Case Study Paper : Lantern Hotel

A S I A N A R C H IT E C T U R E ( A R C 6 0 4 0 3 )
C A S E S T U D Y P A P E R :
Re-adaptation of Elements of Traditional Vernacular Architecture into the
Lantern Hotel, Kampung Attap -to Achieve Thermal Comfort in an Urban
Context.
L A N T E R N H O T E L ,
K A M P U N G A T T A P
PREPARED BY : ADIBAH BAHIAH AWANG
STUDENT ID : 0316318
TUTOR : MS ALIA AHAMAD

2
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T
01 Abstract 3
02 Research Framework 4
03 Overview 5
04 Introduction 6
Lantern Hotel
Traditional Malay Architecture
Contemporary Architecture
05 Thermal Comfort 7
Definition
Factors in achieving thermal comfort
06 Achieving Thermal Comfort in Traditional Malay Architecture 8
Orientation
Natural Ventilation
Shading Devices
Materials
07 Readapting Elements of Traditional Architecture into Lantern Hotel 10
Natural Ventilation
Shading Devices
Materials
08 Conclusion 16
09 References 17

3
0 1 A B S T R A C T
Thermal comfort is one of the most important factors in determining a successful design. It
reflects how the occupants will live and breathe within a space. This research paper aims to study
the relationship between the traditional Malay architecture, and the Lantern Hotel – and the
similarities between these two buildings in achieving thermal comfort. In supporting the research,
research papers and literature reviews based on numerous sources regarding thermal comfort, and
vernacular architecture was studied. The location of the Lantern Hotel plays an important role in
conducting this research. Located in the heart of the city, the urban heat island contributes to the
thermal comfort of the building greatly. Due to the dense human activities surrounding the hotel, it
poses a threat to the performance of the building general, as a lot more heat is released from it’s
surrounding. Because of the high urban heat index, passive design elements are mainly adopted in
achieving thermal comfort, with minimal use of mechanical systems such as air conditioning and
fans. Natural ventilation such as stack and cross ventilation is implemented in the design to allow
better air flow throughout the building, similarly to that of a traditional Malay house. Besides that, the
choice of materials is also a key element in conducting this research. Materials of similar properties
are used in both traditional architecture, and the Lantern hotel in order to combat the hot and humid
climate, as well as maximizing thermal comfort of it’s occupants.

4
0 2 R E S E A R C H F R A M E W O R K
1. How does the urban heat island affect the thermal comfort of Lantern Hotel?
2. What are the elements of traditional vernacular architecture that are adopted by the Lantern Hotel
and how is it used to achieve thermal comfort?
3. How does the Lantern Hotel use natural ventilation to cool down the building?
4. What are the shading devices used by the Lantern Hotel and how is it used to achieve thermal
comfort?
5. How does the choice of materials used in Lantern Hotel affect its thermal comfort?

5
0 3 O V E R V I E W
L A N T E R N H O T E L
Set on a tight spot along Jalan Petaling, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur – the Lantern Hotel is a
unique, 3-storey boutique hotel that is a breath of fresh air. The project started in 2012, and was previously
an abandoned 5-storey building, with Hong Leong Bank located on the ground floor. The previous building
was built in replacement of an old shop house, which captured the history of the cityscapes of Kuala
Lumpur, - but was sadly replaced with an office block that was just out of place. With that thought in mind,
the architects from ZLG Designs intended to restore the heritage of Jalan Petaling, through the integration of
traditional elements with contemporary design. The essence of it was through the re-adaptation of traditional
Malay architecture in response to the surrounding context. This also helps to respect the existing
neighbouring buildings, as well as the environment. Surrounded by elements of traditional Malay, Chinese,
and art deco architecture, the Lantern Hotel tries to incorporate all three elements into its design. However,
the setting of the hotel poses a challenge because of the urban heat island effect. Due to the vigorous
human activities surrounding it, the building itself heats up quicker, which makes it uncomfortable for the
end user. This proposal talks about how fundamentals of traditional vernacular architecture are used in
helping to combat or minimize the heat, thus achieving thermal comfort. Elements taken from the traditional
architecture such as building orientation, natural ventilation, shading devices and materials all contribute in
cooling down the building. It is also re-adapted in such a manner that is contemporary and suit it’s urban
context.

