Asian architecture case study s11

The Contribution of Passive Cooling Methods in Achieving Optimum Thermal Comfort in S11 House
Asian Architecture ARC 2213/2234 Page 1
Asian Architecture Project : Case Study Paper
The Contribution of Passive Design of S11 House in
Maintaining Thermal Comfort of the Building
Name: Siew John Loong
ID: 0315871
Tutor: Mr. Koh Jing How

TableContent
1. Cover…………………………………………………………………………1
2. Table Content……………………………………………………………2-3
3. Abstract…………………………………………………………………….4
4. Diagram…………………………………………………………………….5
5. 1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………..6-7
6. 2.0 Natural Cooling……………………………………………………8
2.1 Building Orientation…………………………………………….9
2.2 Cross Ventilation………………………………………………10-12
2.3 Stack Ventilation………………………………………………13-14
7. 3.0 Building Structures…………………………………………..15
3.1 Overhang roof………………………………………............15-16
8. 4.0 Thermal Effective of Building Materials…………...17-18
4.1 Lightweight materials VS Heavyweight materials.19-21
9. 5.0 Site Context………………………………………………………22-23

10. 6.0 Conclusion………………………………………………………24
11. 7.0 Reference……………………………………………………….25-26

Abstract
The research paper is to study the contribution of passive cooling methods in achieving
optimum thermal comfort in S11 House. Thermal comfort is one of the most important section
in a building which determines whether the building achieve the standard comfort for the user
to livein. So, passive cooling isdesigned accordinglyin S11 House in few differentways inorder
to achieve effective natural ventilation. When we talk about green architecture, it actually
means to reduce the negative environment impact and increase environment friendly to the
surrounding. Design approaches such as building orientation, overhang roof, building spatial
layout, site context details and so on have to be considered carefully to create a building that
achieve thermal comfort. Besides, one of the most important role to optimize thermal comfort
is to allow the maximum air ventilation to take place into the building. By having this method,
the building will not only receive the maximum passive cooling, but also it helps to reduce
operational cost and conserve energy as there is no need to apply electrical appliances like air
conditioner inside the building.Online resources and electronicarticlesare used to assist in the
topic selected. Furthermore, when it comes to environment factors, S11 House is located in a
clear north-south orientation for the openings and windows which allows natural ventilation to
take place. With the help of tree canopies around the building as shading device, the
temperature is minimized significantly. The position of swimming pool and koi pond in S11
House helps inthe evaporationprocess and that increasesrelativehumidityof the surrounding.
Other than that, under the help of overhang roof, the sliding windows can be opened all the
time in order to allow air to flow across the building. Meanwhile, wind turbines are designed
on the overhang roof help to eliminate the building heat as well. As a conclusion, S11 House is
considered asa well-plannedbuilding inproviding optimumthermal comfortbased on different
passive cooling strategies which work effectively in the building.

Diagram

1.0 Introduction
Figure 1: Exterior view of S11 House
S11 House is Malaysia’s first Green Building Index Platinum rated house that won the Tropical
Building Category of the Asean Ebergy Awards in 2013. It is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor
and it is designed by Ar. Dr. Tan Loke Mun. It is a green tropical house which is conceptualized
along the lines of a tree. A lot of sustainable design strategies and passive designs are used in
order to maintainthermal comfortofthe building such asthe stackventilation, cross ventilation,
overhang roof, building orientation and building material.
The researchpaper is conducted about S11 House to focus on the relationship between passive
designs and thermal comfort with the research topic of ‘contribution of passive design of S11
House in maintaining thermal comfort of the building’ with the following research questions:
1. How does spatial layout planning help in natural ventilation to obtain thermal comfort?
2. How do passive cooling work together effectively to achieve thermal comfort?
3. What is the significant feature of the building in order to create passive design to
achieve thermal comfort?

4. How do building materials enhancethe natural ventilation to achieve thermal comfort?
5. How do passive cooling work together effectively to achieve thermal comfort?
6. How does the site context serve as part of the natural ventilation to obtain thermal
comfort?

2.0 NaturalCooling
Natural cooling is an very important element to be considered in a building. It can help to
reduce the use of mechanical ventilation like air conditioning and this helps to conserve the
nature, as well as saving tons of electricity consumption and energy used like fossil fuel.
Meanwhile, it can reduce the emission of gas (greenhouse effect) from the elctrical generating
plant. In S11 House, the natural ventilation uses the wind force to pull air through the building.
In traditional Malay House, few methods are being used to create an effective passive cooling
such as the elevation of house, fully openable windows, holed carvings around the walls , open
interior space with minimal partitions and high ventilated roof tiles. Natural cooling can only be
achieved with the fully used of site contect and landscaping features, building form, building
envelope design, building internal planning and room design.
Figure 2.0: The Passive Cooling of Malay House

