Asian Architecture Case Study Report

SOLUTIONSTO HEAT GAIN CHALLENGES
USING OPEN LAYOUT PLAN IN DECK HOUSE
Asian Architecture (ARC 2213/2234)
PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY
NAME : TEOH HUI YU
STUDENT ID : 0313701
LECTURER : PN. NOR HAYATI RAMLI
SUBMISSION DATE : 24/12/2015

Solutions to Heat Gain Challenges Using Open Layout Plan In Deck House
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Table of Content
Abstract pg
1.0 Introduction .........................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview of Deck House.........................................................................4
1.2 Research questions...................................................................................6
2.0 Open layout plan..................................................................................................7
2.1 Comparison of traditional Malay house layout plan
with Deck House layout plan.................................................................8
2.2 Importance and advantages of using open layout plan..........................10
3.0 Strategies to reduce site impact.................................................. .......................13
3.1 Elevated structure...................................................................................14
3.2 Advantages and function of vegetation..................................................16
4.0 Design features...................................................................................................19
4.1 Building design.......................................................................................20
4.2 Openings.................................................................................................22
4.3 Materiality........................................................................ .....................24
5.0 Conclusion.................................................................. .......................................27
6.0 References....................................................................... ..................................28
7.0 Plagiarism check................................................................................................29

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Abstract
This paper show the integration between contemporary Deck House Janda Baik with Malay
vernacular architecture to achieve thermal comfort in tropical climate. The main objective of this
paper is to investigate the open layout plan used to reduce heat gain in Deck House. Deck House
is a light-looking structure build on the hill using mainly steel and glass. It is designed based on
the surrounding context and climate which will influence the design, layout and materials of the
building. One of the main features that can be seen in Deck House is the open layout plan. Build
in the middle of rainforest, Deck house uses open layout plan, which have minimal partitions
wall to allow good ventilation to occur. The traditional open layout plan let the air to circulate
throughout the interior spaces and remove the heat in the room faster. Based on the semi-outdoor
concept, the open space living, dining and kitchen areas are connected to the deck which can
enjoy the view of nature. In assisting the validation of research, literature reviews based on
various sources regarding open layout plan design was conducted to enhance the process. To
further remove the heat gain, there are few solutions that used in the Deck House. The first
solutions is the openings(ventilation) in buildings. Deck House uses louvers at ceiling height,
operable windows and sliding door to maximize natural ventilation. The large overhang roof aid
in sun shading and rainfall. For the material, Deck House used light weight materials such as
steel, glass, and timber. The building design are focus on ventilation and shading. Deck House
elevated on the site, without changing much on the contour and blend in with nature. The
orientation of Deck House are design according to the sun path and wind pattern in the site.
(Vernacular Architecture, 'Malay Houses'. N.p., 2011)

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Overview of Deck House
Vernacular architecture is a local architecture style that considering the factors such as culture,
climate and surrounding context, which these factors will influence the building layout, design,
and materials use. In this fast pace era, architecture style are revolve in fast speed with the use of
new technology. In Malaysia, our building are mostly build with vernacular style. One of the
richest elements in our culture and history will be traditional Malay houses. Traditional Malay
houses are excellent in ventilation and thermal comfort.
For this research paper, I had chosen Deck House, Janda Baik which designed by Architect Choo
Gim Wah. Deck House is a contemporary house which integrate traditional Malay house features
into its modern design. Deck House is a light-looking structure sit on the hill, materials are
mainly steel and glass. Build with two and half storey tall with 3 bedrooms and spanning a total
area of 370 square meter. The semi-open concept allow the indoor and outdoor areas to have
nearly equal division of spaces. Deck House are designed according to the site contour, which
concept focus on the surrounding environment. One of the most interesting part of Deck House is
the use of traditional Malay layout plan as main design approach. With the aid of open layout
plan, Deck House are extraordinary cold as there are less partition walls in the interior space. The
building layout allow well ventilation occurs throughout the day and night. To further reduce
heat gain in the building, Deck House implied the other design features of Malay traditional
house such as openings, large overhangs, elevated structure and so on. (Figure 1.1.1 and Figure
1.1.2)