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0 4 I N T R O D U C T I O N
T R A D I T I O N A L & C O N T E M P O R A R Y
T R A D I T I O N A L M A L A Y A R C H I T E C T U R E
The traditional Malay Architecture is one of the most valuable aspects of Malay heritage. It is a
direct reflection of the local climatic conditions, culture, and the way of life of the people in Malaysia. The
architecture revolves around the hot and humid climate of the country, and the multipurpose use of space.
The design is also flexible to suit the different needs of the user, at different times of the year and is able to
cater to the growing needs of families. The traditional Malay house is a type of organic architecture that is
dependent on its surrounding in order to create comfortable living conditions. It is designed with a deep
understanding and respect for nature. One of the key features of the architecture is its post and lintel
structure with pitched roofs. It’s raised platforms is suitable for the monsoon seasons where they experience
flooding, also to allow air to pass through, and the pitched roof helps in ventilating the spaces naturally.
Besides that, the building orientation, and position of fenestrations also plays a significant role in
plummeting the solar radiation on the building. The traditional Malay house was evolved by the people over
centuries, to adapt to their culture, user needs and surrounding context. The humble and unpretentious style
of building is also a direct reflection of the culture of the Malay people.
C O N T E M P O R A R Y A R C H I T E C T U R E
Contemporary architecture refers to present day architecture. It surpasses beyond the strict forms,
function, and materials implemented in a building. Contemporary architecture signifies the architecture
styles today that assimilates building design with it’s context. Design elements, spatial layout, materials, etc
are used in such a way that they incorporate the environment that they sit it, and as an extension of nature.
The contemporary architecture movement in Malaysia is growing rapidly. More and more architects are
slowly incorporating the environment to suit the building in a clever manner. They pose a more subtle
architecture that sits in harmony with nature.

7
0 5 T H E R M A L C O M F O R T
D E F I N I T I O N
Thermal comfort impacts humans greatly. They affect the health, comfort and living conditions of a
person. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 defines thermal comfort as ‘…that condition of mind which expresses
satisfaction with the thermal environment.’ The thermal comfort of a human body is a personal and
subjective matter. It cannot be measure by degrees in temperature, rather depending on the individuals own
personal interpretation. The thermal comfort in buildings work the same way. They cannot merely depend
on mechanical approaches of cooling down a building. The use of more mechanical appliances will
eventually cause the building to overheat. Therefore, thermal comfort in buildings should be taken into
consideration early on, and implemented into the spatial layout, design approaches and choice of materials
in a building.
Malaysia is a tropical country, with a hot and humid environment that disrupts the comfort of the people.
With the constant rise in temperature, the need in achieving thermal comfort is increasing day by day. Most
of the locations in Malaysia has a high relative humidity of 80-88%, which causes us to feel hotter than it
actually is, for the most part of the day. The average temperature is also comparatively high, ranging from
29-32 C. The current condition of the environment requires a clever approach in achieving thermal comfort.
The Department of Standards Malaysia (DOSM) (2001) recommended the indoor design temperature range
from 23 1C to 261C, with relative humidity 60–70%.
Figure 01 : Average relative humidity in Kuala
Lumpur is between 80-88%
Retrieved on 20 June 2016 from https://weather-and-
climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuala-Lumpur,Malaysia
Figure 01 : Average minimum and maximum
temerature in Kuala Lumpur is from 29-32
degee c
Retrieved on 20 June 2016 from https://weather-and-
climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,Kuala-Lumpur,Malaysia

