of the building itself. Shading devices can be part of the design elements which is not only functional but also gives aesthetic values to the building.
Figure 6.1.8: Metal screen effect
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6.2 Daylight In order to provide the most conducive environment for the tenants and their employees, sufficient lighting is important. Hence, the architects of the building have manipulated the design in order to take advantage of the sunlight all year round. The introduction of natural lighting had subsequently reduced the need of artificial lighting in the office suites during daytime. Three walls of glass panels form the office space to bring in the maximum amount of daylight. Meanwhile, the longest glass panels have been positioned to be faced either towards the North or South giving a win-win situation to both enabling penetration of lush daylights at the same time reducing heat gain through the glass panels. (Figure 6.2.1) Furthermore, the use of the soft coated double glazed window has also helped to reduce the heat gain through to glass panels, keeping the internal temperature at ~28 Celsius. (Figure 6.2.2)
Figure 6.2.1 Double glazed glass is used to reduce the heat penetration.
Figure 6.2.2 Light and heat penetration
Terraces have been introduces to the office suites at intervals of 3 levels. (Figure 6.2.3) Tempered glass wall were installed to conceal the triple volume garden terrace as part unity with the building envelope. During the time on site, some heat is reflected by these panels which cut down the heat gain of the office suites even before reaching the double glazed windows making the entire terrace cooler. A slight indent was created to house the garden terraces and it also increased the area for light penetration into the building through the glass panels while at the same time providing platform for employees to rest. (Figure 6.2.4) Besides, gaps in between the tempered glass panels allow air ventilation to occur. For sky garden, cross ventilation will take place from east to west or vice versa. 25
Figure 6.2.3: Triple volume garden terrace
Figure 6.2.4: Heat and light transmission in triple volume garden terrace
At the sky garden, timber screen were fixed at a diagonal angle to reflect the sunlight which efficiently reduces glaring. The remaining sunlight that passes through the screen is softened as there is no direct sunlight penetration into the space. (Figure 6.2.5) In contrast to the perforated metal screen at the foyer, the sunlight is being reflected, diffusing light better and gives more shadow whilst the metal screen reduces glaring but provides more even daylight penetration through specular reflection of the light.(Figure 6.2.6)
Figure 6.2.5: Daylight penetration
Figure 6.2.6: Shadow casted reduces the heat transfer from the daylight which cools the floor temperature.
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7.0 Conclusion
The introduction of the passive designs such as the double glazed glass curtain wall, vertical shading devices have significantly helped the building to cut down the heat gain of the interior spaces. This reduces the need to use energy reliant system which would comply with the vision of the developer to establish a green building. The introduction of the sky garden at level 30 of the building accompanied with the garden terraces located at intervals of every 3 levels not only provide a recreational space for the user but also compliments the passive design of the building such as the increment of surface area for the glass curtain walls to enable more daylight to penetrate into the office suites. The orientation and positioning of the building has also been planned strategically given considerations of the sun path and neighboring buildings to ensure the site and its context are used to the maximum to help provide shading and profile to the building. As a conclusion, the design of Menara Binjai had been well planned and executed to reduce its impact towards the environment. It is well deserved to be awarded by both the Green Mark and Green Building Index.
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References Anonymous (2007) Solar Shading Devices. HK Green Building Technology Net. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://gbtech.emsd.gov.hk/english/minimize/green_solar.html Anonymous (2014) Daylight Harvesting. Green Education Foundation. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/green-building-program-sub/learnabout-green-building/1224-daylight-harvesting.html Anonymous (n.d.) Menara Binjai. Tower of Sustainability. Jones Lang Wootton. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.jlwmalaysia.com/english/cp/MB-B.pdf Building Energy Body of Knowledge (BEMbook). (2012) Solar Shading. International Building Performance Simulation Association. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.bembook.ibpsa.us/index.php?title=Solar_Shading#Exterior_shading_device Grondzik. W.T, Kwok. A. G, Stein B., Reynolds J.S. (2010) Chapter 6: Solar Geometry and Shading Devices. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings. John Wiley & Sons Inc, Canada. Ilham S.M. Elsayed (2004) A Study of the Urban Heat Island Of The City Of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. University of Dammam. Saudi Arabia. Lam J.W. (2010) City&Country: Cover Story-- Menara Binjai: A long labour of love. The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/4736-cityacountry-cover-story-menarabinjai-a-long-labour-of-love.pdf Malaysia Tourism Guide. (n.d.) Malaysia Weather. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.malaysia-tourism-guide.com/ Menara Binjai. (2010) Retreived 8th May 2014 from www.menarabinjai.com World Weather Online. (n.d.) Kuala Lumpur Yearly Weather Summary. Retrieved 8th May 2014 from http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Kuala-Lumpur-weatheraverages/Kuala-Lumpur/MY.aspx
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