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Figure 1.1.1: Deck House view from distance.
Source: Fooyoh Entertainment!,. (2013). The Deck House in Janda Baik is Modern with Amazing Rainforest Views.
Retrieved 20 November 2015, from http://fooyoh.com/homegazine_homegarden_architecture/8552157/the-deck-
house-in-janda-baik-is-modern-with-amazing-rainforest-views
Figure 1.1.2: Front view of Deck House.
Source: KARMATRENDZ,. (2014). The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect. Retrieved 20 November 2015,
from https://karmatrendz.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/the-deck-house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/

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1.2 Research Question
This research paper will discuss about solutions to heat gain challenges using open layout plan in
Deck House guided by the questions and diagram below:
Diagram : concept diagram of solutions to heat gain challenges using open layout plan in Deck House.
1. Why open layout plan is consider as an effective design approach in tropical climate?
2. What are the strategies implemented by Deck House to reduce the negative impact on the site
context?
3. How does the design features act as solutions to help in solving heat gain problem in Deck
House?

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2.0 Open Layout Plan
Traditional Malay house belongs to Malay, and different states have different kind of design
features. But they are having some common features in Malay house. For traditional Malay
house, they are having minimal partitions wall in interior to allow flexible use of spaces. The
function of space changes at different times of month or year. Besides that, the minimal interior
wall allow good ventilation to occur. Body level ventilation provide comfort for the occupants in
house. The open layout plan in traditional Malay house shows how important is the need of
ventilation provided into a design. (Vernacular Architecture, 2011)
Contemporary Deck House has well integrates traditional Malay house features into its design.
One of the main feature is the use of traditional Malay house open layout plan as design
approach. Open layout plan one of the most effective layout design to achieve thermal comfort in
tropical country such as Malaysia. It not only allow the good ventilation to occur through the
spaces without obstacles, it also provide wider open space and natural lighting into the building.
The following topic will discuss on how successful Deck House integrate Malay open layout
plan into its design and how effective it is.
Research Methods:
1. Document Analysis : Floor plans, sections, elevations
2. Observation : Digital Camera
3. Thermal measurement : Thermometer
4. Literature Review

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2.1 Comparison of traditional Malay house layout plan with Deck
House layout plan
Data Analysis
Traditional Malay House Contemporary Deck House
1. Elongated open plan allow easy passage of
air and well cross ventilation.
Figure 2.1.1: Traditional layout plan
Analysis:
As we can see in Figure 2.1.1, the highlighted
part is the wall separating the living area and
bedroom(Bilik). The wall are exist to divide
public and private spaces only. Apart from
bedroom, we can see that there all absence of
walls at public spaces. The spaces are connect
to one another. As I mentioned early, the
spaces are divided into areas, instead of rooms,
for various social and household activities.
1. Uses traditional vernacular layout plan as a
design guides in arranging spaces.
Figure 2.1.2: Deck House ground floor plan
Analysis:
As we can see in Figure 2.1.2, less partition
walls are found in Deck House. The
highlighted parts are the walls exist to separate
bedroom and bathroom from public area such
as kitchen, dining area and living area. The
open space living area, dining area and kitchen
are connected to the open deck area.

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Figure 2.1.3: Traditional Malay house interior
From Figure 2.1.3, we can see that there are no
walls between the public spaces. The
ventilation can well occur throughout the
interior spaces.
2. Temperature
Interior temperature are cooler than the outdoor
temperature. This is due to the materials used
to build Malay house, and also its building
design. The open layout plan allow air to
circulate throughout the house effectively.
Figure 2.1.4: Interior space of Deck House
From Figure 2.1.4, we can see that Deck House
are applying the traditional Malay house
building layout into design. The Living area
are connecting to dining and kitchen area, with
no partition wall in between.
2. Temperature
Deck House operable windows are open most
of the time, to allow the cross ventilation to
occur. The difference of temperature between
outdoor and indoor are different about 4 degree
Celsius. It is cooler then outdoor as the open
layout plan allow the air to circulate with no
obstacle in the spaces, and the trees and
overhang roof had helped to cool down the air
temperature before enter the house.
Living
area Kitchen
Dining
area
Living area Kitchen
Dining
area