8
0 6 T H E R M A L C O M F O R T
T R A D I T I O N A L M A L A Y A R C H I T E C T U R E
O R I E N T A T I O N
The facade of traditional Malay houses are often orientated towards the East, with its longer side of
the building facing the North. For religious reasons, houses are positioned towards the direction of the qibla
(Mecca) which results in an east-west orientation. This minimizes the amount of surface area exposed to
direct sunlight during the day, hence reducing the heat gain in building.
V E N T I L A T I O N
There are a number of features that help with the natural ventilation of traditional Malay architecture.
First and foremost, houses are usually elevated on stilts in order to catch wind of higher velocity passing
through it. Besides that, the open linear plan of the building, with minimal partitions permits air to freely pass
through, hence cooling down the spaces, which creates a cross ventilation effect. Windows and openings
also play an important role in ventilating the spaces. Full body openings are a crucial element in this design,
as it unseals completely and allows air into the space. Carvings and small openings throughout the house
assist with the aeration process. Lastly, the tear layer (gable end) of the roof is important to trap and direct
air into ventilating the roof space. Hot air that travels upwards and out creates a stack effect in the building.
Carvings/small openings
Full body windows
Raised on stilts
Figure 03 : Elements of a traditional malay house
Retrieved on 20 June 2016 from https://mshachi.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/p1060566 jpg.

9
S H A D I N G D E V I C E
Solar radiation is reduced through the usage of large overhangs, and low walls. This lessens the
building exposure to direct sunlight as well glare. Besides that, buffer zones are also introduced in order to
stall the process of solar radiation. A buffer zone is an area used to neutralize the heat from outside coming
in. In cases of the Malay architecture, the anjung and serambi gantung acts as a buffer zone to stall the
process of solar heat gain. These two spaces are a focal point of the house, where guests are usually
entertained. It also acts as a lounging area where people take evening tea and naps. The low window
placement allows good ventilation, and also helps with the reduction of solar radiation in the building.
M A T E R I A L S
Materials used in traditional architecture are taken from readily available resources. Wood is the
primary material (specifically Meranti) , as there was an abundance of wood supply. It is also lightweight,
which ease the construction process, and has low heat storing properties, so heat wont be radiated inwards.
Nipah, Rumbia or Bertam from palm trees and used for roof finishes, as it discharges heat readily.
Figure 05 : Nipah
Retrieved on 20 June 2016 from
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/1101988604_c4b21f33d8.
jpg
Figure 04 : Natural ventilation in traditional architecture
http://lensahijau.blogspot.my/2012/10/the-establishment-of-air-
house-standard_18.html
Figure 06 : Meranti
http://www.internationaltimber.com/download/4b%252Ff2%
252F8e89f694ff6c75f5a372e0c59419.jpeg

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Figure 08 : Urban Heat Island index
http://www.intechopen.com/source/html/40507/media/image8_w.jpg
0 7 L A N T E R N H O T E L
E L E M E N T S O F TR A D I T I O N A L AR C H I T E C T U R E
O R I E N T A T I O N
The orientation of the Lantern Hotel follows an east-west orientation, with it’s longer side of the building
facing north. This reduces the solar heat gain from the sun, due to lack of exposure- similarly to that of the
traditional Malay architecture. It also takes full advantage of cooling breezes coming from prevailing winds.
U R B A N H E A T I S L A N D
The urban heat island effect is built up areas
that experience higher temperature than other
nearby areas. This is due to the rapid
increase in population and development. The
growth in activities releases heat to it’s
surrounding, hence causing the area to feel
hotter than it actually is.
Figure 07 : Site plan of Lantern Hotel indicating an east-west orientation

11
Figure 09 : Atrium at staircase and central courtyard creates a stack effect

V E N T I L A T I O N
The surrounding environment of the Lantern Hotel requires it to take extra measures in attaining
thermal comfort. The urban heat island effect creates even more undesirable heat gain within the building,
which makes it uncomfortable for users to live in. The hotel adopts both stack and cross ventilation systems
to cool down most of it common areas. Natural ventilation helps in reducing energy consumption, through
the cutback of mechanical ventilation such as air conditioning and fan system. Besides that, it also improves
both health and wellbeing of the occupants.
S T A C K V E N T I L A T I O N
Stack ventilation is present through the central atrium in the common area, that creates a courtyard within
the building. The cooler outside air in the city is drawn into buildings at a lower level, through windows and
openings. The presence of humans and activities then warms up the air that comes in, and it then rises up
through the building and exits via an outlet at a higher level, which is the gap between the skylight and the
roof. A positive pressure zone is created at the upper level of the building, and negative pressure at the
lower levels.

