building services

1.0 Introduction
Ventilation is extremely important. Ventilation is the process of changing air in an
enclosed space. A proportion of air should be withdrawn and replaced by the fresh
air continuously. Ventilation is needed to maintain the air purity, which allows the
oxygen to enter the house as well as allowing the water vapor, fumes and carbon
dioxide to leave. Without proper ventilation, a home will be suffering from various
types of damage – the most common, rot. The key requirement for ventilation is the
need to maintain adequate indoor air quality. Energy efficient defined as using less
energy to have the same kind of service. For example, instead of installing air
conditioner, we might able to consider installing whole house fan, which helps to cool
the house effectively through the hot day. An efficient ventilation system must meet
the requirements, which are establish hazard, satisfy user comfort, be energy
efficient and be cost effective. The air temperature and relative humidity are major
factors for maintaining comfort and good health. Extreme conditions can cause
discomfort, promote the spread of microorganisms which can disease and can
seriously irritate the respiratory systems. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) is the most settings to ensure a pleasant, comfortable and safe work
environment. HVAC dominated construction peak electricity demand, thus improving
its efficiency can reduce the peak demand for electricity. Capital and maintenance
costs of HVAC equipment contain a proportion of building costs. Significant energy
and money saving can be made out through when constructing new buildings, good
strategies presence optimize energy use in existing HVAC systems that are reducing
the demand for the service and ensuring the good maintenance practices.
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1.1 Types Of Energy Efficient Ventilation Systems
There are some types of ventilation systems that can be used in the dwelling. For
example, Passive stack ventilation (PSV), Single room heat recovery ventilation
(SRHRV), Mechanical extract ventilation (MEV), Positive input ventilation (PIV) and
many more.
1.1.1 Passive Stack Ventilation (PSV).
Passive ventilation system is one type of system that made up of openings, which
located in ‘wet’ rooms, which connected via near-vertical ducts to ridge or other roof
terminals. Warm and moist air is drawn up the ducts by a combination of the stack
effect and wind effect. Replacement dry air is drawn into the property via background
ventilators located in the habitable rooms, and by air leakage. Providing a gap at the
bottom of the internal doors will allow the free passage of air through the property.
1.1.1.1 Installation Process
For a passive stack ventilation system (PSV), each ‘wet’ room must their individual
ducts to exhaust termination as shown in the figure to make sure that the ducts will
not collated into same termination. Make sure that the ducting fixed securely to the
terminals so they will not disconnect easily. The ducts should be installed as near
vertically as possible.
Besides that, cuts the ducts to length to make sure that there is no more than two
bends to minimize flow resistance. The angles of offsets should not more than 45° to
the vertical are preferred.
Make sure the ducting is properly supported along its length to ensure that the ducts
can run straight and that there are no kinks at any bends or the connections to ceiling
grilles and outlet terminals. It is important for ducts to be insulated so that it can
prevent the formation of condensation when they pass through unheated spaces.
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1.1.1.2 Possible Problems to the System
Possible problems to this type of ventilation systems is that it wastes heat and may
cause draughts therefore additional input grilles are required in living rooms to
prevent draughts, whilst humidity controlled inlets will require extra ventilation when
low humidity occurs.
Besides that Passive Stack Ventilation (PSV) have tendency to over or under
ventilate depending on weather conditions. Ducts must be near vertical to the ridge
or roof terminals, and that the lack of pressure differences affecting airflow might
mean it’s necessary to use an open window or additional central fan during warmer
weather. Near vertical duct runs are also essential for the system to work effectively
due to existing house layouts can make it difficult to accommodate vertical ducting
from ground floors. Finally, window trickle vents and wall inlets are required.
1.1.2 Single Room Heat Recovery Ventilation (SRHRV).
Single room heat recovery ventilator (SRHRV) is also known as mechanical
ventilation heat recovery, which is a development of the heat recovery ventilator,
heat exchanger and air exchanger. The heat exchanger recovers heat from the
outgoing air and pre-heats the incoming air and it helps to moderate and balance the
temperature of the house. The unit is typically dual speed, providing low-speed
continuous ‘trickle’ ventilation, and high-speed ‘boost’ flow. As the units are typically
only used in wet rooms, appropriately size background ventilators (e.g. trickle
ventilators) are required to ventilate the habitable rooms. While the air exchanger
provides a balanced air flow and extracts air from the ‘wet’ rooms.
3
Figure 1: How the PSV system works in a house, Sourced
from http://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/whole-house-
ventilation/