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2.2 Importance and advantages of using open layout plan
Data Analysis
Traditional Malay house Contemporary Deck House
1. More open wide space
Figure 2.2.1: Traditional Malay house layout
Lesser partition wall allow the spaces to
carry out various social and household
activities. (Figure 2.2.1)
2. Better ventilation
Figure 2.2.3: ventilation across every level in
traditional Malay house.
1. More open wide space
Figure 2.2.2: Deck House layout plan
Lesser partition walls allow visually and
physically wider space in public area.
(Figure 2.2.2)
2. Better ventilation
Figure 2.2.4: Dark color arrow showing ventilation across
body level.

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The concept of ventilation in traditional
Malay houses is a three approaches
combination, which are ventilation from top,
cross ventilation from body level and also at
bottom level. (Figure 2.2.3) The less
partitions allow no obstacles for the cross
ventilation to occur. Thus, reduce the heat in
interior space.
3. Natural light
Figure 2.2.5: Malay house interior
Traditional Malay house tends to be under
light. This makes the interior feel cooler.
The less partition walls in Deck House allow
ventilation at body level to occur efficiently. The
wind flow are not block by any obstacles(walls).
The body level is the most vital space for
ventilation for comfort. Windows and doors at
body level are full length full operable.
(Figure 2.2.4)
3. Natural light
Figure 2.2.6: Deck house interior
Deck House has brighter interior space. Lights
penetrate into the house through the large glass
windows. Whole open space are full with
daylight.

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Conclusion:
Deck House integrates successful with traditional Malay house open layout plan to achieve
thermal comfort in tropical climate. The use of open layout plan in Deck House help to achieve
good ventilation throughout the day. The less partition walls create no obstacles for cross
ventilation to occur, and also provide wider views to outside house. Besides, the interior space of
Deck House are flooded with light like most of the traditional Malay house do. Built at the
slanting hill in the middle of tropical climate, using open layout plan as design approach are
aiding Deck House to have a cool and windy interior. To further reduce heat gain in the house,
selection of materials and building design had been considered. This will be explained in the
following topic.

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3.0 Strategies to reduce site impact
Traditional Malay houses are elevated on timber stilts or pile. The elevated structure are due to
our tropical climate and weather. Early settlements were build along rivers, thus raise floor
construction was used to prevent floods and also wild animals. Besides that, this feature also
serve as a source of natural ventilation. Elevated Malay house reduce impact on the existing site,
and also uses existing vegetation for shading, foods and act as construction materials. The
vegetation does not block the passage of wind at the house level. (Vernacular Architecture, 2011)
In contemporary house nowadays, vegetation are used to provide shading and also to reduce the
temperature gain into house. This idea same goes to Deck House. Deck House built on the
slanting side of the hill, with reinforced concrete stilts support the building structure. Deck
House concept was highlights the aim to keep focus on the surroundings. The stilts allow Deck
House to maintain mostly the existing vegetation and also reduce impact to the site such as
natural hydrology. Elevated structure also allow Deck House to catches winds at high velocity
due to the high altitude of house level. The windows and openings of Deck House are mostly
located at north and south side. Wind flow through the vegetations into interior, bring in cold
wind from outside. . The deck are extended out for the occupants to spend more time there and
enjoy the nature view. Following topics will elaborate on the strategies use in Deck House to
reduce site impact.
Research methods:
1. Document Analysis : Section drawing, elevations, diagrams

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3.1 Elevated structure
Data Analysis
Traditional Malay house Contemporary Deck House
1. Elevated to prevents floods and animals.
Figure 3.1.1 Elevated Malay house
To avoiding flooding and also animal attack,
traditional Malay house are build on timber
stilts. As we can see in Figure 3.1.1, the stilts
make the house higher from the ground. The
external environment of traditional Malay
house are surround by vegetations. Wind
velocity increase with altitude, thus Malay
house catches more wind into interior.
2. Provide privacy
Figure 3.1.3: Traditional Malay house on stilts.
1. Not changing much on the contour.
Figure 3.1.2: Elevated Deck House
To reduce the impact on site contour, Deck
house uses stilts to support the structure. As we
can see in Figure 3.1.2, stilts minimize the
interference of the existing contour. Besides
that, the hydrology will also not affected much
with the use of stilts. The vegetations are also
maintained at the site. This will be further
discuss in following topics.
2. Less impact on natural hydrology
Firgure 3.1.4: Elevation Deck House on stilts.

