TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNOLOGY 1 (ARC 70903) PROJECT 2
Case Study : Petalz Residence
Group Members:
Liaw Yau Vern
(0326627)
Cader Yaasir
(0341930)
Chong Yi Hui
(0324404)
Celine Sabina Michelle Pacheco
(0333005)
Aaron Lim Jynn Xyang
(0347191)
Nicole Ann Choong Yin
(0323148)
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Table of Content 1.0 Abstract 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Aims and Objectives 2.2 Case Study - Petalz Residence 3.0 Site Planning and Building Layout 3.1 Site Selection and Planning 3.2 Building Orientation 3.2.1 Wind Analysis 3.2.2 Sun Path Analysis 3.2.3 Views 4.0 Building Envelope Design 4.1 Material and Finishes 4.1.1 Concrete 4.1.2 Gypsum 4.1.3 Brick 4.1.4 Paint 4.2 Window Selection / Openings 4.2.1 Plan Analysis 4.2.2 Natural Lighting and Ventilation Calculation 4.3 Facade Design 4.3.1 Perforated Metal Screen 4.3.2 Slanted Balconies 4.3.3 Moveable Louvers 4.4 Structural Design 4.4.1 Post-tensioning System 4.4.2 Transfer Slab 4.4.3 Floor Slab - Table Formwork System 4.4.4 Concrete Block Masonry Wall
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5.0 Fire Protection Design 5.1 Passive Containment 5.1.1 Fire Compartmentation of Walls and Floors 5.1.2 Protected Lobby 5.1.3 Staircase 5.2 Evacuation 5.2.1 Travel Distance 5.2.2 Horizontal Exit and Staircase Width 5.2.3 Emergency Light and Smoke Detector 5.3 Fire Fighting Access 5.3.1 Fire Lift 5.3.2 Fire Fighting Access lobby 5.4 Active Intervention System 5.4.1 Fire Detection System -
Automatic Fire Alarm System
5.4.2 Fire Suppression System -
Wet riser system, Hose Reel, Automatic Sprinkler System Fire extinguisher
6.0 Proposals 6.1 Rainwater Harvesting System to Sustain Building Maintenance 6.2 Monsoon Window for Better Ventilation Efficiency 6.3 Lighter Paint Coating 6.4 Alternate Evacuation Route 6.5 Climate Adaptive Shadings 7.0 Conclusion 8.0 References
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1.0 Abstract Located near the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate of generally hot and humid weather throughout the year. This climate and environment has a direct effect on the building performance as it increases energy consumption to ensure user comfort to a certain degree. Thus, making a building energy efficient is a critical component of green building. The objective of this research paper is to investigate the many approaches to green building technology in the local environment, how it is applied in relation to architecture, and to analyse vertical core design in compliance with fire prevention systems. Petalz Residences was selected as the case study and it was analysed from a building envelope and vertical core design perspective. Therefore, five proposals related to the building envelop are introduced : 1. Rainwater harvesting system 2. Monsoon window 3. Lighter paint coating 4. Alternate evacuation route 5. Climate Adaptive Shadings
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2.0 Introduction 2.1 Aims and Objectives Building designs must be built to be fire resistant. Therefore, fire safety in a building is essential to safeguard the occupants from probable death or injury while also providing a safe evacuation from the premises and easy access for fire and rescue services. There are two categories of fire protection in a building which are passive and active fire protection. Passive fire protection restricts the spread of fire and smoke by utilising compartments as well as fire-rated doors and walls. Moreover, active fire protection mainly focuses on the measures to stop a fire, mainly through smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. Hence, this report concerns the construction of the building in the context of green technology and fire safety designs. The objectives are set up as as follows: 1. To explore different approaches of green building technology in the local context. 2. To identify elements of green building technologies in the application of architecture. 3. To analyse the vertical core design in accordance with fire protection systems.
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2.2 Case Study - Petalz Residences @ Old Klang Road
Figure 2.2a : Perspective rendering of Petalz Residences at OKR
Petalz Residences is an exclusive freehold serviced apartment located on the main street of Jalan Klang Lama located south of Petaling Jaya. The development resides on a 3.04 acres plot of land on Jalan Klang Lama. Petalz Residences at Old Klang Road features a total 565 units comprising residences that are complemented by modern facilities and plenty of open spaces that look out to green landscapes. This development consists of twin pair blocks and also includes 12 office suites and 4 retail units.
Figure 2.2b : Location plan of Petalz Residences
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3.0 Site Planning and Building Layout 3.1 Site Selection and Planning As the development is next to the NPE highway, a buffer zone with landscape and hardscape was created to soften the edge between the building and busy highway. Furthermore, Petalz Residence was designed to ensure that the building and its layouts conforms to the fire safety regulations and uniformed by-laws. The site selection is close to basic community amenities, as well as the planning of new residential areas to facilitate the supply of local amenities. Hence, the development of a service apartment on site is appropriate as it serves the requirement and demand of the local community. 3.2 Building Orientation 3.2.1 Wind Analysis
Figure 3.2.1a : Wind analysis diagram of Petalz Residence
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The building is designed and orientated in such a way that the building itself creates a barrier to the two active monsoon winds that prevails in Malaysia. Tower 1 protects the podium from being directly exposed to the south west monsoon wind and Tower 2 protects the podium against north east monsoon wind which primarily occurs from November to March. 3.2.2 Sun Path Analysis
Figure 3.2.2a : Sun path analysis diagram of Petalz Residences
The building is designed and orientated in such a way that the building itself creates a barrier to direct sun and glare in the podium area and the unit facing the podium. Tower 2's southern façade is completely exposed to direct sunlight and the same applies to Tower 1 even though Tower 2 casts shadow in Tower 1 but not all units are fully protected from the sun. The architect introduced louvers and balconies to address these issues.
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3.2.3 Views
Figure 3.2.3a : Facade of Petalz Residences
Even though the views are not directly in the architect's control, here with the Petalz residence they tried to orient the building in such a way that all the units have a clear width on the podium and Tower 1 has a view on the city compared to Tower 2 which has a direct view on Klang river.
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4.0 Building Envelope Design 4.1 Materials and finishes 4.1.1 Concrete
Figure 4.1.1a & 4.1.1b : Exterior concrete wall of Petalz residence
Concrete is used as a high percentage within Petalz residence and is highly evident on the exterior. Concrete is commonly known as fire resistant and incombustible material, so it has been used as a basic material for fire resistant structures for the last decades. It protects the structure from fire in two ways. Concrete itself contains free water but also cement paste is made of a significant quantity of hydrated crystals, so it contains a large amount of bound water. In case of fire, free water evaporates from a heat-exposed surface and in this way it absorbs a great part of heat, leading to minimizing temperature in the internal part of the structural member.Concrete entrusts that Petalz residence is highly durable in its environment and is listed in a material that does not burn or rust.
