aa

1. Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]
PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY
Methods of Reducing Heat Gain by Using Passive Design to Achieve Thermal
Comfort in Belum Rainforest Resort (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
NAME: PRESTON LIEW RU PING
STUDENT ID: 0313822
LECTURER: MS ALIA
SUBMISSION DATE: 24 NOVEMBER 2015

2. 2
Table ofContents Page
Abstract 3
ConceptMapping 4
Research Questions 4
1.0 Introduction 5
2.0 Vernacular and contextual architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort 6-7
2.1 Vernacular references and the adaptation 8-9
3.0 Orientation ofPhase 1 & Phase 2 in improving thermal comfort 10-11
4.0 Roofstructures used in Belum Rainforest Resort 12
4.1 Shading to achieve thermal comfort 13-15
5.0 Overview ofmaterials used in Belum Rainforest Resort 16
5.1 Sustainable materials to achieve thermal comfort 17-19
6.0 Overview ofopenings 20
6.1 Utilizing openings to achieve thermal comfort 21-22
7.0 Conclusion 23
8.0 References 24

3. 3
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 how effective 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 successful in reducing heat gain. Passive designs are helpful in achieving thermal
comfort without using any mechanical systems. To have better understanding 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 roof, material selection, and openings for ventilation. Benchmarked
against the UK BREEAM rating, a sustainable programme was born in the natural and ecologically
sensitive location – Belum Rainforest Resort. In a short duration of 6 months for designing and
construction, a simple yet sustainable building emerged. Buildings there are orientated in a way to
utilize ventilation or surrounding environment for shading. Besides that, by using demolished bricks
for cladding, timber double roofs for more ventilation, screening solar radiation with tree saplings, it
has proved that the materials used are recyclable and sustainable, also benefiting the environment
and socioeconomics of Pulau Banding. Other than that, the material selection protects the
ecosystem by saving construction cost and energy and by improving number of occupants along
with their health, comfort and productivity. By identifying and learning how passive design helps
reducing heat gain and energy consumption, we are more educated on how Belum Rainforest
Resort allows the production of sustainable programmes and design. As a conclusion, in order for
Phase 1 and 2 of the resort to improve and achieve thermal comfort, the orientation, material
selection, roofstructure, and openings for ventilation should be analysed and applied.

4. 4
ConceptMapping
Methods of Reducing Heat Gain by Using Passive Design to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Belum
Rainforest Resort (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Research Questions
1. What are the vernacular elements present in Belum Rainforest Resort and how is it adopted into
a contemporary language?
2. How does the orientation of buildings affect heat gain and how is it utilized to aid in achieving
thermal comfort?
3. What are the significance ofthe roofstructure used and how does itreduce heatgain?
4. In terms of contextual climate, what materials are considered to be sustainable and what can
they do to aid in achieving thermal comfort?
5. How does the architect maximize the ventilation in order to achieve thermal comfort?
Passive Designs Belum Rainforest Resort Heat Gain
Issue:
Material
Ventilation
RoofStructure
Orientation

5. 5
1.0 Introduction
Belum Rainforest (Pulau Banding, Perak) is one of the largest and significant rainforest
situated in Malaysia. Specifically, it is located north right by the Malaysia-Thailand border. The
island, Pulau Banding along with Belum Rainforest Resort is a well-known tropical paradise as well
as a destination manufactured for nature-lovers and people who seek vacations for a getaway.
Serenity, relaxation, stunning views and vista, adventures and nature is what comes to mind when
people speak of Belum Rainforest Resort. The resort was also built to provide the tourists with
valuable experiences that promote forest conservation, minimal social impacts, and beneficially
providing active socioeconomic involvementofthe locals there.
But asides from being an attraction spot for tourists, it is also well-known for its
contemporary adaptation of traditional houses and vernacular architecture. It is motivated by the
idea of reducing the harmful activities or environmental impacts to the existing rainforest using
various methods and also capturing the significance of unity between people and nature through
architecture. A few methods to achieve that are: day-lighting, shading, recyclable materials, and
ventilation to reduce heat gain. It is so that energy consumption and active cooling may be reduced,
and visitors may experience the spaces more naturally.
This research paper aims to study specifically on how the architects of the resort tackle the
issue of heat gain by using various passive designs, methods of construction, building materials,
and the adaptation of the Malay house architecture in improving natural ventilation between spaces.
The specified area to study would Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort.