2.1 Building Orientation
In order to allow passve cooling taking place effectively in S11 House, there are few
elements and detailing to be included in order successfully circulate the indoor and
outdoor air.
N N
W E W E
S
S
Figure 3.0 The oreintation of Buiding S11 House
In S11 House, the building is arranged in a way to receive the maximum air cooling. it is
clear north-south orientated as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4.0: North-south Orientation of S11 House (Floor Plan)

2.2 Cross Ventilation
Plenty of light can be captured through the openings and cross ventilation takes place.
In order to allow hot air to flow out of the building easily, the whole building structures
are heightened by the designer of S11 House. Therefore, the air in the structure will not
become too enclosed and stifling which might affect the optimum thermal comfort of
the building.
For cross ventilation, the building uses pressure diffference across the space to create
air movement. The building has vents opening at 2 sides which allow air moves through
the building. It helps to lower the temperature of the building and cool the areas. With
this design, cross ventilation can occur effectively, especially in a open floor plan like in
Figure 6.0. The flow of air (direction) can also be seen in Figure 5.0.
Figure 5.0 : Flow of Air Figure 6.0 : FloorPlan

Besides, the building has same level of openings at 2 sides which allow air to enter
smoothly into and out of the building as shown in Figure 7.0 and Figure 8.0.
Figure 7.0 and Figure 8.0 : BuildingOpenings
The smaller inlet and larger outlet of the building provides higher air speed and air flow
to the building (Figure9.0). The design alsoworks more efficientlythanthe Malayhouse
which uses the similar way of air ventilation as shown in Figure 10.0. At the same time,
the openings are situated in the same building level which helps to enhance the air
ventilation as well (Figure 11.0 and Figure 12.0)
Figure 9.0:Inlet andoutlet (Floor Plan) Figure 10.0:CrossVentilation (Malay House)

Figure 11.0: Flow of air Figure 12.0 Samelevel openings

2.3 Stack Ventilation
Besides, in order to further ventilatethe building spaces, S11 house has fully madeused
of operable glasswindows and sliding doors. The operableglass windows actas shelters
during rainfall andallowlightto enter into the building,as well as ventilating the interior
spaces when they are opened. Other than that, air vents are built between building
roofing and walls as to let the hot air to flow out of the building as shown in Figure 13.0.
Figure 13.0: Cross Ventilation of S11 House
Cross ventilation is formed through the fully usage of these building elements. By using
cross ventilation, hot air rises up within the building and it flows out of the building
through the vents on the roof. At the sametime,the internal air isreplacedbythe cooler
air from the outside which enters the building through openings like the windows. It
helps to conserve the nature as the usage of air conditioning is further reduced by the
usage of wind turbines (Figure 15.0)that provide stack ventilation. S11 House’s cross
ventilation issimilar tothe MalayHouse aswell which alsoprovides effectiveventilation
throughout the building (Figure 14.0).

Figure 14.0 :Vernacular Malay House
Figure 15.0: Wind Turbine

3.0 BuildingStructures
3.1 Overhang Roof
Figure 16.0: Functions of Overhang Roof
Overhang roof is one of the most important building component in a building (Figure
16.0). It serves as the top part of a building which helps to protect the building. It acts
as a shelter to protect the building from over-exposed to the sunlight, as well as
preventing the rainwater from getting inside the building. Windows can also be shaded
by overhang roof when the solar heat gain is undesirable. A building may suffer from
water entry problems at windows and doors, as well as having premature siding rot if
improper overhang roof is used . The most important function of overhang roof is to
keep water off the wall. The building wall can only be protected by having a proper and
standard overhang roof.

Figure 17.0: How a roof overhang can prevent hot summer sun from getting in.
Figure 18.0: S11 House Overhang Roof

4.0 ThermalEffect ofBuilding Materials
Figure 19.0: The Thermal Mass of Building Material
The optimum thermal comfort can be affected by the building material as well. Thermal mass
is the basic characteristic of building material in order to absorb heat or cool, store it and
release it later. The rate of the heat loss or gain is called as U-value. In tropical country like
Malaysia, walls and floors will directly absorb heat on their surfaces. The storing heat will be
kept and exposed to the cooler air during the evening or night by conducting it inwards. The
heat will then flow back to the surface and be released again. The cycle will be repeated again
and again from day to day.

Figure 20.0: The process of heat absorbing and releasing
In order to provide a largelyself-regulating environmentandstabilizethe internal temperature,
the building material must be able to respond to the changing condition naturally. The thermal
effect of building material in S11 House which help to absorb and release heat will directly
affect the thermal comfort of the buildjng significantly.
Figure 21.0: How Thermal Mass Work