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4.1.2 Gypsum
Figure 4.1.2a & 4.1.2b : Gypsum ceilings of Petalz Residences
Ceilings of gypsum which is a crystalline formed mineral found in sedimentary rock, but can also be a synthetic gypsum (Flue Gas Desulphurization gypsum or desulphurised gypsum) that is derived from coal-fired electrical utilities which are able to remove sulfur dioxide from flue gasses, thus an effective passive fire protection. Gypsum is an incombustible material and even after evaporation of the entire amount of water, it remains a thermal insulation barrier. Gypsum board can also be used to construct a fire separator between two areas or can be mounted directly on structural members; steel beams, to provide a fire-resistant layer. However, in case of gypsum fibreboards, tightness of coating is of highest importance. Gypsum boards reflect on petalz residence as attaining easy installation, fire resistant and controlled sound.
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4.1.3 Brick
Figure 4.1.3a : Brick wall at Petalz Residences
Brick walls that are classified within the type of aggregates. The non-combustible nature combined with high thermal insulation offers inherent structural integrity following exposure to fire which makes it the obvious choice for passive protection of building construction. Highly porous aggregates absorb moisture in varying degrees depending upon its type. The presence of moisture in the aggregate during a fire test extends the fire duration by the time when moisture is turned to steam and evaporated from the material. Exposed brick in Petalz residence ties with them being low maintenance and the lack of need for painting. It also exemplifies durability and sustainability while being weatherproof.
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4.1.4 Paint
Figure 4.1.4a & 4.1.4b : Painted walls at Petalz Residences
Walls are painted that function as a layer of protection. Thin film intumescent materials - the fire-resistant thin film intumescent coating consist in a water- or solvent- based painting layer of approximately 1 – 3 mm thickness. The complex layer is usually made of three separate components: a primer layer, a base layer that reacts with fire and a sealer that provides a tightness of coating. A base layer, as responsible for fire protection is made of a number of ingredients influencing proper behaviour during fire action. Painting is Petalz residence further protomes: ●
Protecting surfaces from insects, rain, solar radiation and other external factors
●
Simpler maintenance: Well painted surfaces are easier to keep clean and safe
●
An increase the visual appeal of a surface
●
Waterproofing
●
Increasing surface durability
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4.2 Window Selection/Openings
Figure 4.2a : Bird Eye View Of Petalz Residence illustrating openings in façade
The openings in this residential building are quite simple and straightforward. The openings are mainly the sliding door which serves as access to a private balcony from each unit and some units have two or three bedrooms which all have direct windows to the exterior, hence maximizing natural sunlight and ventilation. The type of window used is mainly the typical swing window and top hung windows.
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4.2.1 Window Selection/Openings – Plan Analysis 4 Bedrooms
Figure 4.2.1a : Unit plan of Petalz Residences-Type A1
The Dining and living area is well lit and ventilated and the two rooms facing the terrace are also well lit and ventilated, but the small room could have been optimized to have better ventilation and natural light.
Figure 4.2.1b : Sliding door leading to balcony Figure 4.2.1c : Top hung windows in master bedroom
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Figure 4.2.1d : Unit plan of Petalz Residences-Type C1
The Dining and living area is well lit and ventilated and the two rooms facing the terrace are also well lit and ventilated, but the small room could have been optimized to have better ventilation and natural light.
Figure 4.2.1e : Image illustrating typical swing widow in the bedrooms.
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Figure 4.2.1f : Unit plan of Petalz Residences-Type B
The Dining and living area is well lit and ventilated and the two rooms facing the terrace are also well lit and ventilated. Being a duplex, the void brings natural light and ventilation to the master bedroom on the first floor making the duplex very efficient.Louvers help to manually control the degree of direct sunlight exposure to the common space.
Figure 4.2.1g & 4.2.1h : Louvers on balcony
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4.2.2 Natural Lighting and Ventilation Calculation UBBL-Part III, 39. Natural Lighting and Ventilation Every Room designed, adapted or used for residential, business or other purposes except hospitals and schools shall be provided with natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more windows having a total area of not less than 10% of the clear floor area of such room and shall have openings capable of allowing a free uninterrupted air of not less than 5% of such floor area.
Figure 4.2.2a : Unit plan of Petalz Residences-Type B
Ground Floor (52.5 m²)
Mezzanine Floor (52.5 m²)
Open Plan = 40 m²
Master Bedroom = 24 m²
Bedroom = 10.5 m²
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Natural Lighting Calculation
Ground Floor
Mezzanine Floor
Open Plan
Master Bedroom
Sliding door + Entrance Door =
Top hung + Louvered Windows =
5.1 m² + 1.9 m² = 7 m²
3.78 m² + 7.35 m² = 11.13 m²
(7/40) x 100 = 17.5 % UBBL Compliant
(11.13/24) x 100 = 46.3 % UBBL Compliant
Bedroom Swing Window + Entrance Door = 2.25 m² + 1.9 m² = 4.15 m² (4.15/10.5) x 100 = 39.5 % UBBL Compliant
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Natural Ventilation Calculation
Ground Floor
Mezzanine Floor
Open Plan
Master Bedroom
Sliding door + Entrance Door =
Top hung + Louvered Windows =
5.1 m² + 1.9m² = 7 m²
3.78 m² + 5.35 m² = 9.13 m²
(7/40) x 100 = 17.5 % UBBL Compliant
(9.13/24) x 100 = 38.2 % UBBL Compliant
Bedroom Swing Window + Entrance Door = 2.25 m² + 1.9 m² = 4.15 m² (4.15/10.5) x 100 = 39.5 % UBBL Compliant
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Figure 4.2.2b : Unit plan of Petalz Residences-Type C1
Ground Floor (88.5 m2)
Open Plan = 40 m²
Bedroom 5 = 12.5 m²
Bedroom 7 = 11.5 m²
Bedroom 9 = 9.5 m²
Natural Lighting Calculation
Ground Floor
Open Plan
Bedroom 5
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Sliding door + Entrance Door =
Top Hung + Entrance Door =
5.1 m² + 1.9 m² = 7 m²
3.78 m² + 1.9 m² = 7 m²
(7 / 40 ) x 100 = 17.5% UBBL Compliant
(5.68 / 12.5) x 100 = 45.5% UBBL Compliant
Bedroom 7
Bedroom 9
Swing Window + Entrance Door =
Swing Window + Entrance Door =
2.25 m² + 1.9 m² = 4.15 m²
1.26 m² + 1.9 m² = 3.16 m²
(4.15 / 10.5) x 100 = 39.5 % UBBL Compliant
(3.16 / 9.5) x 100 = 33.2 % UBBL Compliant
Natural Ventilation Calculation
Ground Floor
Open Plan
Bedroom 7
Sliding door + Entrance Door =
Swing Window + Entrance Door =
5.1 m² + 1.9 m² = 7 m²
2.25 m² + 1.9 m² = 4.15 m²
(7 / 40)x 100 = 17.5% UBBL Compliant
(4.15 / 10.5) x 100 = 39.5 % UBBL Compliant
Bedroom 5
Bedroom 9
Top Hung + Entrance Door =
Swing Window + Entrance Door =
3.78 m² + 1.9 m² = 7 m²
1.26 m² + 1.9 m² = 3.16 m²
(5.68 / 12.5) x 100 = 45.5 % UBBL Compliant
(3.16 / 9.5) x 100 = 33.2 % UBBL Compliant
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4.3 Façade Design
Figure 4.3a : Front Elevation of Petalz Residences-Street Level
The façade of Petalz residence is quite interesting as the main inspiration is from petals and the patterns of petals can be observed on the lower levels in form of metal screens cut to petals and floral patterns and the building façade is quite interesting as there are a series of slanted balconies which have been oriented in such a way to maximize direct sunlight and natural ventilation but by reducing direct glare.