6. 6
2.0 Vernacular and ContextualArchitecture in Belum Rainforest Resort
Vernacular Architecture is architecture that responds to the needs ofthe contextual
surrounding sensitively. This type ofarchitecture may be achieved through many considerations,
for example: the form ofthe building, passive design strategies, contextual surrounding and
building materials. In another definition, vernacular architecture is a style of architecture that
embodies the mostcommon construction techniques based on the forms and building fabric during
a particular historical period, region, or group ofpeople (Ching, 1995).
It is significantly influenced by the macro-climatic area, for which in the region of Malaysia,
the climate is of hot and humid, and thus the people build to reduce the heat. Malaysia has forestry
coverage of 84.46% (Forestry Department Malaysia, 2012), therefore timber is highly available and
it is also a good material to insulate and ward off heat. And due to the high amount of raining
seasons, the usage ofpitch roofis quite common to solve the manner.
Contextual Architecture simply means the best position for a building to be designed in
order to achieve a harmonious and meaningful relationship with the existing elements in its
proximity. Done right, it can actually enhance and increase value of the land. Most modern work
today is evident with practices of contextual architecture. “Context” is an English word adapted
from its Latin origin “contexere” which means merging together. In architectural terms, it means to
respond highly to the existing surrounding by acknowledging whatis already there.
Both phases of Belum Rainforest are designed by different architectural organizations, and
it is evidentially shown in the design languages they use. In Phase 1, the design language used is
more of fabricating the building envelope using natural recycled materials. Whereas in Phase 2, the
design language used is more of a contemporary adaptation from it’s vernacular references.
Though both of the phases are designed with different concepts but they share the same motif – to
be a sustainable building.

7. 7
Fig 2.0.1 Plan to indicate Phase 1 and Phase 2
Fig 2.0.2 Aerial Views of Phase 1 and Phase 2 (Source: Pn. Nor Hayati)
Fig 2.0.3 Phase 1 facade (Source: http://www.c-arch.com.my/hospitality/belum-rainforest-resort) Fig 2.0.4 Phase 2 facade

8. 8
2.1 Vernacular References and the adaptation
The architecture of Belum Rainforest Resort is heavily influenced by the traditional
architecture of both Malay and Orang Asli houses. Both traditional houses posses the richest
fundamentals of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, and it’s a manisfestation of the creativity and
aesthetics quality of the villagers as they build and design the houses themselves. The form of the
house is a way to express the lifestyle of the inhabitants and also it’s well designed to suit the hot
and humid climatic conditions ofMalaysia.
Left: Fig 2.1.1 House of Orang Asli found in Pulau Banding
Right: Fig 2.1.2 Design principlesof a MalayHouse (Source:http://archfullstop.blogspot.my/2010/11/traditional-malay-house.html)
In Phase 1, the vernacular references from the traditional architecture of Orang Asli and
Malay house is evidently shown in the figure below.
Fig 2.1.3 Annotations to indicate vernacular references in Phase 1

9. 9
The traditional chalets of Phase 2 are a modern reinterpretation of its vernacular
references, but still preserving the traditional design principles. It is known that the site has
historical influences of the Orang Asli, it because they are the ones who gave identity to the site
culturally. As a response to that, the traditional architecture of the Orang Asli has been induced into
the architecture of the traditional chalets of Phase 2 in order to maintain the vernacularism and also
to balance outthe relationship between the inside and the outside.
Left: Fig 2.1.3 Plan to indicate location of the Traditional Chalets
Right: Fig 2.1.4 One bed bedroom layout plan in the Traditional Chalet ofBelum Rainforest Resort
(Source:http://archfullstop.blogspot.my/2010/11/traditional-malay-house.html)
Fig 2.1.5 Annotations to indicate vernacular references in Phase 2
- Fully openable windows/doors for full ventilation

10. 10
3.0 Orientation ofPhase 1 & 2 in improving thermalcomfort
According to MS1525 (Department of Standards Malaysia 2007), “For climatic zones near
the equator, the best orientation for buildings is minimizing East-West orientation while long
directional axis of buildings are facing North-South.” As shown in the plan below, the rooms in
Phase 2 has applied the stated approach, where the building’s longer façade as well as larger
openings are facing North-South, while the openings on the shorter East-West façade are reduced
in order to reduce heat gain. As of Phase 1, although the building’s longer façade is facing more
towards the East-West orientation, it is solved by shading from surrounding vegetation, low thermal
capacity materials and a shield oftimber stilts to block heatpenetration.
Fig 3.0.1 Plan to indicate sun orientation
Fig 3.0.2 Annotation to showdirectionof façade of roomsin Phase 2 Fig 3.0.3 Façade ofPhase 1
NORTH
WEST