HRV can be mounted on the places like floor, joists or plinth. The unit should be
correctly located, wired and commission on places, which have the easy access to
the main electricity. Place the unit in a position that can reduce the amount of ducting
required to reach the room. Make sure there is an adequate gap between the
exhaust vents and incoming vents to maximize the effectiveness. For this system, it
needs 2 loops, one to provide fresh air into the room and another one is to extract
the air from the room. Make sure the controls are conveniently connected and wired
to the HRV units.
Possible problems to this ventilation system are that some recirculation possible due
to close proximity of supply and extract grilles. The single room ventilation is also too
noisy to be installed in bedrooms or other quiet places. Besides, the fresh outdoor air
and extracted air are indirectly in contact with each other, therefore any pollutant
could be exchanged between the fresh and extracted air.
4
Figure 2: How the HRV system works, Sourced from
http://www.energysolve.ie/index.php/services/heat -recovery-2/

1.1.3 Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV)
A mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) system extracts air from ‘wet’ rooms
continually. It usually consists of a central ventilation unit positioned in a cupboard or
loft space ducted throughout the dwelling to extract air from the wet rooms. (Other
configurations do exist; including the use of continuously running individual room
fans, although with latter, care must be taken to minimize the effects of wind
pressure on the flow.) The fan also has a humidity sensor, which able to increase the
speed of the fan and extraction rate as necessary, rather than raising the extraction
rate for the whole building. The humidity sensor can be operated automatically or via
manual switching.
Ducting should be competently installed to minimize the flow resistance for the
airflow. Besides that, ducts should be sealed using tape or sealant to prevent
leakage. The automatic sensors must be correctly located, wired and commissioned
in the dwelling. MEV unit can be mounted on the places, which have anti-vibration
mountings between the unit and the structure. A condense drain must be provided to
run into waste system.
5
Figure 3: How the MEV system works, Sourced from
http://www.greenwood.co.uk/range/2/central -extract.html

Possible problems to this ventilation system are it requires ducting from the wet
rooms and also requires commissioning. Air infiltration through the building envelope
creates easily draught in winter in cold climate. In addition, heat recovery from the
exhaust air is not easy to implement. The other problem this system face is that as
the exhaust is usually from kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets ventilation supply air flow
is not evenly distributed in the bed rooms and living rooms.
1.1.4 Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)
Positive input ventilation is also known as low energy positive input ventilation. There
is a fan, typically mounted in the roof space, supplies air into the dwelling via central
hallway or landing. This creates a slight positive pressure in the dwelling. With these
systems, excess water vapour is not directly extracted from kitchens or bathrooms
and etc. But, it has to find its way out by means of either background ventilator
openings or air leakage routes. The fan in this system runs continuously in low speed
either operate under manually or humidity controlled boost option. These systems
are always suitable for dealing with radon problems.
Make sure the upstairs ceiling is airtight so can minimize the recirculation of air from
the dwelling to roof then back to dwelling again. The roof space needs to be
adequately ventilated from outside. In addition, air taken from the roof space should
be filtered. Make sure that the airflow not passing directly over a smoke detector
because it maybe will reduce the detector’s speed of response.
The PIV units should be designed and located to minimize cold draughts from the
airflow into the house. The automatic sensor should be correctly located, wired and
commission in the house.
6
Figure 4: How the PIV system works, Sourced from
http://www.tek.kingspan.com/uk/design_ventilation.htm