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4.3.1 Façade Design-Metal Perforated Screen On the lower portion of the buildings the use of perforated metal screens can be seen to be used as protection from direct sunlight and glare and at the same time allowing natural ventilation.
Figure 4.3.1a : Metal Perforated Screen on Main Elevation.
Figure 4.3.1b : Typical Section Where Perforated metal is used as screen
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4.3.2 Façade Design-Slanted Balconies
Figure 4.3.2a : Balcony extracted from the typical floor plan of units from Petalz Residence.
Figure 4.3.2b : Balcony Illustration Diagram The Balcony is slanted and oriented in such a way that it is not directly facing the sun, hence creating a more protected balcony from direct sunlight rays and glare.The balcony also integrates a service duct on the slanted side. It is a simple but yet effective idea on how to design according to climatic conditions.
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4.3.3 Façade Design-Moveable Louvers
Figure 4.3.3a & 4.3.3b : Moveable Louvers on Balconies
Figure 4.3.3c : Moveable Louvers Illustration Diagram
The moveable louvers help to block direct sunlight especially after noon when the angle of sun rays changes. The users have to basically move the louvers accordingly to block direct sunlight which causes glare and heats up the common area. The louvers use a simple sliding mechanism which is attached to the kicker of the balcony.
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4.4 Structural Design 4.4.1 Post-tensioning System
Figure 4.4.1a : Perspective view of Petalz Residence during construction Figure 4.4.1b : Car park in Petalz Residence showcasing the absence of beams
Figure 4.4.1c : Post-tensioning beam diagram
Petalz Residence makes use of the post-tensioning system throughout its superstructure. As seen on the figure above, there is an absence of beams on the structure which sets the columns to support the upper floor slabs. Post-tensioning system provides structural and economic benefits such as increased structural stiffness, deflection control, better crack management, lower reinforced congestion, and effective use of structural steel and concrete. Furthermore, said system provides quick and efficient connection of precast components and elements.
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4.4.2 Transfer Slab
Figure 4.4.2a : Section diagram of Petalz Residence with indication of transfer slab
Figure 4.4.2b : Load distribution of transfer slab diagram
Transfer slab is introduced on one level before the residential floors. A transfer slab is a type of frame which supports the upper storeys column or a structure directly. As shown on the diagram, it helps to support the vertical and lateral loads then distribute the loads of the upper storeys equally to the supporting structure underneath. The benefits of transfer slab is it requires a minimal depth solution, speedy construction while providing a clean finish and freedom of services layouts. By using a transfer slab, it gives flexibility for the planning of the building layout in terms of column arrangement to units layouts.
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4.4.3 Floor Slab - Table Formwork System
Figure 4.4.3a : Perspective view of Petalz Residence during construction Figure 4.4.3b : Diagram of table formwork system
Table formwork system is used for the floor slab construction of Petalz Residence. This system consists of a large prefabricated formwork and falsework component that forms the bay of the suspended floor section. The completed formwork is then elevated by crane from to the upper storey. The formwork consists of five layers of plywood of smooth surface for repeated usage and suitable for flat slab construction. The advantages of using this system are it provides fast construction of large floor layouts, easily moved in place, good quality control, and minimise need for infill areas and decking joints. At the same time, cost of construction will be higher due to the need for cranes and adequate safe space to elevate the completed units.
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4.4.4 Concrete Block Masonry Wall
Figure 4.4.4a : Perspective view of Petalz Residence (facilities podium) during construction Figure 4.4.4b : Sectional diagram of concrete block masonry wall details
Standard concrete masonry is used for the wall construction. Concrete masonry is used because of the strength, durability, economy, architectural appeal, and versatility of the masonry system. It is also utilized as a firewall due to its fire resistant attributes. It has high thermal insulation that helps to reduce the building thermal mass and offers the structural integrity for the building construction.
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5.0 Fire Protection Design 5.1 Passive Containment Passive containment focuses to confine a fire to its origin zone for a certain period of time, thereby preventing fire spread and providing more time for safe evacuation of building occupants. When specific identifiable hazards within a building need to be independently isolated from the remainder of the building, specifically constructed containment systems are used as enclosures. Fire resistant enclosures used for containment are subjected to fire exposure conditions outlined in different associated test Standards. 5.1.1 Fire Compartmentation of Walls and Floors The Fire Compartmentation of Petalz Residence is zoned systematically according to the sectional diagram shown in Figure 5.1.1. Spaces that were enclosed within certain areas required different coverage of fire rated compartmentation and building components due to the variety of fire volume that was being contained. UBBL Section 134 - Designation of purpose groups For the purpose of this Part every building or compartment shall be regarded according to its use or intended use as falling within one of the purpose groups set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and, where a building is divided into compartment used or intended to be used for different purposes, the purposes group of each compartment shall be determined separately: Provided that where the whole or part of a building or compartment, as the case may be, is used or intended to be used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of use that building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which purpose group it falls.