11. 11
Fig 3.0.4 Resort Overview (Source: http://www.panomatics.com/nextgen/my/belumrainforestresort/)
Besides that, the buildings are designed in a clustered manner in order to maximize
ventilation and also to reduce the process ofdeforestation and environmental impact. The buildings
are also well shaded by surrounding vegetation; therefore directheatpenetration is reduced.
Fig 3.0.5 Wind rose diagramof Gerik,Perak (Source: Windfinder - wind, wave&weather reports,forecasts & statisticsworldwide,n,d.) and plan to
indicate wind direction (Source: Siti Munirah Zazarin)

12. 12
4.0 Roof structures usedin Belum RainforestResort
A roof absorbs the most heat from the sun and bears the most loads from the rain, it
affects the thermal comfort of a space and it protects the user from the rain. A roof should be
designed wisely as it is the most important structure of a building. Especially in tropical climates, a
good roof can aid in reducing many heat and improving thermal comfort. Normally in a Malaysian
climate, there are a few principles to increase the effectiveness ofa roof:
1. Angled or pitched roofs to resist strong winds and heavy storms, and also to reduce
heat absorbing area.
2. Low thermal conductivity and lightweight materials so less heatabsorption.
3. Light colour materials to reflectthe solar heat
In Belum Rainforest Resort, most principles are applied to the design of the buildings in
Phase 1 and 2 in order to reduce heatgain.
Fig 4.0.1 Pitch roof of buildings in Phase 2 (Source: http://www.panomatics.com/nextgen/my/belumrainforestresort/) and 1

13. 13
4.1 Shading to achieve thermalcomfort
It is very well shaded in Phase 1, because of the surrounding vegetation. But due to having
the longer façade in the East-West orientation, the buildings are mostly screened by creepers and
tree saplings. Besides that, the roof is of a double layered roof to allow the roof to be cooled by
ventilation and reducing internal temperature.
Fig 4.1.1 Double layer roof indication (left), tree saplings and climber screen (right)
In phase 2, it is more exposed to solar radiation because it has much less vegetation than
Phase 1 and the landscape condition. The traditional chalets (Fig 4.1.2) utilizes pitch roof which are
made of timber planks that are painted in white. And it suits the context well as it allows the roof to
be ventilated, keeping the building cool.
Fig 4.1.2 Pitch roofof traditional chalets in Phase 2 (left source: http://www.panomatics.com/nextgen/my/belumrainforestresort/) (right source:
http://www.belumresort.com/media_gallery.html)

14. 14
But as for the deluxe suite, it uses flat concrete roof (Fig 4.1.3). Flat roofs are not advisable
for tropical climates as it absorbs heat easily which decreases thermal comfort. But due to the
design intention, a flat roof is proposed because it allows the occupants to enjoy the panoramic
views of Belum. By adding a parapet wall (Fig 4.1.4) to surround the roof, it allows the open roof
terrace to be a functional space. Roof terrace helps in bringing cool air into the interior and
improving the cooling process. Its walking platform is also made of light coloured timber decking,
making it as a layer to help in reduce heatgain from the roof.
Fig 4.1.3 Flat concrete roofs of the deluxe suites in Phase 2
Fig 4.1.3 Panoramic view of Belum (left), parapet wall
By making the roof as a functional space, making the occupants feel comfortable is also
taken into consideration. Vegetation and overhead shading devices are added to the terrace and
next to the rooms to reduce heat gain. Vegetation such as plants and creepers helps in blocking
heat penetration. Vegetation is effectively good at reducing glare, noise absorption, and solar

15. 15
radiation. Water evaporation from the leaves reduces the temperature of the surrounding area,
keeping the occupants cool. Italso allows ventilation to flow freely without obstruction.
Fig 4.1.5 Vegetation shading the rooms (left), vegetation shading terrace (right)

16. 16
5.0 Overviewofmaterials used in Belum RainforestResort
Fig 5.0.1 Materials overview in Phase 2 and 1
There are a few main materials used in Phase 1 and 2 which are recyclable – bamboo,
rammed earth, wood saplings, timber and salvaged bricks. There are two types of recyclable
materials, whether it’s consisting manufacturing waste or post-consumer waste. Manufactured
wastes are wastes that are produced during construction or the production of something, whereas
post-consumer wastes are things such as newspaper, glass, plastic bottles, etc. The reason for
them to use recyclable materials are so that they’re building can remain sustainable in conserving
the nature in Pulau Banding.
To consider the sustainability of a material, these few basic criteria must be achieved:
locally sourced and produced, cost of transportation, recyclability, waste and pollution generated,
energy required for manufacturing, maintenance costand environmental impact.