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As we can see in Figure 3.1.3, timber stilts
make the whole Malay house higher from
ground. It is higher than eye level thus people
are hard to see through the interior space,
providing more privacy to the occupants.
3. Catches wind at high velocity
Figure 3.1.5: Section traditional Malay house
Figure 3.1.5 show the high altitude of floor
catches high velocity of wind into the interior,
and allow cross ventilation to occur.
As we can see in Figure 3.1.4, Deck House are
less touching the contour. It allow the nature
hydrology on site to maintain, not affecting the
water flow pattern when it is rain. The trees are
receive enough amount of rainwater from top
of hill.
3. Catches wind at high velocity
Figure 3.1.6: Elevation of Deck House
Figure 3.1.6 show Deck houses build on the
slanting site contour with stilts. Just like
traditional Malay house, Deck House catches
more winds into interior with the high altitude
of structure. The louvers also act to catch wind
to reduce heat gain in the house. Louvers will
be further explain in next topic.

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3.2 Advantages and function of vegetation
Data Analysis
1. Provide shading
Figure 3.2.1: Vegetation surround Malay house
Figure 3.2.1 is the traditional compound of
Malay house. As we can see the house are
surround by vegetations. The windows facing
side are the locations of tall trees , thus the
window can be open during the day.
2. Reduce heat gain into building and does not
block the passage of wind.
Figure 3.2.3: Malay house with vegetations
1. Provide shading
Figure 3.2.2: Vegetation at Deck House
As we can see in Figure 3.2.2, Deck House is
surround by heavy vegetation. The tress act as
a natural shading to the interior. Thus, Deck
House can design in large glass panel windows
and doors.
2. . Reduce heat gain into building and does
not block the passage of wind.
Figure 3.2.4: Deck house with vegetations

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Figure 3.2.3 shows the traditional Malay house
with vegetations at surrounding. As the house
build on stilts, the trees are not blocking the
wind flow into interior spaces. The trees help
to reduce the excessive heat from entering the
house.
3. Food and construction materials
Figure 3.2.5: Traditional Malay house build from timber
(trees parts)
The vegetations around traditional Malay
houses are mostly coconut trees and tall trees.
Some vegetations provide foods, while some
trees are use to build houses. From Figure
3.2.5, we can see that the houses are build
using parts of trees.
Figure 3.2.4 shows the bedroom in Deck
House open to the forest area to allow the wind
to enter. The wind passes through the trees
before entering the interior space, thus will
lower the temperature. The trees are not
blocking the wind blow into building.
3. Nature view
Figure 3.2.6: Deck in Deck House
Deck house has a deck that connected to the
living area, dining area and kitchen. Figure
3.2.6 shows that the deck is extended into the
forest area which want the occupants to spend
more time at there and enjoy the nature views,
surround by the tall trees.

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Conclusion:
Building in the middle of the tropical rainforest with the slanting contour, Deck House has uses
the elevated Malay house as the design reference. Deck House are built considerate of the
existing site context. To reduce the negative impact on original site, Deck House are supported
by the reinforced concrete stilts. Elevated Deck House avoid cutting down the trees on site, and
not affect much on the natural hydrology. Besides, elevated Deck House let the building to catch
wind into interior with high velocity. The minimize of impact on site let the occupants in Deck
House to have enough privacy, shadings and also beautiful views into the nature. Wind velocity
increase with altitude, and this allow the interior space to have lower temperature and thermal
comfort. The shading from trees allow Deck House to have more modern design including the
large panels of glass windows and door. The glass windows are shade by the trees thus can be
open throughout the day for ventilation. The elevated structure make Deck House look more
attractive beside from its function.