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Table 1 Fifth Schedule, Designation of Purpose Group ,According to UBBL 1984
Levels
Function of Spaces
Purpose Groups
Basement (B1)
Car parks
VIII - Storage and general
Ground Floor (G)
Commercial shops, car parks, Main
V - Shop
Lobby
VIII -Storage and general
Car parks
VIII - Storage and general
Podium facility
Swimming pool,wading pool,
VII - Place of Assembly
(Level 7A)
multipurpose hall, gymnasium, Surau,
Podium (Level 1 7)
Reading room, Gardens, Playground, Sport courts, Laundrette, Barbeque area, Nursery, Sprinting Track Level 8 - 37A
Residential units (Tower A and Tower
III - Other Residential
B) Level
Residential units , Sky pool, sky
III - Other Residential
34,36,37,37A
lounge, Games room, Sky decks
VII - Place of Assembly
According to Uniform Building By-laws (2013),the requirements for compartmentation applicable for Petalz Residence as followed : UBBL Section 137 - Floor in building exceeding 30 meters in height to be constructed as compartment floor. In any building which exceeds 30 meters in height, any floor which is more than 9 meters above ground floor level which separates one storey from another storey, other than a floor which is either within a maisonette or a mezzanine floor shall be constructed as a compartment floor.
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UBBL Section 138 - Other walls and floors to be constructed as compartment walls or compartment floors. The following walls and floors in building shall be constructed as compartment walls or compartment floors: (a) Any floor in a building of Purpose Group II (Institutional); (b) Any wall or floor separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same building; (c) Any wall or floor separating part of a building from any other part of the same building which is used or intended to be used mainly for a purpose falling within a different purpose of group as set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws; and (d) Any floor immediately over a basement storey if such basement storey has an area exceeding 100 square metres. UBBL Section 215 - Height of buildings: (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) and any other express provision to the contrary, any reference to a building of which an element of structure forms part of such building means the building or if a building is divided into compartments any compartment of the building of which the element forms part of such building. (2) Any references to height means the height of a building, not of any compartment in the building, but if any part of the following is completely separate throughout its height both above and below ground from all other parts by a compartment wall or compartment walls in the same continuous vertical plane, any reference to height in relation to the part means the height solely of that part.
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Figure 5.1.1 : Sectional Diagram of Petalz Residence Fire compartmentation
Provision to By-law 136 which stated the dimension of building other than a single storey which exceeds the specified as relevant to the purpose group and building height requires a certain limit of dimensions of floor area or storey to be compartmentalized. In accordance to Fifth schedule, regarding the dimensions of buildings and compartments, Petalz Residence has the building height which exceeds 28m, residential unit floor falls under Purpose Group IV(other residential) required 2000 metre square floor area to be compartmentalized. Figure 5.1.1a shows the floor area of Tower B, residential unit floor consists of approximately 1330 34 | page
metre square floor area. In table 2, other purpose groups also required the same aspects to apply the related dimension to 1 level of basement car park which does not exceed 28m and 1 level commercial shops at the ground floor level.
Figure 5.1.1a : Floor area of residential unit floor - Tower B
Table 2 Fifth Schedule, Dimension of buildings and compartments, According to UBBL 1984
Purpose Group
IV (Other Residential) V (Shop) VIII (Storage and general)
Height of Building
Limits of dimensions Floor area of storey
Cubic capacity of
in building or
building or
compartment (in m²)
compartment (in m³)
Exceeding 28m
2000
5500
Any height
2000
7000
Not exceeding
No Limit
21000
28m
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5.1.2 Protected Lobby Based on the plans of Petalz Residence, each tower incorporates one protected lobby for service lifts for fire fighting access and a naturally ventilated lobby for main vertical transportation. Since our building of study exceeds 18 meters, it abides to the following UBBL : In relation to UBBL 197 (3), Petalz Residence lobby relates to this aspect as the staircase enclosures are pressurised and naturally ventilated, with openable windows and openings to the atrium. Therefore they do not need to be fully pressurized as per UBBL 242.
Figure 5.1.2a : Showing the naturally ventilated lobbies through the use of openable casement windows.
UBBL 197. Protected lobbies (1) Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircases in buildings exceeding 18 meters above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls. (2) In buildings exceeding 45 meters above ground level, such protected lobbies shall be pressurized to meet the requirements of Section 7 of the Australian Standard 1668, Part 1 – 1974 or any other system meeting the functional requirements of the D.G.F.S. (3) Protected lobbies may be omitted if the staircase enclosures are pressurized to meet the requirements of by law-200.
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UBBL Section 198 - Ventilation of staircase enclosures: (1) All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either permanent opening or openable windows to the open air having a free area of not less than 1 square meter per floor. (2) Openable windows shall meet the operational requirements of the D.G.F.S. (3) In buildings not exceeding three storeys above ground level, staircase enclosures may be ventilated provided that access to them at all levels except the top floor is through ventilated lobbies. UBBL 242. Fire fighting access lobbies. Fire fighting access lobbies shall conform to the following requirements: (a) each lobby shall have a floor area of not less than 5.57 square metres; and (b) the openable area of windows or area of permanent ventilation shall be not less than 25% the floor area of the lobby and, if ventilation is by means of openable windows, additional permanent ventilation having a free opening of 464 square centimetres shall be provided except that mechanical pressurisation may be provided as an alternative.
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Figure 5.1.2b : Protected lobby and naturally ventilated lobby for Tower A
Figure 5.1.2c : Protected lobby and naturally ventilated lobby for Tower B
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5.1.3 Staircase According to the UBBL, Petalz Residence complies with ventilation of staircase enclosures and means of access and fire fighting as shown in the pictures below;
Figure 5.1.3a : Shows the naturally ventilated fire staircase in Petalz Residence, complying to UBBL 198 (1). The use of vertical fins provides natural ventilation on all levels of the fire staircase.
Figure 5.1.3b : The pictures above complies to UBBL Section 229 (3) The fire fighting installations do not obstruct the staircase and means of access for BOMBA.
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Figure 5.1.3c : The diagram indicates the consistency of staircase width and length along with the door swing allowance in Tower B as stated in UBBL Section 168 (4) & (5)
UBBL Section 168 - Staircases. (1) Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress via at least two separate staircases. (2) Staircase shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh schedule to these By-laws. (3) The required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 millimeters. (4) The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including at landings. (5) Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
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UBBL Section 198 - Ventilation of staircase enclosures. (1) All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing level by either permanent openings or openable windows to the open air having a free area of not less than 1 square metre per floor. (2) Openable windows shall meet the operational requirements of the D.G.F.S. (3) In buildings not exceeding three storeys above ground level, staircase enclosure may be unventilated provided that access to them at all levels except the top floor is through ventilated lobbies. UBBL Section 229 - Means of access and fire fighting in building over 18.3 metres high: (1) Buildings in which the topmost floor is more than 18.3 metres above fire appliance access level shall be provided with means of gaining access and fighting fire from within the building consisting of fire fighting access lobbies, fire fighting staircases, fire lift and dry or wet rising systems. (2) Fire fighting access lobbies shall be provided at every floor level and shall be located that the level distance from the furthermost point of the floor does not exceed 45.75 metres. (3) Fire fighting access lobbies may be omitted if the fire fighting staircase is pressurized to meet the requirements of by-law 200 and all fire fighting installations within the pressurised staircase enclosure do not intrude into that clear space required for means of egress. (4) A fire fighting staircase shall be provided to give direct access to each fire fighting access lobby and shall be directly accessible from outside the building at fire appliance access level. This may be one of the staircase required as a means of egress from the building. (5) A fire lift shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access lobby or in the absence of a lobby to the fire fighting staircase at each floor level. (6) The fire lift shall discharge directly into the fire fighting access lobby fire fighting staircase or shall be connected to it by a protected corridor.