17. 17
5.1 Sustainable materials to achieve thermal
Being certified by ISO, Belum Rainforest Resort is known as the most sustainable resort in
Malaysia as the company that owns it, EMKAY Group ensures that will minimise the impact on
nature as much as possible. This is so that people can be educated on the importance of nature
protection, the followings are the prominent materials used in Phase 1 and 2 of Belum Rainforest
Resort in achieving thermal comfort.
Bamboo
The bamboos are used for the roof structure and shading
devices in Phase 1 and they are mostly recycled bamboo
imported from Indonesia. Bamboos are considered to be
sustainable materials due to the fact that they are a very
durable material and may even last for even 120 years. It is
believed that bamboos are even stronger than steel and oak
even though they are lightweight and flexible materials; it is
abundantly used in Malaysia as well because of the ease of
handling the materials for construction as it does not require
any machinery.
Rammed Earth
Rammed earth can be seen in most parts of the resort
as it is mostly used for the construction of walls for the
villas in Phase 2 and Tor Tamba Bistro near the
reception. It is considered to be a very healthy and
natural material as there are no traces of toxic in it.
Rammed earth is formed by casting damp soil from the
site compactly between temporary forms. It’s

18. 18
considered to be sustainable because it is naturally available, does not require maintenance and it
can last for decades. Not only that, it is a good sound insulator, pest resistant and fire proof
material. It’s becoming more and more popular today as it is a highly environmental-friendly
material even if compared to a solid masonry wall.
Wood Saplings
When entering Phase 1, we can also
see that there’s a long and humble
looking façade with climbers and
vertical thin tree trunks other than the
eye catching brick wall cladding. The
wood saplings used are from the
Belian trees which are abundantly grown in East Malaysia. The strength of the Belian can last at
least a century. The Belian used in Phase 1 are recycled saplings but the material itself is still
durable. It’s used to screen the harsh sunlight as well as to provide privacy for the people who are
staying in the rooms, and also to use it as a handrail.
Timber
Timber is a natural and abundant material in
Malaysia; it is also a recyclable and renewable
resource. It is widely used and promoted as a
sustainable material because it does not emit
toxic fumes and harmless to people plus the
manufacturing process consumes much less
energy if compared to other building materials.
In the resort, timber is widely used for the roof
due to its low thermal conductivity and
resistance to heat. It has good volumetric heat

19. 19
capacity, thus reducing the use of energy for active cooling and improving thermal comfort. Its
thermal mass absorbs and stores the heat from the indoors during the day and releasing it during
the night. (Source of picture:http://www.belumresort.com/)
Salvaged bricks
The iconic façade of the current buildings on Phase 1 are salvaged bricks taken from the
deconstruction of the previous phase 1 building. By salvaging the deconstructed bricks, is not only
beneficial for the sustainability of the resort but reducing impact to the environment as well. When
the bricks are reused, it is actually preventing pollution from happening because harmful gases are
produced when new bricks are being manufactured, and also greenhouse gases from
transportation of the new bricks. Bricks are low in thermal conductivity, fire proof and high heat
capacity. This ensures that it’s actually absorbing more heat during the day, thus improving thermal
comfort. (Source of picture: http://www.c-arch.com.my/hospitality/belum-rainforest-resort)

20. 20
6.0 Overviewof openings
Fig 6.0.1 Overview of openings (Source: http://www.esco-online.de/en/window.html)
Openings are a significant method to control ventilation in a building. It may be a door or
window but they both functions by controlling air flow by opening or closing to provide insulation
and improve thermal comfort. Factors that will affect the efficiency of the openings are the types,
size and orientation. By adapting openings to a building on the correct orientation, we may control
ventilation and shading to welcome cool air or screen offsolar radiation.
As shown in the figure above (Fig 6.0.1), there are many types of openings designed to
enhance the concept or programme of a building. Different types of openings functions differently,
some may allow more ventilation but bad at shading, while some are the opposite. Openings
should be applied according to suitthe needs ofthe user.