12
Figure 10 : Stack effect diagram in Lantern Hotel
http://www.archdaily.com/640809/lantern-hotel-
zlgdesign/5577abfce58ecef4690001f5-lantern-hotel-zlgdesign-
section
Air enters via the openings on the
lower part of the building

Hot air escapes through the outlet at roof

The effectiveness of the stack effect in Lantern Hotel can be analyzed by looking at the size of the openings
at the lower levels, and the upper levels, and whether or not the common spaces can actually be cooled
down without the aid of mechanical means. The Lantern Hotel uses full body windows that are manually
operable and are constantly opened at the ground floor, which allows maximum air flow inside the building.
However, due to the increase of outside temperature, and lack of wind, the stack performance of stack effect
in the Lantern Hotel is not as successful as we have hoped.

13
Figure 11 : Spaces with minimal partitions allow a free flow of air through the building

Figure 11 : Cross ventilation diagram in Lantern Hotel
section
C R O S S V E N T I L A T I O N
Cross ventilation are wind driven methods of ventilating the spaces. The difference in pressure between one
side of the building and the other causes air to be sucked into the building. The Lantern Hotel has an open
floor plan on its ground floor with minimal partition, that creates an uninterrupted space where air is allowed
to freely flow through. Openings that exist at both ends of the building encourage the action even more. The
orientation of the building that is positioned perpendicularly to the prevailing wind also helps, especially with
the narrow layout of the building creates a wind tunnel effect.

14
Figure 12 : Corridors protected by masonry brick walls acts as shading device

Figure 13 : Outer shell of the building protects the internal
spaces from direct solar radiation
section
S H A D I N G D E V I C E S
The lantern hotel adopts similar methods of shading devices as the traditional Malay house, with a modern
twist. Instead of using deep overhangs to reduce solar heat gain, it uses corridor systems, and double skin
façade to avoid contact from direct sunlight. The entire hotel is made up of two blocks, and wrapped by a
façade of brick walls, arranged in alternating manners that created holes in between them to allow air to
pass through. This technique shades the building appropriately, as well as giving the right amount of privacy
for the end user.
Besides that, the double skin façade used in Lantern Hotel is also helpful in reducing the noise pollution
coming from the busy streets.

15
Figure 13 : Concrete masonry block
http://www.archdaily.com/640809/lantern-hotel-zlgdesign/
Figure 13 : Clay brick
http://previews.123rf.com/images/sauletas/sauletas1111/sauletas111
100118/11514233-Wall-built-of-red-clay-brick-fragment-Architectural-
backdrop--Stock-Photo.jpg
M A T E R I A L S
Lantern hotel aims for sustainability, so it uses all readily available materials in the construction process.
Dark brown clay bricks are used as its main material, manufactured locally from Johor Bahru. Timber
shutters on the façade and built by local craftsmen and most of the strcutures are reused or retain as it is
from the original building. The upcycling method reduces energy, as well as cost as they cutback from
importing materials from oversea, or even buying new materials for that matter.
C O N C R E T E M A S O N R Y B L O C K S
Concrete masonry blocks are mainly used for the façade of the building, by alternating its arrangement that
created voids between the blocks to help with ventilation. Concrete block is a material of high thermal mass,
therefore helps in improving thermal insulation in building performances. It helps in retaining the
temperature of a building, hence keeping it cool despite the scorching hot weather.