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Referring to the floor plans below, the 3 staircases for Tower A are placed strategically on each end of the L-shaped building and abides to the UBBL required travel distance for unsprinklered buildings of 30 meters. In the event of evacuation, there are another 2 staircases as means of escape. In reference to figure 5.1.3e , Tower B has 2 fire exits on the linear plan. One of the staircases in Tower B provides two means of access for the ease of convenience in the event of an emergency.
Figure 5.1.3d : Fire staircase for Tower A
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Figure 5.1.3e : Fire staircase for Tower B
5.2 Evacuation 5.2.1 Travel Distance According to By-law 175, the calculation of occupancy loads and capacity of exits shall be in accordance with the provision of the Seventh Schedule to these By-laws. The maximum travel distance varies from different purpose groups ,through the investigation at residential unit floor, there is no sprinkled system provided due to sufficient coverage of maximum travel distance from unit to alternative exits. Unsprinklered areas allow 30m travel distance limitation within the residential floor, except other areas like ground floor lobby and basement car park area are provided a sprinkled system with 45m travel distance coverage according to the By-laws. Different areas coverage will be measured based on certain situation which are subject to : UBBL Section 165 - Measurement of travel distance to exits. (1) The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting 0.300 metre from the most remote point of occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with 0.300 metre clearance therefrom and ending at the storey exit. Where measurement includes stairs, it shall be taken in the plan of the tread nosing.
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(2) In the case of open areas the distance to exits shall be measured from the most remote point of occupancy provided that the direct distance shall not exceed two-thirds the permitted travel distance. (3) In the case of individual rooms which are subject to occupancy of not more than six persons, the travel distance shall be measured from the doors of such rooms: Provided that the travel distance from any point in the room to the room door does not exceed 15 metres (4) The maximum travel distances to exits and dead end limits shall be as specified in the Seventh Schedule of these By-laws. Table 2 Travel distance based on purpose group according to UBBL Seventh Schedule
Purpose Group
Limit when alternative exits are available Dead-End Limit (m)
Unsprinklered (m)
Sprinkled (m)
III. Other Residential
10
30
45
V. Shops
15
30
45
VII. Places of Assembly
NR
45
61
VIII. Storage and General
15
30
45x
(Parking Garages)
x - Limits distance of travel on floors below in the street in sprinkled garage to 30 metres
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Figure 5.2.1 : Travel Distance for Residential unit floor at Tower B
Certain issues that need to be addressed as the fire escape distance of some residential units does not take into account the proper planning for the correct alternative exits despite it being within the 30m coverage. Through investigation, Residential unit 1 and unit 2 complied with the 10m dead-end limit towards the exits at the fire staircase alongside the protected shaft, but unit 1’s second alternative escape route does not comply within 30m travel distance, which is measured as 37.8m,according to the inquiry. 5.2.2 Horizontal Exit and Staircase Width Although the staircase width is stated in By-laws with the requirement to fulfil certain events such as one staircase is not operable for escape purposes but remaining has to serve the purpose to accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor to discharge,it requires calculation to determine the correct exit width. In order to determine the appropriate dimension of the staircase provided, calculation of occupant load and capacity of exits should be taken into consideration in accordance with provisions in the Seventh Schedule. [By law -168(2), 171, 175] This study will look into the residential unit floor at Tower B and determine its exit width in relation to purpose group, occupant load and capacity of exits.
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Table 3 Calculation of occupancy load and capacity of exits
Purpose
Occupant
group
load (sqm)
III Other
20 Gross
Capacity exits (No.of persons per unit - exit width) Doors
Horizont
Ramp
Ramp sec.
outside
al exits
main exit
exit
100
60
60
60
Escalator
Stairs
45
45
Residential
To determine the staircase width, the calculation based on Seventh Schedule as follows: Remarks : * Exits are measured in units of 550 millimeter *The width of an access to exit should be at least 700 millimeters. Purpose Group
: Other Residential
Occupant load
: Gross Floor Area = 1330sqm (per one floor area), occupant load per sqm = 20 = 1330 / 20 = 66.5 (67 persons)
Units of horizontal exit width
: Capacity of exits = 60 person per unit , = occupancy load / capacity exit = 67 / 60 = 1.12 units
Required horizontal exit width
: 1 x 550 mm = 550mm
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Units of staircase width
: Capacity of exits = 45 person per unit = occupancy load / capacity exit = 67 / 45 = 1.49 units
Required Staircase width
: 2 x 550mm = 1100 mm
Based on the calculation above in reference to Seventh Schedule, the 2 staircases on site are provided a 1150mm exit width which is sufficient for the occupancy load per floor level at Tower B, residential unit floor.
5.2.3 Emergency Light and Smoke Detector According to UBBL, the installation of emergency lights for the purpose of fire escape should follow the guidelines following: UBBL Section 253 - Emergency power system: (1) Emergency power systems shall be provided to supply illumination and power automatically in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to
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elements of the system supplying power and illumination essential for safety to life and property. (2) Emergency power system shall provide power for smoke control systems, illumination, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, public address systems, fire lifts and other emergency systems. (3) Emergency systems shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operation of all equipment connected to the system including the simultaneous operation of all fire lifts and one other lift. (4) All wiring for emergency systems shall be in metal conduit or of fire resisting mineral insulated cables, laid along areas of the least risk. (5) Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to or within the building or group of buildings concerned, the emergency lighting or emergency power, or both emergency lighting and power will be available within 10 seconds of the interruption of the normal supply. The supply system for emergency purposes shall comprise one or more of the following approved types: (a) Storage Battery Storage battery of suitable rating capacity to supply and maintain at not less than 87½ percent of the system voltage the total load of the circuits supplying emergency lighting and emergency power for a period of at least 1½ hours; (b) Generator set A generator set driven by some form of prime mover and of sufficient capacity and proper rating to supply circuit carrying emergency lighting or lighting and power with suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover on failure of the normal service.