21. 21
6.1 Utilizing openings to achievethermalcomfort
In the Traditional Chalets of Phase 2, openings are used for various objectives – to
illuminate the interior and to improve ventilation. Skylights were installed in most of the chalets and
are away from direct sunlight. Openings of windows are shaded with rammed-earth walls which
shields the interior from solar radiation. Vertical casement windows allow more sunlight to
illuminate the spaces.
Fig 6.1.1 Skylighton traditional chalets (Left - source:http://www.belumresort.com/acco_kampung_house.html),Vertical casement windows inside
the traditional chalets (Right - source: http://www.belumresort.com/acco_kampung_house.html)
Because the chalets are elevated, it allows ventilation to sail through the floors, reducing
internal temperature. Openings of the windows are orientated to be ventilated by the Tasik
Temenggor breeze.

22. 22
Fig 6.1.2 Plan to indicate direction of ventilationtowards different traditional chalets located in Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort (Source: Siti
Munirah Zazarin)
The houses have adapted the traditional Malay Architecture well by orientating the
openings properly to allow full use of cross ventilation. The vernacular architecture was designed
well to suit for this context, showing good understanding ofcontextfrom the architects.
TasikTemenggor

23. 23
7.0 Conclusion
Overall, the design was well suited for the contextual surrounding as it was designed very
sensitively and cautiously. Though mostarchitects today rejectthe idea ofcontextual architecture
and choose to disrespectthe identity ofsite in order to create identity for their own building/design.
But by respecting whatis already presenton site, although there is no identity to the fabric of the
building butpoetically speaking,itenhances the user’s experience through conveying the story
from the site and reflecting nostalgic moments.
The vernacularism ofthe site was harmoniously adapted by using existing materials on
site, the cultural heritage ofthe geographical environment, the socioeconomic balance,
functionality and traditional architectural elements are evidently shown in the building envelope.
The integration of modern and traditional vernacular architecture for the design ofthe resortwas
strategically proven to respond and resistthe climatic conditions presenton site, allowing the
occupants to stay comfortable within the premises.
Though there are many methods in improving thermal comfortand reducing heatgain, it
can be concluded thatthe design strategies and passive design ofPhase 1 and 2 ofBelum
Rainforest Resort are efficient and useful in terms allowing the occupants ofthe resortfeel
comfortable and enjoy the experience atthe resort. And by considering the usage ofrecyclable and
sustainable materials, the overall environmental impacthas been reduced and forestpreservation
has been benefited.Architects should be educated regarding sustainable methods for construction;
this is so that our world may be less polluted and more comfortable to live in.

24. 24
8.0 References
1. Malaysia Accommodation | About Belum Rainforest Resort | Gerik Perak Hotel. (n.d.).
Retrieved November 21, 2015, from http://www.belumresort.com/about_resort.html
2. Hyde, R. (2000). Climate Responsive Design. Canada: E & FN Spon.
3. Jodido,P. (2006). Architecture: Nature. Munich: Prestael Verlag.
4. Malaysian Nature Society. Belum-Temenggor. Extracted November 01 2015
5. Ching. F.D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
6. Scsfulie, H. (2010, November 12). ARchitecture FullStop. Retrieved November 22, 2015,
from http://archfullstop.blogspot.my/2010/11/traditional-malay-house.html
7. Department of Standards Malaysia. (2007). MS 1525: Code of Practice on Energy
Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Buildings. Cyberjaya:
Department of Standards Malaysia.
8. Prianto., E., Bonneaud. F., Depecker. P., and Peneau. J. (2000). Tropical-
Humid Architecture in Natural Ventilation Efficient Point Of View. International Journal on
Architectural Science, 1(2), 80-95.
9. Dunkelberg, Klaus: Bamboo as a building material, in: IL31 Bambus, Karl Krämer Verlag
Stuttgart 1992
Eberts, Wofgang:www.bambuszentrum-deutschland.de
Contributions from the seminar: Design with bamboo, RWTH Aachen SS 2001
10. The benefits of rammed earth walls. (n.d.). Retrieved November 22, 2015, from
http://olneerammedearth.com.au/about-rammed-earth/
11. David, C. (1998, February 1). The Benefits of Using Recycled Building Materials. Retrieved
November 22, 2015, from http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/recycled-
building-materials-zmaz98fmzkin.aspx
12. Timber in Ecologically Sustainable Development. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2015,
from http://makeitwood.org/documents/doc-692-timber-as-a-sustainable-material.pdf