Possible problems that may occur is that some additional enhancement may be
needed depending on the building structure. In addition, Positive Input Ventilation
systems are that in very air tight buildings there may not be enough ventilation so
may require extract ventilation ports in wet rooms; these ports may have to remain
constantly open.
1.1.5 Intermittent extract fans and background ventilators.
Local extract fans are installed in ‘wet’ rooms and provide rapid extraction of
moisture and other pollutants. They operate intermittently under either occupant or
automatic control. The fans can be either mounted in a window, ceiling or external
wall. When ceiling-mounted, the extract should be ducted to outside. Replacement
dry air is provided via background ventilators and air leakage.
In addition, as these fans do not run continuously, the background ventilators should
be sized to provide adequate continuous whole house ventilation. Providing a gap at
the bottom of the internal doors will allow the free passage of air through the
property. Care should be exercised when choosing a location for extract fans to
ensure that draughts are not produced, and that combustion gases are not drawn
into a room from open-flue appliances
Possible problems to this ventilation system are that it may produce lots of noise thus
sound pollution may occur. It is also prone to occupant tampering and if occupant is
controlled, it may not be used. Besides that, single facade dwellings require
additional background ventilators fitted at low level.
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1.1.6 Whole house Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
Whole houses mechanical ventilation (MVHR) system usually combines supply and
extract ventilation in one system. Systems considered here incorporate a heat
exchanger.
Possible problems to this ventilations system is if you want it to perform in optimum
condition, an adequate level of air tightness must be achieved, which can be difficult
in existing dwellings and also the complexity of installation and commissioning.
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1.2 Management System
Displacement ventilation, chilled ceilings and mixed-mode air conditioning can save a
considerable amount of energy. As said in the introduction, ventilation is basically
needed to maintain the air purity in a building. Energy efficient ventilation means type
of ventilation system that does not use or saves energy, in other words, natural
ventilation such as stack effect in tall buildings or by opening windows.
Over the last century, an endless variety of methods have been developed to
increase the ventilation airflows in a building. Nevertheless these methods are
somewhat related to the methods of modeling heat loss and other mass transfer
phenomena in a building.
Management system basically means managing the overall ventilation of a building.
The air exchange rate in naturally ventilated buildings mostly relies on the weather
and internal and external factors of the building itself. In urban areas, where the wind
is reduced, the openings on the building, for ventilation purposes play an important
role.
While designing for usage of natural ventilation in a building, the approximate size
and location of the opening are needed. A reasonable size of an opening is
suggested to allow maximum ventilation into a building. The location of the openings
is advised to be vertical to each other. If these two factors are taken into
consideration while designing for ventilation, especially in urban areas, this will
9
Figure 5: Saving energy consumption is a healthier approach, Sourced from
https://www.google.com.my/search?q=save+energy+this+means+you&newwindo
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6McOVuASc2IKICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=667#facrc=_&imgdii=
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maximize the driving forces of natural ventilation and maximize its performance thus
improving indoor air quality and most importantly energy conservation.
Apart from wind-induced ventilation, in tall buildings stack effect is the source of
ventilation. Stack effect is where air is vertically driven through a building because
hot air is less dense than the outside cold air an so the warm air rises and escapes
though openings high up in the building and as a result the outside cooler air enters
in the openings lower down.
Since the openings are used for both stack effect and wind-induced ventilation, they
should not be considered in isolation. Effectiveness of stack is dependent of the
height and the difference in temperature and also effective area of the openings in
the building. This effect can operate when there is no wind pressure available, as
absence of wind can be caused by various factors such as blocking effect of other
buildings or vegetation etc. and can also operate in deep plan buildings.
Stack effect is weak, and so this means the openings must be large and
unobstructable to minimize resistance. Passive stack effect is also a means of
natural ventilation. Passive stack ventilation (PSV) systems work by a combination of
the natural stack effect, i.e. the movement of air that results from the difference in
temperature between indoors and the outside, and the effect of wind passing over
the roof of the dwelling.
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Figure 6: Air movement inside a household as the hot air rises and escapes
through openings. Sourced from
https://www.google.com.my/search?q=stack+effect&newwindow=1&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=pQBjVMbdA8OVuASc2IKICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ#facrc
=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=wT8_Qzo4TfGItM%253A%3BZMlJmiHSCDsFuM%3Bhttp%
253A%252F%252Fmjquirk.com%252Fimages%252Fventilation.jpg%3Bhttp%25
3A%252F%252Fmjquirk.com%252Fbburg.html%3B400%3B225