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Figure 5.2.3 : Emergency light layout in Residential floor, Tower B
The above Figure 5.2.3 shows the emergency location along the corridor of residential unit floor at Tower B, there are 7 emergency lights per each floor, each 7 metres apart which are critical for escaping during emergency situations when the building's electricity is out. The picture beside shows the emergency light and smoke detector at the lift lobby area.
According to UBBL , the smoke detector that installed within only the lift lobbies are stated as : UBBL Section 153 - Smoke detectors for lift lobbies. (1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.
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(2) Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled by light beam or photo-detectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a preset time
5.3 Fire Fighting Access There are several clauses that pertain to fire fighting and rescue operations, such as external access point to the building for fire fighting, fire lifts, fire fighting access lobby, wet riser system, sprinkler system, and so on. 5.3.1 Fire Lift A firefighting lift is a lift that is often provided within a tall building, complex building or a building with deep basements. The purpose of a firefighting lift is to provide a facility to assist firefighters to move with more ease vertically through a building. According to Uniform Building By-laws (1984) and Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia (2011), the requirements of fire lift to be construct and install in a residential high rise building are stated below as : By-law 229 : (5) A fire lift shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access lobby or in the absence of a lobby to the fire fighting staircase at each floor level. (6) The fire lift shall discharge directly into the fire fighting access lobby, fire fighting staircase or shall be connected by a protected corridor By-law 243 : (1) In a building where the top occupied floor is over 18.5 metres above the fire appliance access level fire lifts shall be provided. (3) The fire lift shall be located within a separate protected shaft if it opens into a separate lobby. (4) Fire lifts shall be provided as the rate of one lift in every group of lifts when discharged into the same protected enclosure or smoke lobby containing the rising main, provided that the fire lifts are located not more than 61 metres travel distance from the furthermost point of the floor.
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Bomba 16.2.5 : Fire lifts shall be located in protected lift shafts of at least 2 hours fire resistance protection. No piping, conduit or equipment other than that forming part of the lift or necessary for its maintenance shall be installed in any lift shaft or lift shaft enclosure
Figure 5.3.1 : Fire lift in Residential unit floor at Tower B
Petalz Residence has a building height that exceeds the 18.5m in requirement for fire lift exemption therefore only 1 unit of fire lift is provided within the protected shaft. Figure 5.3.1 showed the location of the fire lift in residential unit floor at tower B beside the fire staircase and provided with 2 leaves of 2 hours fire rated door for access. 5.3.2 Fire Fighting Access Lobby Fire fighting access lobby means a lobby separated from the storey it serves by construction of a FRP of not less than half hour, directly accessible from a fire fighting staircase and a fire lift. According to Petalz Residence,follow as By-law 229(1), the building height which exceeded 18.5 metres above required means of gaining access and fire fighting fire from within the building, consisting of fire fighting access lobbies, fire staircases and fire lift. In reference to By-law 150, fire fighting access lobby as a protected shaft which is required to have an opening that fitted with a fire resisting door need to be comply with the provisions of By-law 162 that stated openings in partitions enclosing a protected lobby shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of half-hour which specified in Ninth Schedule.
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Figure 5.3.2 : Fire fighting access lobby at residential unit floor, Tower B
Figure 5.3.2 showed the red highlighted area as fire fighting access lobby which consists of a floor area of 11.17 metre square, it complies with By-law 242(a). Secondly, yellow highlighted as the mechanical pressurisation shaft. Due to neither openable area of windows nor permanent ventilation is provided in the fire fighting lobby, it is required to provide mechanical pressurisation as an alternative which comply with By-law 242(b). Below stated the requirement for fire fighting access lobby in liu with Uniform Building By-laws 1984, By-law 229 : (1) Building in which the top most floor is more than 18.3 metres above fire appliance access level shall be provided with means of gaining access and fighting fire from within the building consisting of fire fighting access lobbies, fire fighting staircases, fire lifts and dry or wet rising systems . (2) Fire fighting access lobbies shall be provided at every floor level and shall be so located that the level distance from the furthermost point of the floor does not exceed 45.75 metres. By-law 242 : (a) fire fighting access lobbies shall have a floor area of not less than 5.57 square metres. (b) The openable area of windows or area of permanent ventilation shall not be less than 25% of the floor area of the lobby and, if ventilation is by means of openable windows, additional permanent ventilation having a free opening of 464 square centimeters shall be provided except that mechanical pressurization may be provided as an alternative.
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5.4 Active Intervention System
UBBL 225. – Detecting and extinguishing fire. (1) Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirements as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws. The table requirements for fire extinguishment alarm systems and emergency lighting [By-law 226(1), 237(1)]
Occupancy Hazard
Extinguishing System Note 2
Fire Alarm System Note 3
Emergency Lighting Note 4
3. Modified Flats
requirements
for
(a) Walk-up flats 5 storey and less (b) Open balcony approach
Wet riser, two units of 30m X 37mm hose with control nozzle. Two units 9kg ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers located at caretakers flat or fire point as required by fire department
(ii) Exceeding 60m
(ii) Exceeding 60m
As for b(ii) hose reel. Fire light and emergency lighting ‘A’.
(2) Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5 metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access. (3) Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for fire appliances, additional fire hydrants shall be provided as may be required by the Fire Authority.
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5.4.1 Fire Detection System Fire detection system is designed to identify fires early in their development, when there is still time for occupants to be safely evacuated. Early detection plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of emergency response personnel. Property loss can be reduced and downtime for the operation minimized through early detection minimized through early detection because control efforts are started while the fire is still small. Most alarm systems offer emergency responders with information on the location of the fire, which speeds up the firefighting procedure. Automatic Fire Alarm System Petalz Residence is provided with a combination of fire alarm bell and heat detectors in one system as Figure 5.4.1 shows the fire alarm bell situated beside the hose reel room with a manual switch underneath to trigger the fire alarm manually in case the automated system is under malfunction. According to certain research, the combination of this automatic fire alarm system with heat detectors, it contains metal stripes, iron and brass to absorb different amounts of heats which will trigger the complete circuit of the fire alarm bell ; as fire is put out , it will be cooled off and causes the circuit to break thus switching off the alarm automatically.