4.1 Lightweight Materials vs Heavyweight Materials
Lightweight Material Heavyweight Material
Low thermal mass High thermal mass
React faster and follow external
temperature
React slowly with internal temperature
response
Figure 22.0 : Lightweight material vs Heavyweight material
The building material used in east-west wall must be low in heat capacity and high in
thermal insulation. This is because low heat capacity will only allow a small amount if
heat absoprtion, while high thermal insulation allows small amount of heat to be
transffered through the materials. Also, they must have good direct reflection or
screening solar radiation so that direct heat gain can be reduced.
In S11 House, the eat and west walls were deliberate void of any significant glazed
openings. They were also constructed with better insulated aerated lightweight
concrete block. Windows and doors have large impact on the thermal comfort of the
building. Besides, glazed windows which serve as an important component of
contemporary architectural style helps to reduce structural load and allow natural
light to penetrate into the building. They are coated with heat reflecting paint and
shaded by a wire netting screen of vines and creepers as shown in Figure 23.0 and
Figure 24.0. They can reduce the heat gain through the building.
Wire netting screen

Figure 23.0: Left Elevation
Figure 24.0: Right Elevation
Furthermore, the old clay bricks were cleaned and re-used for featured walls as shown
in Figure 25.0. They are good heat insulator. They have better thermal insulation and
they are fire resistant material. By re-using old clay bricks as part of the building
materials, it helps to save construction cost of the building.
Figure 25.0: Old Clay Bricks
Wire netting screen

In S11 House, the roof are constructed of lightweight recyclable profiled steel metal
sheets coated in a light off-white color to minimize heat absorption as shown in Figure
26.0 and Figure 27.0.
Figure 26.0: Roof Plan Figure 27.0:Profiled Steel Metal Sheets
Meanwhile the old crushed concrete retained from the old house is used for gravel fill
as shown in Figure 28.0 and Figure 29.0.. They are low in construction cost and are able
to save natural resources. The materials are fire resistant and can be used as stonework
for bathroom and ground floor living areas.
Figure 28.0 Ground Floor Plan Figure 29.0: Old Crushed Concrete

5.0 SiteContext
Vegetation plays an important role in regulating surrounding temperature. Lower part of the
building can be shaded by vegetation and reflective heat can be absorbed. S11 House
conserves exisiting trees originated from the site without cutting them down. The trees can
be used as a primary natural shading devices from the sun as they can absorb radiation.
There are 5 significant exisiting trees around S11 House as shown in Figure 30.0. Besides, the
plantations are tropical natives which are suitable to Malaysia climate. The tree shading can
be an effective shading device as Malaysia is a hot and humid country. They help to cool the
area around.
Figure 30.0: Ground Floor Plan Figure 31.0 Plants on site
Besides vegetation, there are Koi Pond and swimming pool which are situated at the both end
side of S11 House (Figure 32.0 and Figure 33.0). They act as cooling device which cool the
building passively (passive cooling).

Figure 32.0: GroundFloorPlan Figure 33.0 SwimmingPool
Koi Pond
Swimmingpool

6.0 Conclusion
As a conclusion, S11 House canbe concluded asa successful greenbuilding based on the aspect
of passive cooling such as passive ventilations (cross ventilations and stack ventilations),
builidng orientation, building material and building structure (overhang roof).
The cross ventilation and stack ventilation can work well together to achieve effective passive
cooling. They can achieve optimum thermal comfort as well wothout affecting one another.
Besides, S11 House has a good building orientation (north-south orientation) which allows air
ventilation to take place in the building effectively. Other than that, S11 House has a standard
effective overhang roof which act as a shelter against sunlight and rainwater. Aprt from that,
building materials such as old clay bricks, recyclable profiled steel metal sheets and old crushed
concrete (reused material) help to save construction cost and conserve energy as there will be
no extra fee. Finally, the there are lots of plantations which surround the S11 House. They act
as shading device for the building and lower down the temperature. Meanwhile, the Koi Pond
and swimming pool which are situated at the both end of S11 House help in passive cooling as
well (evaporating).
By having these standards of passive coolings, optimum thermal comfort can be achieved
successfully in S11 House. The occupants can have a comfortable environement to live in and
the environement impact can be reduced to its minimum.

7.0 Reference
1.Overhang Roof- Cooling Your Home Efficiently. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
http://www.homepower.com/articles/home-efficiency/design-construction/cooling-your-
home-efficiently
2. Overhang Roof- Every House Needs Roof Overhangs. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/every-house-needs-roof-
overhangs
3. Thermal mass- Passive Solar Building Design - 360 Building Solutions. (2015). Retrieved June
27, 2016, from http://www.360building.com.au/passive-solar-building-design/
4. Building Materials- No 7. Density of Building Materials - Liveability. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27,
2016, from http://www.liveability.com.au/17things/7-density-of-building-materials/#fndtn-
panel1
5. S11 House / ArchiCentre. (2013). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
http://www.archdaily.com/313041/s11-house-archicentre
6. Natural Ventilation. (2015). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
http://greendatabase.org/2015/07/07/natural-ventilation/
7. Asian Architecture Presentation Slide. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
http://www.slideshare.net/zhijun/asian-architecture-presentation-slide
8. Wind Ventilation | Sustainability Workshop. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2016, from
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/264234703112726733/

9.Asian Architecture - S11 House. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2016, from
http://www.slideshare.net/devila94/asian-architecture-s11-house

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