Natural ventilation has been seen to provide a much healthier and convenient type of
ventilation. Without the need of electric fans or control, these methods are energy
efficient. If the openings are big enough and little resistance is provided for the flow
of air and also the design should follow the building’s guidelines, the indoor air quality
and thermal comfort can be achieved.
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) is another method for energy efficient ventilation
system. Heat recovery ventilator is the equipment used for this method. These
devices can operate independently or can be added to an existing system. Managing
these ventilators depends on the size of the space. A small building can use a small
unit while a larger building can use a larger central unit.
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Figure 7: Earth-to-air heat exchanger which is which involves an Earth warming
pipe which is buried underground which is used to transfer the heat from inside
the building to outside. Sourced from
https://www.google.com.my/search?q=Heat+recovery+ventilation&newwindow=1
&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=YnFhVIPVAteiugSb2YKoDg&ved=0CAgQ_A
UoAQ&biw=1366&bih=667#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=e7wXWpNOL1LR-M%
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%252Fcommons%252Fb%252Fbd%252FPassivhaus_section_en.jpg%3Bhttp%2
53A%252F%252Fen.wikipedia.org%252Fwiki%252FHeat_recovery_ventilation%3
B945%3B741

Mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) is also a ventilation system, which is energy
efficient. It draws moisture air from multiple wet rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens
& utility rooms.
Positive input ventilation (PIV) is a ventilation system that supplies fresh at a
continuous rate, fresh filtered air. These ventilation systems offer energy savings and
health benefits.
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Figure 8: the MEV spider, which is one of the Mechanical extract ventilation
systems. The picture also shows the location of the equipment in the household,
in this case it is on the roof. Sourced from :
http://www.envi rovent.com/specifier/products/mechanical-extraction-ventilation/
mev-spider/
Figure 9: The P IV systems known as “PIV Loft Mounted Unit” used i n households
and as the MEV it is placed on the roof of the house. This system circulates fresh
air into the building from a central point. Sourced from:
http://www.envi rovent.com/specifier/products/positive-input-ventilation/piv-loft-mounted-
unit/

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1.3 Advantages & disadvantages of energy efficient ventilation system
1.3.1 Advantages of energy efficient ventilation system
There are few advantages of energy efficient ventilation system. The first one is you
save a lot of cost in a long-term plan. This is because when you have an energy
efficient ventilation system, you manage to control the usage of energy, which means
you can control the usage of electrical appliances. This will definitely reduce the cost
of your electric bills per year. For example, the proper energy efficient ventilation
system will definitely reduce the usage of electrical fans or even air conditioners. This
is because it has the rightest air humidity readings naturally.
The second one is people will have a much healthier indoor environment. This
system provides much fresher air compared to the normal ventilation system thus will
make people feel much more comfortable. This is because moderate temperatures
can improve the comfort of your building's occupants. For example, in Malaysia
people will feel much comfortable inside a cooler building compared to the warmer
one because of the hot and humid weather.
The third one is the price of the building that applies this system will increase.
This is because Buildings that are perceived or better yet, certified as energy efficient
command higher rental rates, have higher occupancy rates and are likely to be sold
at higher prices than other comparable buildings. For example, if a contractor bought
a building and changed the ventilation system to this system, he could sell the
property for a higher price to other entrepreneur.
Next, This system will improve the operating performance of a building. When
building systems are properly operated and maintained, they work more reliably and
efficiently, require fewer repairs, and last longer. This system does not rely on a
specific machine thus no maintenance is needed.
The last one is it cuts your building’s carbon emissions. Automatically you will
participate in national efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute
to climate change and demonstrate your organization's commitment to the
environment at the same time. In this wide construction industry, an effort to save the
world is important for a greater generation.

1.3.2 Disadvantages of energy efficient ventilation system
There are few disadvantages in energy efficient ventilation system. The first one is
the cost of building the structure in a short them plan is high. This is because the
design must be outstanding and works linearly with the ventilation system. The
energy efficient ventilation system requires unusual building materials, which are
more expensive compared to the normal building materials. More, The architect hired
must be a professional in energy efficient so it will meet the criteria thus higher
amount of payment is required to pay the architect. The conclusion is you have to
spend higher cost during the construction of a particular building.
The second one is the building takes a longer time to be built. This is because of the
drastic architecture design which requires a perfect set up and a really long time to
be constructed. This is also a real disadvantage to a short-term plan.
The third one is the system might harm the environment. This is because the uses of
natural materials such as high quality timber. Energy efficiency and environmental
performance should be evaluated using a systems approach, focusing on how
individual components interact within the building system and identifying options with
the greatest potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing overall
environmental effects.
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1.3.3 Summary of advantages & disadvantages of energy efficient ventilation
system
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Table 1: The advantages and disadvantages of energy efficient ventilation system
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Save cost in a long term plan
High cost in a short term plan
Healthier indoor environment Takes longer time to be constructed
The price of asset will increase
The system might harm the
environment
Improves the operating system of a
building
Cuts building carbon emission
Based on this advantages and disadvantages points, we can summarize that energy
efficient ventilation system has more advantages comparing to disadvantages. The
system is really applicable in a long-term plan but is quite expensive in a short-term
plan. It takes longer time to be constructed but to have a healthier indoor
environment is totally worth it. The most unlikely point is this system might harm the
environment but the fact that it also cuts the building carbon emission is a good thing.
It’s obvious that energy efficient ventilation system is a reliable system.

