Analyzing Passive Building Design Strategies

1. Building Introduction

2. Materials & Specifications
Floorings
Laminated Timber Flooring- Used in all interior spaces
Rubber Flooring- Used in the weightlifting area, laid onto the timber flooring
Terracotta Floor Tiles- Used in the area of the outdoor swimming pool area
Building Elements
R.C Wall
Thickness- 125mm
U Value- 2.33 W/m²K
Thermal Conductivity- 1.4 W/(m-K)
Thermal Expansion-
Thermal Resistance- 0.07 m2K/W
Corrosion-
Fixed Tempered Glass Panel with waterproofing system. 1000m high, 15mm thick
Thickness- 150mm
U Value- 1.22 W/m²K
Thermal Conductivity- 1.1 W/(m-K)
Thermal Expansion- 9.0 µm/m-K
Thermal Resistance- 3.91 m2K/W
Corrosion-

3. Uni Gym, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Syopz Mall (Commercial Block)
Location - 47100 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
The Taylor’s Uni Gym is a private facility open to only Taylor’s students and staffs. It is situated at the 2nd, floor of
Syopz Mall opposite of the entrance to the U-Residence. The site consists of 2 parts ; indoor (gym) and outdoor
(swimming pool). The indoor part is entirely enclosed with fully mechanical ventilation relying entirely on the aircon
while the outdoor is fully exposed with natural ventilation.
Materials - The structure of the gym is mainly built with concrete with laminated timber floorings and terracotta
tiles for the swimming pool area. There were also several steel ceiling truss throughout the indoor part of the gym.

4. Problems on Site
Little-to-no ventilation
- Interior spaces lack natural air ventilation.
- Relying too much on mechanical ventilation, during working hours of 7am-10pm. Air conditioning is used
non stopped
- Mechanical ventilation is only vented via a direct vent, hence certain part of the gym does not receive proper
ventilation.
Various ceiling height
- Various ceiling height results in change of wind turbulence.
- Different heights affects air movement and heat flow of the wind
- Air flow and movement at the swimming pool area is greatly affected where half of the area does not receive
and wind at all.
.

5. Sunpath time
March 20th - Equinox
June 21st- Solstice
September 22nd- Equinox
9am
2pm
6pm

6. - Interior space fully enclosed
- Only relies solely on mechanical ventilation which is air conditioning
- Pool area depends on natural ventilation but it is affected by the different ceiling heights
- Humidity around the pool adds on to the bad air ventilation causing an unpleasant feeling

7. - Cold air comes out from the air-conditioning above and flows below
- Hot air rises around the are causes uncomfortable atmosphere
- In gym, sweating is prominent
- Interior space fully enclosed
- Fully relies on mechanical ventilation
- Pool area depends on natural ventilation, affected by the different ceiling heights
- Bad air ventilation due to the humidity around the pool, causing unpleasant feeling

8. - Heat on west is greater
- Because the orientation and large
usage of glass facade
- Glass facades should avoid facing the
west and east direction
- The usage of fixed glass panel
blocks the air to enter to the interior
space
- Interior spaces lack of air natural
ventilation
- Causes air to be stagnant in the
interior as they cannot be ventilated
out

9. AVERAGE HIGH & LOW TEMPERATURE
COOLEST AREA MIN TEMP 24 DEGREE 9AM JUN l DEC 21st
HOTTEST AREA MAX TEMP 33 DEGREE 6PM MAR l SEP 21st

10. - The average maximum temperature are fluctuates between 32 and 33 degree Celsius
- The average minimum temperature are fluctuates between 23 and 24 degree Celsius
- The hot season lasts from February to June
- The cool season lasts from November to January

11. Drawings of Site
Floor plan, Section B-B, Section C-C

12. Floor plan
C
C’
B’B

13. Section C-C

14. Section B-B

15. Weather
Cloud Cover

16. Rain level (mm)
High - 408.79
Low - 54.5
Humidity Level
High - 79%
Low - 69%
Cloud Level
High - 46%
Low - 28%

17. Wind

19. Wind rose diagram
This shows that wind blows mainly in the direction
of South and North East.
Wind speed diagram for Petaling Jaya.

20. MARCH 20 , 2PM
JUNE 21, 9AM
JUNE 21, 6PM
Latitude :3.0637687
Longitude :101.6165436
At this period of time ,sun angle reach at an
optimum height which achieve highest
penetration of light into the building .
Sun locate at the highest altitude which less
sunlight will penetrate into the building which
also mostly cover by the roof .

21. Precedent study
Surry Hills library is located at New South Wales, Australia.
The building has a facade of vertical, timber veneer clad
louver system which not only blocks out sunlight but is
aesthetically pleasing. The vertical fins blocks out sun,
preventing glare and other discomforts brought about from
direct sunlight. This maintains a comfortable interior
environment.
Before application of this sun shading device, the swimming
pool area is susceptible to sun and is particularly hot at the
seating area which causes an uncomfortable environment for
the swimmers when out of the water. With the fully operable
vertical fins inserted on the east side, sun would not directly
go into the space which not only reduces glare but would
make the place a little cooler.

22. Precedent study
Awning windows can be placed in areas with limited opening
spaces. Awning windows can be placed higher in walls than
many other types of windows. When placed high, awning
windows can provide natural light and ventilation, without
compromising privacy.
Before application, the interior is dependable on only
mechanical ventilation from air-conditioning and heat is
brought away by air vents. With this addition, more natural
ventilation is enabled increasing the air quality inside. On the
east side of the gym, fixed awning windows of 75 degrees
are used to replace the non operable windows. On the north
side of the gym, fixed awning windows of 90 degrees are
used to replace the non operable windows.