1. Asian Architecture (ARC 2234 / ARC60403) Project 1: Case Study Paper
Abstract (10%) Due Date: 20 Oct 2015
Studentnameand ID: Preston Liew Ru Ping 0313822
Tutor:MsAlia
Abstract
Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and
is assessed by subjective evaluation (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 555). This research paper aims to
discuss howeffective are the passive designs adopted in the vernacularism of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of
Belum Rainforest Resort (situated in Pulau Banding, Perak) and whether it is successfulin solving heat
gain. Passive designs are process of achieving thermal comfort without using any mechanical systems.
To have betterunderstanding of how efficient the passive designs are in reducing heat gain, various
aspects are investigated in depth,such as the orientation of the buildings, the structural components of
the roof, material selection of the buildings, and how ventilation is utilized to reduce heat gain. The
remote and ecologically sensitive location naturally gave birth to a sustainable program and it is
benchmarked against the UK BREEAM rating. The resort is a simple yet sustainable building emerged
from its short 6 months design to building completion programme. The orientation of each individual
buildings help in a certain way to manipulate the surrounding resources to help shade or ventilate the
building within the microclimate. From recycling demolition debris for decorative wall claddings,
ventilated safari roofs, to employing tree saplings as façade screens, it has been proven that choice of
materials used was not only sustainable,but also bringing up benefits in terms of environmental,
economic, and social. Which includes protecting the ecosystem,saving construction cos t,improving
number of occupants and their productivity,and it increases the value of the property by improving the
health and comfort of the occupants.The importance of identifying and learning how the passive
designs helps solving heat gain in Belum Rainforest Resort allows the production of sustainable design
and architecture. As a conclusion,the orientation, materials, roof structure and ventilation are important
to achieve thermal comfort in a sustainable way within the microclimate of Phase 1 and Phase 2.
2. Asian Architecture (ARC 2234 / ARC60403) Project 1: Case Study Paper
Abstract (10%) Due Date: 20 Oct 2015
Studentnameand ID: Preston Liew Ru Ping 0313822
Tutor:MsAlia
Solutions to heatgain by using passive design to achieve thermal comfort
in Belum Rainforest Resort (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Table of Contents Page
Abstract................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.0 Introduction............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 What is vernacular architecture
1.2 What is thermal comfort and how to achieve it
2.0 An overview of Belum Rainforest Resort (Phase 1 & Phase 2)Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1 Vernacular references found in the resort
2.2 How did the resort solve heat gain problem
3.0 Orientation of Belum Rainforest Resort .........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.1 Natural lighting
3.2 Air flow and ventilation
3.3 Surrounding vegetations
3.4 Shading
4.0 Adaptation of vernacular roof in Belum Rainforest ResortError! Bookmark not defined.
4.1 Roof structures and how do they aid in shading
4.2 Utilazation of pitch roof and safari roof in achieving thermal comfort
4.2 Factos that affects the efficiency of the safari roof
4.3 Comparisons of conventional roofs and safari roof
5.0 Using sustainable materials to achieve thermal comfort ..Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1 What materials are used throughout the building
5.2 What materials are considered to be sustainable
5.3 Effectiveness of the materials used
6.0 Adapting an openness concept for utilizing ventilation....Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.1 Design of openings in reducing heat gain
6.2 How is it improved from its vernacular references
7.0 References...................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.0 Conclusion...................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.