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1.4 Application / Concept of Energy Efficient Ventilation System
1.4.1 Stack Effects
Stack effect is the way to ventilate the room to be hot or cold than the outside air
temperature. Stack effect causes air infiltration, which allows air leakage into the
building.
This is because of the airflow temperature; the air inside the building is either more or
less dense than the air outside. So, natural flow will occurs when there are openings
on both top and bottom of the building. During the hot season, the indoor warm air
will flow to the top opening and replaced by the cooler air outside through the stack
effect of ventilation. However during the cold season, if the air inside is cooler than
that outside, the cooler air will be drawn out and replaced with warmer air from
outside as opposite with stack effect, which occurs during the hot season.
For the modern high-rise buildings, they have their own design considerations, which
create massive pressure differences and maybe need to be applied with mechanical
ventilation. For example, stairwell and shaft tend to contribute with the stack effect.
However, natural ventilation requires much lesser energy than mechanical
ventilation, which saves money and also reducing greenhouse effect.
1.4.2 Single Room Heat Recovery Ventilation (SRHRV).
Heat recovery is a process of continuously preheating incoming cool supply air by
warming it with the outgoing exhaust air. Warm air is not simply to consume entirely
but transfer most of its heat to supply air in a highly efficient heat recovery
exchanger. Single room heat recovery is usually used in residential area.
Generally, the concept of single room heat recovery is to create a healthier
environment. The purpose of single room heat recovery is to increase the air
permeability. It helps to extract the stalely air which corrupted with humidity, toxins
and smells from the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. After that, it supplies the fresh air
directly from the outside into the ventilation system through a filter. The heat taken
from the extracted air is used to warm the fresh filtered air in the exchanger and
flows through conducting to termination points. The ventilation system can also help
to prevent allergies from the incoming dusty air.

In a healthy home, thousand liter of fresh air is needed everyday to be equivalent for
the moisture generated by each individual person, and also through cooking,
washing and bathing. The system is simply installed through one hole in the wall in
every room that needs to be ventilated.
1.4.3 Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV)
Mechanical extract ventilation basically is continually extracts the air from a particular
room. It has two kinds of exhaust system which are, single-point and multi point
exhaust system. A single point exhaust system operates continuously extract the air
from the kitchen and the bathroom which allows the residents temporarily boots the
ventilation rate. A multi point exhaust system operates continuously on low. The
bathroom has exhaust port instead of having spot fan, which allows the residents
temporarily boost the ventilation rate. Mechanical extract ventilation is normally used
in commercial and industrial system.
The most basic of mechanical ventilation systems is the extractor fan typically
mounted in the roof space, supplies air into the dwelling via central hallway and
landing. The fan can be found in the bathrooms and kitchens where the target is to
extract the smoke and smell from the room. The system can be operate
automatically or control the speed by the occupant. It delivers a continuous flow of air
to the dwelling.
The system is easy to install and provides continuous low level background
ventilation. There are small negative pressure in building prevents moisture
mitigation into the constructions of external walls and prevents condensation and
consequently the mould growth. It is important to filter air before it enters large
central system and this helps removes particulates and dust from the air.
1.4.4 Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system create fresh and healthy living environments
by supplying fresh, filtered air into a property at a continuous rate. This system is
built to deal with condensation problem in a building. Installing a low energy positive
input ventilation system will not directly save any energy, but it may give an energy
saving compared with a conventional extract system providing the same level of
ventilation air exchange.
The system works when the clean fresh air is continuously drawn into the loft space
through the lofts natural leakage points. Then, the air will rise to the highest point
17