Figure 5.4.1- Left : Fire alarm and manual switch located at the one of the corridor Right : Technical details of fire alarm
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The requirements to install fire alarm which provided in Petalz Residence are stated below : By-law 237 (1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth-Schedule to these By-laws (2) All premises and building with gross floor area excluding car park and storage area exceeding 9,290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a two-stage alarm system with evacuation (continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section (3) Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action of a master control
5.4.2 Fire Suppression System A fire suppression system is an engineered group of units that are built to extinguish fires through the application of a substance. Majority of fire suppression systems will automatically release the application of an external substance to extinguish the fire after the detection. The first requirement of a fire suppression system is providing at least one fire hydrant not more than 91.5 metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access, as stated in UBBL 225 (2).
Figure 5.4.2 : Location of fire hydrant and hose reel on site.
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Wet Riser A wet riser is a supply system designed to distribute water to multiple levels or compartments of a building, as a component of its fire fighting systems. According to By-laws requirement, Petalz Residence has a height of approximately 125m which has exceeded 18.3m above fire appliances access level, therefore a wet riser is installed in the building. (By-law 231). For the residential unit floor , the wet riser pipe is located inside the hose reel room next to the lift as shown in figure.
Figure 5.4.2a : Location of fire extinguisher and wet riser pipe in Tower A (above) & Tower B (below).
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According to Uniform Building By-laws 1984, the requirements for wet riser are listed as below: By-Law 231 (1) Wet rising system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost floor is more than 30.5 metres above the fire appliance access level (2) A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby . (3) Wet risers shall be of minimum 152.4mm diameter and shall be hydrostatically tested at a pressure 50% above the working pressure required and not less than 14 bars for at least twenty-four hours. (4) Each wet riser outlet shall comprise standard 63.5mm instantaneous coupling fitted with a hose of not less than 38.1mm diameter equipped with an approved typed cradle and a variable fog nozzle. (5) A wet riser shall be provided in every staircase which extends from the ground floor level to the roof and shall be equipped with a three-way 63.5mm outlet above the roof line. (6) Each stage of wet riser shall not exceed 61 metre, unless expressly permitted by D.G.F.S. but in no case exceeding 70.15 metre. By-Law 248 (1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted red
Figure 5.4.2b : Location of wet riser rooms with wet rise pipes on all residential floors .
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Hose Reel The hose reel system in a building is an immediate fire fighting suppression equipment to contain the spread of fire. According to the Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia, hose reel systems should comply with M.S. 1447 - Hose reels with semi-rigid hose. Hose reels should be placed such that all areas are within 30 metre hose coverage of each hose reel. Hose reels should also be located in prominent positions at each floor level along escape routes, or besides exit doors or staircases, preferably with recessed closets.
Figure 5.4.2c : Hose reel placed very prominently in Petalz Residence carpark in the event of an emergency.
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Figure 5.4.2d : Diagrams above (not to scale) show the location of hose reels in Tower A (above) and Tower B (below). The hose reels are indicated in red and the red dotted lines show the overlapping 30 meter radius hose coverage. According to M.S. 1447 - Hose reels with semi-rigid hose, at least one hose reel should be provided for every 800 sq. metres of usable floor space.
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Sprinkler system There are four main types of sprinkler systems, the commonly used type of fire sprinkler system in high-rise buildings are wet pipe fire sprinklers. When the fire sprinkler element reaches the designated temperature, it breaks and releases the water. According to UBBL 228 (2), All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated.
Figure 5.4.2e : Picture above shows the sprinkler system in the ground floor car park, Petalz Residence.
Figure 5.4.2f : Picture above shows the sprinkler piping and valves located next to the fire pump room in the basement of Petalz Residence.
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6.0 Passive Design Strategy Proposal 6.1 Rainwater Harvesting System to sustain building maintenance Introduction Petalz Residence accommodates an enormous amount of landscape. Therefore, in order to maintain the landscape, the main usage is water. Aside from that, other maintenance such as cleaning, water features, etc. can be sustained through by using rainwater. By proposing a rainwater harvesting system, it can significantly reduce the energy and usage of running water needed to maintain the building. It is considered to be an energy efficient strategy to be applied in tropical climates. Rainwater Harvesting System The Rainwater Harvesting System can be applied with many solutions, but for a high-rise building such as Petalz Residence the main catchment area would be the rooftop and podiums since they consist of the largest surface area directly towards the sky making it more efficient. It allows us to achieve a sustainable feature with a better environment by collecting and filtering the rainwater that can be safely used such as: toilet flushing & urinals, Irrigations, laundry, vehicle washing & general cleaning, landscape maintenance and industrial & commercial application uses.
Figure 6.1.1 : Elements of rainwater harvesting system.
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Che-Ani, A. I., Shaari, N., Sairi, A., Zain, M. F. M., & Tahir, M. M. (2009). Rainwater harvesting as an alternative water supply in the future. European Journal of Scientific Research.
Figure 6.1.2 : Typical flow of rainwater harvesting system in high-rise. (by Akruthi Enviro)
Figure 6.1.3 : Detailed diagram of pre-tank filtration rainwater harvesting method.
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Benefits of pre-tank filtration rainwater harvesting method. This method commonly allows up to 90% of rainwater to be filtered and diverted into the rainwater tank, the remaining 10% is used for the filter to be self-clean and self-sustainable.
6.2 Monsoon Window for better ventilation efficiency Replace monsoon window for the units Petalz Residence’s façade is filled with aluminum louvres and common windows. Even though these façade components are a great passive solution towards preventing direct sunlight and heat entering the units, the thermal comfort is still slightly off from acceptable range. This is due to compartmented units with no direct cross-ventilation towards the opposite side of the building, therefore heat is reduced at a slower rate. On top of that, the active system is still being preferred by most of the existing tenants. By replacing the unit windows with monsoon windows, ventilation can be provided frequently and more natural light can be allowed in at the same time.
Figure 6.2.1: Existing window in unit’s room (Tower B, 330° North-West)
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Figure 6.2.2: Monsoon window design (Moulmien Rise, George Town)
6.3 Lighter paint coating Lighter Paint for building envelope A black colored building probably stands out more, and some homeowners may prefer the look of it. Though the darker colors improve the facade of a dramatically yet sophisticated house on the block, in fact, darker color could heat up the interior, depending on various factors from the exterior as well. Tropical and sunny countries are regularly painted white to reflect as much sunlight as possible. Researchers are building on that age-old strategy with a new wave of "passive radiative cooling" materials that shed sunlight and heat (George Karonis, 2015). Most are not easy to apply to existing roofs and walls, but there are many recent technologies now that have heat-proof paint that can coat just about any surface, lowering its temperature up to 6°C (Tan, B.K.,Cr, U.M.,Hong, S., 2007).
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Figure 6.3.1 & 6.3.2: Original dark color Petalz; Inverted Lighter color Petalz.
