Taylor's University Lakeside Campus School of Architecture, Building & Design Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture Asian Architecture (ARC 60403) Project Part B: Case Study Paper

1. Asian Architecture (ARC2234 / ARC60403)
Project 2: Case Study Paper – Topic & Issue Proposal (10%)
Due Date: 11 October 2016 (Tuesday)
Prepare a two-page type-written proposal, including a concept mapping, a summary of the topic
and/or issue to be explored, some of the questions you hope to address, along with a title, and an
annotated bibliography of sources.
Student names and IDs:
Chan Yi Qin (0315964)
Chia Cheng Wei (0322091)
Chew Jia Chen (0322852)
Kooi Yong Kai (0323152)
Lee Xiang Loon (0322090)
Tutor: Ms Nurul Alia Ahamad
An Analysis of the Application of Design Strategies of Vernacular Malay
Architecture to Achieve Thermal Comfort in 8D House, Bukit Damansara

2. Research Questions:
1. How does the choice of materials address solar heat gain issues to achieve thermal
comfort in 8D House?
2. How does the implementation of shading devices improve thermal and visual comfort
in 8D House?
3. How does the site response contribute to the reduction of solar heat gain in 8D
House?
4. How does local materials, site response and shading devices modernize traditional
vernacular architecture in 8D House?
5. What are the considerations required to achieve thermal comfort while still relating to
its surrounding context of 8D House?
Summary of the topic (300 words):
Malaysian architecture started off with a vernacular design approach to suit with the local hot
and humid climate. These vernacular styles adapt to its surrounding context and designed to
fulfill the needs of the users. Traditional Malay houses are usually oriented in the east-west
direction to minimize areas exposed to solar radiation and to suit the wind patterns available
in Malaysia. Sufficient window and door openings are the main elements for ventilation to
allow air passage into the interior spaces of the building. Roof spaces and large roof eaves
help to cool the house and provide ample shade. The construction of traditional Malay houses
uses renewable natural materials such as timber as an effective way for climatic comfort in
the building.
Since 8D House is situated in a modern geographical context with its surrounding
neighborhood being fully developed with generally large vernacular bungalows, a
contemporary approach is incorporated with reference to that of typical traditional Malay
houses including a tropical verandah and roof design strategies. Critical thinking and careful
considerations were required as the building lot slopes down from the road about 10 metres
and the building was needed to blend well with the neighboring houses.
This research paper focuses on how the application of design strategies of vernacular Malay
architecture helps to reduce solar heat gain and improve thermal comfort in 8D House. A
deeper analysis will be carried out to investigate how the choice and properties of the
materials would influence the performance of sun shading to reduce solar heat gain. In
addition, this paper also analyses how the building responds to the site context in terms of its
orientation, natural landscape and the presence of water bodies to improve the living
condition of the users in the building. Innovative sun shading strategies with vernacular
architecture reference is used to address solar heat gain issues in 8D House.

3. Annotated Bibliography:
1. ArchDaily (2016). 8D House / DRTAN LM Architect. Retrieved September 13, 2016,
from http://www.archdaily.com/784182/8d-house-drtan-lm-architect
This online article provides an in-depth project description from the architect himself
about 8D House through both text and visuals showcasing photos and drawings of the
building.
2. Green Home Building (n.d.). Shaping buildings for the humid tropics - Green home
building. Retrieved October 6, 2016, from
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/pdf/shapingbuildings1.pdf
The article focuses on various design strategies for buildings located in humid tropics
such as Malaysia.
3. Knoji (n.d.). Contextualism: Architecture and Context. Retrieved October 5, 2016,
from https://architecture.knoji.com/contextualism-architecture-and-context/
This site contains information on the three types of contextual references such as
regionalism, critical regionalism, and vernacularism.
4. Lee, H. (n.d.). The kampong house: Architecture and culture of the Malay vernacular
in Peninsular Malaysia. doi:10.5353/th_b4456973
This journal gives an understanding on the architecture and culture of the traditional
kampong house in various states of Peninsular Malaysia.
5. Lim, W. S., & Tan, H. B. (1998). The new Asian architecture: Vernacular traditions
and contemporary style. Hong Kong: Periplus Editions.
This book showcases the outstanding examples of contemporary architecture in South
East Asia and how it pushed forward the Asian trend of returning to one's roots.
6. Vernacular Architecture (2011). Malay houses. Retrieved October 5, 2016, from
https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/hello-world/
An article on vernacular architecture, specifically the traditional Malay house, that
talks about its origins, climate responsive design, and also its spatial layout.