gaining heat energy giving you the benefit of some heat recovery. Next, The air is
then passed through the filters, and is gently fed into the dwelling via a central
hallway diffuser. After that, the air then gently pressurizes the house from inside out,
driving out moisture and condensation. The last one is the process creates a healthy
and clean environment to live with.
The benefit of this system is this system is ideal for retrofit projects. It is easy to
install and extremely cost-effective to run, this ventilation strategy will create a fresh
and healthy indoor environment. It’s a reliable system thus making them an ideal
solution for new build projects.
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1.5 Future Recommendations
The ventilation systems have been improved year by year in many different terms to
become more environmental friendly, however the most important thing that have
always been considered by the professions is energy efficiency of ventilation system.
They are trying many different ways to improve energy efficiency of ventilation systems
in various countries with different climates. Many energy efficient ventilation systems
have been designed for future and some of them are recommended to be used as new
generations of ventilation systems.
1.5.1 Artica
This application is one of the latest and can reduce energy usage by up to 90% compare
to air conditioning. Artica is an award winning cooling, ventilation and heat recovery
with maximum energy efficiency. This system has many benefits such as very low
running, servicing and maintenance costs, no external unit requirement, long working
life of up to 20 years and many more. At the core of the Artica system there is a Thermal
Battery that stores energy when it is freely available and releases it when it is needed.
The Thermal Battery uses the latent heat property of materials to store large amounts of
energy. Artica is perfect for offices and commercial properties and can easily be installed
on both new and existing buildings. This system is consists of four components an
insulated duct, air diffusers, the Air Handling Unit and the control system.
1.5.2 Ventive
Ventive is another future ventilation system that can help in terms energy efficiency,
which is perfect for retrofit and new build projects. This ground-breaking passive
ventilation with heat recovery product can help users and providers the highest levels
19
Figure 10: Artica ventilation system, source from
http://inhabitat.com/artica-natural-cooling-ventilation-and-
heat-recovery-system/

of energy savings plus controlling indoor air quality and comfort. Ventive ventilation
system is designed for continuous twenty-four hour ventilation, supply of fresh air
and the extraction of stale air independently which divides into Ventive S and Ventive
S+. Ventive S is a single PVHR unit replacing the existing chimney pot with a cowl
and cassette that features an innovative, patented and incredibly efficient heat
exchanger. Ventive S+ difference with ventive S is that chimneys being present
within the building are not required. So in this type, integrated duct system is utilized
and Ventive S+ fits neatly between rafters and seals to the existing roof finish,
allowing easy installation of multiple or single units.
1.5.3 Daikin Ventilation System
This system provides high efficient cooling, heating, hot water, air purification and
ventilation as part of a building integrated system. Daikin ventilation system uses
combination of air handling units deliver fresh air and provide filtration throughout a
building for better-than fresh air. This system utilizes heat recovery technology as
well to reuse heat to warm up incoming clean air by saving up to 40% of energy.
Daikin system is suitable for places where everything such as humidity, temperature,
air quality and comfort must be in perfect requirements like hospitals, factories,
pharmaceutical environments and restaurants. Installation can be adapted to the
requirements of any given building. Centralized controls give ultimate control to
manage systems from a single location and network-connected controls even enable
remote monitoring and configuration.
20
Figure 11: Ventive ventilation system, source from
http://www.ventive.co.uk/gallery/