From both figures above, it shows the comparison of original-darker (left) and imagined-lighter (right) painted existing Petalz to illustrate the difference if heat proof color coating is introduced to the building.
6.4 Alternate evacuation route Proposal of alternate fire escape route
Figure 6.4.1: Typical floor plan - Tower B
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Tower B of Petalz Residence consists of 2 existing fire staircases exiting every floor. Due to the length of the entire corridor and dead-end limit with compartmented units, the existing fire staircase on the left and the existing fire staircase on the right have a length of 37.8 meters. Due to the length exceeding 30 meters with no sprinkler system, in the event of a fire situation, the possibility of a fire in between the staircases are dangerously high. In that context, an alternate escape route in between the staircases is proposed as seen in figure 6.4.1 above. For more context regarding evacuation, refer back to 5.2 Evacuation - Figure 5.2.1a (Existing dead end limit). (By-law 175 & UBBL Section 165)
6.5 Climate Adaptive Shadings Vertical Adjustable Aluminium Louvres Petalz Residences’s units all consist of balconies and large windows to allow adequate natural lighting to illuminate the spaces. Due to the tropical climate in Malaysia, Petalz already includes a horizontal sliding louvre which shows in figure 6.5.1 and the current shading it is able to provide figure 6.5.2. The existing louvre is unable to provide adequate sun shading and it lacks flexibility.
Figure 6.5.1 & Figure 6.5.2: Horizontal sliding louvre & Shaded sunlight in room
While retaining the shape of the existing louvre, a vertical yet adjustable louvre is able to provide more shading and flexibility. Depending on the orientation of the unit, the louvre may be favored to be placed in different positions and adjusted in different angles. On the other
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hand, this is able to provide more coverage of sun shadings while maintaining the maximum ventilation throughout.
Figure 6.5.3: Typical aluminium vertical adjustable sliding louvre
As shown in figure 6.5.3 above, the proposal material for these louvers will be aluminium due to its ease of maintenance and durability. Due to Petalz’s louvers being located in the balconies, they are hand-reachable. Therefore, active automated systems are not necessary for the louvers.
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7.0 Conclusion Petalz Residence is a vertical garden within the concrete city of Kuala Lumpur. Alike many common tall residential buildings in Malaysia, Petalz has most of the facilities and it’s well-thought throughout in terms of providing adequate amount of landscapes, great facilities, open ventilated lift lobby with attached landscape area. Overall, the analysis finds the building to be positively user friendly and user experience well-planned. On the contrary, Petals does have room for some improvements passively; Referring to passive proposal in Section 6.0 Passive Design Strategy Proposal, the building has large quantities of landscapes and green pockets which leads to high maintenance cost. In conjunction, the units are compartmented due to fire safety reasons (refer section 5.0) and this has resulted in most of the units being unable to perform cross ventilation. Therefore, the thermal comfort within the unit in the daytime is not acceptable without the help of active systems for cooling. Furthermore, due to the existing lift lobbies being non-compartmented, the travel distance between the evacuation routes is far apart, in-case of an emergency event, an alternate route in between might be useful (refer section 6.4). To conclude, Petalz Residence is considered well-planned in many different aspects in terms of user experiences and facilities with abundant physical sustainable quantities including louvres and vegetation to keep the building cool and adequate to stay in comfortably.
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8.0 References 1. Alidoost and Partners (2017),Farmaieh Commercial-Office Building. Case study. https://www.archdaily.com/880949/farmanieh-commercial-office-building-alidoost-and-partners 2. Shari, Zaafar, Idowu. (2016, August) Evaluating natural ventilation provisions and occupants' ventilation behavior in five terrace housing types in Putrajaya, Malaysia ,International Journal of Architectural Research 10(2):130-152 3. Karonis, G. (2015, November 2). Can Your Home’s Paint Color Affect Its Temperature: Theory and Research. (Ave Sherman, CA): WholeHouse Fan Inc. https://www.wholehousefan.com/blogs/wholehousefans/can-your-home-s-paint-color-affect-its -temperature 4. Tan, B.K., Cr, U.M. & Hong, S. (2007). Naturally Ventilated tall office building in the tropics Learning from Bawa: Sun, Wind and Architecture - The Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, PLEA 2007. Singapore, NUS Libraries. http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/45490 5. M., Bhd, P. A. S., Malaysia, & Penerbitan Akta (M) Sdn. Bhd. (2010). Uniform Building By-laws 1984 (G.N. 5178/1984). Penerbitan Akta (M). 6. Bakar, H. A., Soh, C. H., Malaysia. Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, Institution of Engineers, M., Association of Consulting Engineers (Malaysia), & Malaysian Fire Protection Assosiation. (2011). Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia. Institute of Fire Engineers (UK) Malaysia Branch. 7. Fire Detection Dome Bells. (n.d.). Demco Industries Sdn Bhd. Retrieved June 18, 2021, from http://demcoalarm.com/products_ULDome_bell.html. 8. Gypsum Board - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (2010). Gypsum. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/gypsum-board 9. Muresan, F. (2013). Types of Paint Used in Construction. Paint. https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/types-of-paint-used-in-construction
10. The Benefits of Concrete | Rediscover Concrete. (n.d.). Benefits of Concrete. Retrieved June 18, 2021, from http://rediscoverconcrete.com/en/sustainability/a-better-building-material/the-benefits-of-concr ete.html
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11. Witkowski, A. (2019, March 28). Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems and Their Applications. Kinetix Fire. https://kinetixfire.com/types-of-fire-sprinkler-systems-applications/ 12. Fire Prevention in Your Building — What Facilities Managers Need to Know. (n.d.). FMLink. Retrieved June 18, 2021, from https://www.fmlink.com/articles/fire-prevention-in-your-building-what-facilities-managers-needto-know-2/ 13. Advantages of bricks. (n.d.). Bricks. Retrieved June 18, 2021, from https://www.randerstegl.com/en/wall-bricks/complete-brickworks/advantages-of-bricks 14. Concrete Network. (2018, August 17). Post-Tensioning- Methods for Reinforcing Concrete. The Concrete Network. https://www.concretenetwork.com/post-tension/ 15. P. (2020, July 4). Transfer Floor Design – an Overview. Structural Guide. https://www.structuralguide.com/transfer-floors-design/ 16. Ciprikis, D. (n.d.). Table formwork. Slideshare. Retrieved June 19, 2021, from https://www.slideshare.net/DavisCiprikis/table-formwork-63048086 17. Muresan, F. (n.d.). Masonry Construction: Advantages and Disadvantages. -. Retrieved June 19, 2021, from https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/masonry-construction-advantages-and-disadvantages
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