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4.0 Design Features
Traditional Malay architecture are influence by tropical climate and weather. Common features
of Malay houses are large overhang roof, fully open able windows at body level, elevated up and
the used of local materials to build the house.
For Deck House, to further reduce the heat gain into building, its design features also uses
traditional Malay house features as reference to solve this matter. The overhang roof are modern
large overhang roof, which protect interior from sun and rain. The building are orientated to have
longer north-south facade to reduce direct sunlight into building. There are lots of openings that
can be found in Deck House, which excellent in ventilation. The materials used are chosen light
weight and sustainable materials which suitable to be used at the site.
Research Methods:
1. Document Analysis : Floor plans, materials used, sections drawings

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4.1 Building Design
Data Analysis
1. Sloping long roof with large overhangs
Figure 4.1.1: Malay house roof
As we can see in Figure 4.1.1, traditional
Malay house have large overhangs roof which
provide good protection against the sunlight
and rain. With the large overhangs roof, the
windows can be left open during daytime for
ventilation.
1. Large overhang roof
Figure 4.1.2: Deck House roof
As we can see in Figure 4.1.2, Deck House
also uses large overhang roofs. In some part of
the house, the overhang roof are extended out
to prevent rain from coming in. The operable
windows and doors can be left open throughout
the day for ventilation to occur.

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2. Orientation
Figure 4.1.3: Orientation of Malay house
Traditional Malay house are often orientated to
face Mecca for religious purpose. The east-
west facade are shorter to minimize the
exposure to sun radiation. This orientation
suitable to use in Malaysia as longer north-
south facade will receive more wind and lesser
exposure of sunlight.
2. Orientation
Figure 4.1.4: Orientation of Deck House
Deck House are orientated based on sun
orientation. Based on Figure 4.1.4, we can see
that the longer facade is north-south facade
with more openings to allow air flow directly
into the building. The east-west facade are less
openings compare to north-south facade to
prevent too much exposure of sunlight.

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4.2 Openings
Data Analysis
1. Doors and windows
Figure 4.2.1:Doors and windows of traditional Malay
house
Based on Figure 4.2.1, we can see that
traditional Malay house have many openings
such as windows and door. The windows can be
open throughout the day with the help of
shading devices such as overhangs roof and
vegetations on site. The openings allow cross
ventilation to occur at body level to reduce heat
in the interior spaces.
1. Operable doors and windows
Figure 4.2.2: Operable doors in bedroom in Deck
House
Based on Figure 4.2.2, we can see that Deck
house have a lot of operable doors and
windows. The use of full length full operable
windows at certain spaces can be open
throughout the daytime for cross ventilation to
occur. The overhangs roof protect interior
spaces from sun and rain, allow the windows
to be opens for people to close to nature.

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2. Louvers
Figure 4.2.3: Louvers located near the roof
Figure 4.2.3 shows that roof spaces in the
traditional Malay house are properly ventilated
through the ventilation joints and panels in the
roof construction. Louvers near roof allow the
wind to flow in and ventilation occurs
throughout day and night time.
2. Louvers
Figure 4.2.4: Louvers near the ceiling area
The aluminum louvers as shown in Figure
4.2.4 are functions to allow excellent
ventilation and air exchange during day time
and night time. Besides, it also protect interior
space from excessive heat.

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4.3 Materiality
Data Analysis
1. Light weight timber frame structure
Figure 4.3.1 Axonometric of traditional Malay House
structure
Based on Figure 4.3.1, The house structural
frame(columns, beams and joists) are made
from hard wood. The non structural part such
as doors, walls and windows are also made up
from wood. The roof finishes are made from
nipah, rumbia or bertam. Malay houses built
using low thermal capacity construction
materials.
2. Steel frame structure with glass
Figure 4.3.2: Interior of Deck House showing the steel
frame structure.
Based on Figure 4.3.2, we can see that the
Deck House are build from steel frame
structure. Steel frame structure itself are light
weight, it is the modern low thermal capacity
materials. Thus, steel frame structure are
suitable for the climate on site. The concrete
stilts are build to withstand the load of the
building. The uses of glass panel allow no
obstacle to view the nature.