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2.0 Case Study – PJ Trade Centre (PJTC)
2.1 Background of PJ Trade Centre
PJ Trade Centre (PJTC) is a premier Grade A and unique office project, which
situated in a land of 5.4 acres in Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. This
project was developed by Tujuan Gemilang Sdn Bhd while Syarikat Pembinaan LAL
Sdn Bhd was the main contractor and it was completed in December 2009. Tujuan
Gemilang Sdn Bhd was a development company, which founded in 2005 by Ahmad
Khalif Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal and Peter Chan and PJ Trade Centre was the first
project of the company. This project is a financial success for its investor; this is
because according to Jones in 2012, it was sold out about 95% in 18 months and
was fully occupied by more than 25 companies.
The PJ Trade Centre consists of 4 high-rise towers (1 tower with 21-storey and 3
towers with 20-storey), 1 Annexe Building and 3-storey of basement car park. Tower
A was also known as “Menara Mustapha Kamal” because it is named after Tan Sri
Mustapha Kamal (The owner of MK Land and EMKAY Group), who is the father of
the founder of Tujuan Gemilang Sdn Bhd. And, now it is used as the headquarters
for EMKAY Group. Tower B was named as Menara Bata, as the shoemaker
company, Bata used 4 floors as their regional headquarters. Tower C was occupied
by Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri and it was named as Menara Hasil. While, Tower D
was known as Menara Taiko by a sister conglomerate of KL-Kepong Group and was
changed to Menara Gamuda due to the relocation of the headquarters of Gamuda
Bhd in 2012. Gamuda is the largest public-listed construction firm by market value in
Malaysia. Other than these, there are also some other facilities in the building such
as cafes and restaurants, health club with swimming pool and gymnasium and also
Surau.
Since the completion of PJ Trade Centre, it has won the top awards for interior
design, landscape architecture and commercial architecture (PJ TRADE CENTRE,
n.d.).

2.2 Concept / Idea of the designs
The architect of this project, Kevin Mark Low designed this building with a bold
design that was based on a Malaysian Paradigm and rooted with the local culture,
climate and context in order to fit the weather and humidity in Malaysia. The concept
of this project came from the observation of the office development in Malaysia. Most
of the users in these office building are not feeling comfortable with the environment
as the offices are usually designed with the idea of “typical office”. Therefore, PJTC
was designed as a “boutique” office building, which consists of comfortable and
healthy workspaces in order to enhance the productivity of the workers (PJ TRADE
CENTRE, 2013).
The exterior of the building was designed as a simple and environmental friendly
building (PJ TRADE CENTRE, n.d.). PJTC has the highest energy efficiency and it is
very sustainable although it is just a simple yet typical aluminum and glass box office.
The materials used were just simple local materials such as over-burnt bricks,
concrete ventilation blocks and fair-faced concrete. The used of over-burnt bricks
and vent blocks were on the facades, which minimize the heat gained and enable the
natural ventilation into the building. This design not only provides a good ventilation
system, it also leads to a low maintenance and does not require any cleaning (Lew,
2014). The single loaded and thin building mass and also natural finishes on the
walls and floors, allow the entrance of natural light and cross-ventilation into the
building and on the other hand, make the building eco-friendly (Lau, 2014).
Furthermore, PJ Trade Centre also has a big landscape plaza and 12 Sky Terraces
with tall trees, wall creepers and hanging vines (Jones, 2012). “The highlight of the
towers is the public sky terraces between office towers. It manages to bring
landscaping up vertically and giving its occupants a thrilling experience walking on
the steel grating” (Lau, 2014). The landscaping will make the building environmental
friendly and allow the user to have the feeling of being close to nature (PJ TRADE
CENTRE, 2013). The design of landscape will increase the natural ventilation around
the building. As the tree in the garden will provide needed shade and act as a filter to
cool heated wind. The planning of the building is also very simple as there are very
less obstructing objects around the building and the flow of spaces is not
complicated. Thus, the simple planning will definitely increase the rate of ventilation
due to uncomplicated flow of building and less obstacles.
22

Besides, there are only 1 to 4 units per floor in PJ Trade Centre. This is to make sure
the environment in each floor not being too compact and thus enhance the
ventilation. Each of the unit also has its own pantry and washroom, the number of
people who use the pantry and washroom will be reduced, as they only have to use
the one in their own unit. Hence, the ventilation rate in the office will be high as the
occupancy is low because the ventilation rate is depends on the occupancy density.
Other than having its own pantry and washroom, most of the units are also attached
with a big balcony with nice landscape garden and open-to-sky washrooms (PJ
TRADE CENTRE, 2013). The design of balcony not only allows the users to have a
place to relax and chill during work time, it also allows good ventilation in the unit and
balcony. “This is because balcony is an alternative architectural element as a wind
scoop for scooping the air into a building to allow the better ventilation in naturally
ventilated buildings” (Mohammadi et al., 2010). At the same time, it may minimize the
use of air-conditioning.
The interior of the building also equipped with some features, which allow a good
ventilation system. For example, the ceiling in the office towers is 3.8 metres high,
which is higher than a normal ceiling of 2.7 metres. As we know, the height of ceiling
plays a vital role in ventilation. Therefore, the design of ceiling in the office towers is
about 1 metre higher than the normal ceiling height. This is to suit the hot weather in
Malaysia and it will provide a better air ventilation and cooler temperature to the
indoor rooms as the resistance to flow through the structure is reduced. Moreover,
“the main lobbies are designed with a modest but comfortable and airy space, with
no air-conditioning or artificial lighting” (PJ TRADE CENTRE, n.d.). But, the lobbies
are naturally lit and ventilated with the 9 metres high ceiling and trees plated inside.
23