C L A Y B R I C K W A L L S

Similar to concrete blocks, clay bricks also have high thermal mass that works well for insulation. Clay bricks
are mainly used as interior walls to cool down the internal spaces.

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0 8 C O N C L U S I O N
From the case study of the Lantern Hotel, I was able to analyze the feature that contributes to it’s
low energy status. The lantern hotel adopts elements from traditional Malay architecture, which is a type
of organic architecture that takes serious considerations of it’s surrounding. The hotel was able to adopt
and adapt at the same time, applying traditional elements into its very contradicting and contemporary
context. Challenges such as the urban heat island effect, and the condition of the existing building was
combatted using clever design approaches. Natural ventilation techniques were used in such a manner
that it is able to cool down the entire building, despite it being positioned in the middle of a bustling city. A
careful selection of materials also shows the architects passion for sustainability. All materials used were
100% loacally manufactured, readily made and will contribute back to the homegrown workers. Besides
that, the building reflects how the architect has great respect for culture and heritage, as the building aims
to restore back what was once lost and teach visitors of the value of Kuala Lumpur’s past.

17
0 9 R E F E R E N C E S

01 Yuan, L. J. (2009). Thesis Proposal: Issue. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
https://pythonians.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/thesis-proposal-issue/
This article studies the architecture elements of a traditional Malay House, and it’s relation to site
context.
02 Malaysia Design Archive | An Influence of Colonial Architecture to Building Styles and Motifs in
Colonial Cities in Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
http://www.malaysiadesignarchive.org/an-influence-of-colonial-architecture-to-building-styles-and-
motifs-in-colonial-cities-in-malaysia/
This article speaks of the different architecture elements of Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur-
and how it contributed to the architecture that we have today.
03 Armani, S., & Arbi, E. (n.d.). A Comparative Study on Chinese Architecture in Peninsular Malaysia
and Mainland China (Doctoral dissertation, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
[Abstract].
This article elaborates on the influences and elements of traditional Chinese architecture in
Peninsular Malaysia.
04 Vernacular Architecture and Building Materials. (2012, May 9). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
http://buildotechindia.com/vernacular-architecture-and-building-materials/
This website talks about the building materials and how it affects the vernacular architecture.
05 Contemporary Vernacular Built Form and Thermal Comfort. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
http://www.academia.edu/10856169/Contemporary_Vernacular_Built_Form_and_Thermal_Comfor
t

18
This is an in depth study on how the vernacular architecture helps to improve thermal comfort in
buildings.
06 Stouter, P. (2008, November). Shaping buildings for the humid tropics. Retrieved June 20, 2016,
from http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/pdf/shapingbuildings1.pdf
This article discusses the design features of buildings in hot and humid climate.
07 Walker, A. (2014, April 11). Natural Ventilation. Retrieved June 20, 2016, from
https://www.wbdg.org/resources/naturalventilation.php
This article discourses the process of natural ventilation in buildings.
08 Gut, P., & Ackerknecht, D. (1993). Climate responsive building. Retrieved June 20, 2016, from
http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jsk02ce/3.4.html
This book talks about the appropriate building construction methds in tropical countries.
09 Stulz, R., & Mukerji, K. (1988). Appropriate building materials: A catalogue of potential solutions.
Retrieved June 20, 2016, from http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jsk01ae/4.3.html
This book analyzes appropriate use of materials depending on the context.
010 Chun, C., Kwok, A., & Tamura, A. (2004). Thermal comfort in transitional spaces—basic concepts:
literature review and trial measurement. Building and environment, 39(10), 1187-1192.
This article discusses about buffer zones and transitional spaces, and how it affects thermal
comfort
011 Mahyuddin Ramli, A. S. H. (2010). Natural ventilation of indoor air temperature: A case study of the
Traditional Malay House in Penang. Am. J. Engg. & Applied Sci, 3(3), 521-528.
This is a case study of the traditional malay house

Case Study Paper : Lantern Hotel

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