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Traditional Malay house are build from
timber frame structure (damar laut)
Roof finishes using rumbia
Non structural such as door, windows and
walls are using bamboo.
Deck House are build of
steel frame structure.
Large glass panel of windows
Timber for flooring finishes.
Figure 4.3.3: The difference of materials used for traditional Malay house and Deck House

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Conclusion:
Deck House are uses traditional Malay house features as a design reference. The main features is
the open layout plan. To further reduce heat gain into building, Deck House has apply other
design features of Malay house into its design, such as openings, materials and orientation. The
overhangs roof and orientation help the Deck House to reduce sun exposure into the the interior.
The openings further bring in the cool wind from outdoor and remove the interior hot air,
increase the air circulation. Besides, build in the middle of rainforest, steel frame structure are
actually suit the climate on site. The materials chosen are low thermal capacity and light-
weighted, which help to maintain the coolness of interior spaces. These strategies had helped
Deck House to reduce heat gain into building.
Elements Traditional Malay House Contemporary Deck House
Building
materials
Local materials, wood, bamboo Steel, glass, concrete, timber
Climate concern Yes Yes
Contextual
response
Yes Yes
Lighting Good Very Good
Views Certain area Large area (glass)
Ventilation
(openings)
1. Roof space
2. body level
3. stilts
1. Louvers near ceiling
2. body level
3. stilts.

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5.0 Conclusion
Based on the data analysis, with the comparison of contemporary Deck House with traditional
Malay house, we can see that Deck House has integrate the Malay house features into its modern
design. To suit tropical climate, Deck House has uses traditional Malay open layout plan as
design approach. The public spaces are visually wide and no walls between the spaces. The walls
are only exist to divide the private spaces and give privacy to certain area. Ventilation are good
in Deck House as no walls are blocking the wind flow. The interior of Deck House are bright as
the glass wall allow the sunlight to penetrate in. The Deck House are built on reinforced concrete
stilts, which elevated structure minimize impact on the original site. The elevated structure do
not block the natural hydrology and avoid cutting down trees. The elevated structure also
increase the wind velocity into building, thus the interior spaces are cool and windy when the full
operable windows are open. Next, Deck House are orientated according to sunlight and wind
pattern on site. The longer facade are north-south facade which reduce direct sunlight into the
interior space, and bring more winds inside. As Deck House have large overhangs roof to protect
from sun and rain, the windows can be open throughout the day for ventilation. The louvers at
Deck House are located near the ceiling, to allow ventilation occurs throughout day time and
night time, it provide more winds into the spaces. Although Deck House are build using modern
materials, but the materials are low thermal capacity and light-weighted, and sustainable to the
original site. Deck House has integrate traditional Malay house design into its modern design
successfully. It has designed climatically and blend in with the surrounding. Occupants in the
house can feel the sense of harmony in nature and tranquility in the Deck House.

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6.0 References
Fooyoh Entertainment!,. (2013). The Deck House in Janda Baik is Modern with Amazing
Rainforest Views. Retrieved 20 November 2015, from
http://fooyoh.com/homegazine_homegarden_architecture/8552157/the-deck-house-in-
janda-baik-is-modern-with-amazing-rainforest-views
KARMATRENDZ,. (2014). The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect. Retrieved 20
November 2015, from https://karmatrendz.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/the-deck-
house-by-choo-gim-wah-architect/
Sahabuddin, F. 'Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture And Its Relationship To Climate'.
Academia.edu. N.p., 2015. Web. 29 Sept. 2015. From:
http://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_a
nd_Its_Relationship_to_Climate
S.K., Kamarul. Climatic design of the traditional Malay house to meet the requirements of
modern living. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. From:
http://anzasca.net/wpcontent/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2004_Kamal.pdf
Vernacular Architecture,. 'Malay Houses'. N.p., 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2015 Retrieved from:
https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/helloworld/#comments

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7.0 Plagiarism Check- 3%

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