24
2.3 Photos of PJ Trade Centre
Figure 12: PJTC from Sprint Highway, Sourced
from (Lan, 2009)
Figure 13: PJTC is situated next to the entrance to
Damansara Perdana, Sourced from (PJ TRADE
CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 14: PJTC is designed to be
both contemporary and sustainably
envi ronment friendly, Sourced from
(PJ TRADE CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 15: The 9 metres high glass
lantern lobby with a wonderfully
designed concrete stai rs hanging
from ceiling, Sourced from (PJ
TRADE CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 16: These sky terraces are
designed for as a break-out area
from the formal office, for informal
gathering, relaxing discussions and
even for lunch or tea, Sourced
from (PJ TRADE CENTRE, n.d.)

25
Figure 17: Natural light illuminates the 9 metres
high glass lantern lobby, Sourced from (PJ TRADE
CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 18: The interior design features polished
cement floors, open high ceilings, brick walls and a
warm “industri al” feel, Sourced from (PJ TRADE
CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 19: Swimming pool at the fitness club, Sourced from (PJ TRADE CENTRE, n.d.)
Figure 20 & 21: Honest use of materials and uncluttered detailing, Sourced from (Lan, 2009)

26
Figure 22 & 23: The courtyard of PJTC, Sourced from (Lan, 2009)
Figure 24: The gap between solar screen and
offices, Sourced from (Lan, 2009)
Figure 25: The glass windows facing west across
the courtyard, Sourced from (Lan, 2009)
Figure 26: The vent block screen on PJTC,
Sourced from (Lan, 2009)
Figure 27: Behind the vent blocks, Sourced from
(Lan, 2009)

Figure 29: Ground floor toilet, obviously no
thermal insulation on this wall although the space
is air conditioned, Sourced from (Lan, 2009)
27
Figure 28: The lift lobby inside PJTC, Sourced
from (Puritat, 2012)
Figure 30: The interior staircase, Sourced from
(Puritat, 2012)
Figure 31: The landscape garden in PJTC,
Sourced from (Puritat, 2012)
Figure 32: A total of 1400 trees are planted whitin
the compound of PJTC, Sourced from (Ch’ng,
2014)
Figure 33: Fancy taking shower next to a tree?
That’s the special feature of the health club in
PJTC, Sourced from (Ch’ng, 2014)

3.0 Reflection
Building services are the systems installed in buildings to make them comfortable,
functional, efficient and safe. Building services are what make a building come to life.
They include, energy supply, heating and ventilating, water, drainage and plumbing,
day lighting and artificial lighting, etc.
In this assignment, we have given the opportunity and been assigned to do about
energy efficient ventilation system. There are some types of ventilation systems that
can be used in the dwelling. For example, passive stack ventilation (PSV), single
room heat recovery ventilation (SRHRV), mechanical extract ventilation (MEV),
positive input ventilation (PIV) and many others.
Due to this assignment, we manage to learn more about this particular topic. Based
on the research we did, we learnt on the installation process of each ventilation
system. Each of the ventilation systems has their own specifications and profession.
Moreover, we manage to learn about the advantages and the disadvantages of
energy efficient ventilation system. Generally, an energy efficient ventilation system
can help us to save cost in the long-term plan and provide us the healthier indoor
environment. Other than these, we have chosen PJ Trade Centre as the building of
our case study. We have learnt about how the ventilation system works in this
building through this assignment. This is really a great example of green building, as
it has most of the green features, especially the awesome landscape plaza and
designs of the building.
Based on this assignment, each of us is fully participating on this assignment. Every
one of us did well on our job. When a group assignment is given, teamwork played
an important role in the assignment. Without anyone of us, the task will never be
complete perfectly. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank to our great
lecturer, Dr. Kam that lead us and help us on this assignment so well.
28

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