Asian Architecture Final Report

1. Asian Architecture [ARC 60403 /2234]
PROJECT 2: CASE STUDY
Building Orientation of the S11 House as a Passive Design
Consideration for Architecture in a Tropical Climate
NAME: KENNETH CHANG WEI JIAN 0318252
KOH SUNG JIE 0318912
LUM SI CHU 0319502
LIEW JIN 0318499
NG EE SHIUNG 0314228
PABLO IDRIS BIN BADRUL 0321895
LECTURER: MS. SHARIANNE MOHAMED
SUBMISSION DATE: 29 NOVEMBER 2016

2. 1
Building Orientation of the S11 House as a Passive Design
Consideration for Architecture in a Tropical Climate
Table of Contents Page
Abstract.........................................................................................................................2
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................4
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Building in a Tropical Climate...................5
3. Ways to Provide Passive Design for Tropical Architecture...............................8
4. Building Orientation as a Significant Element of Passive Design ...................10
5. Other Passive Designs Affected by Building Orientation................................14
6. Overall Design Governed by Building Orientation ..........................................18
7. Drawbacks Encountered when Using Passive Design...................................21
8. Conclusion.....................................................................................................25
9. References....................................................................................................26

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ABSTRACT: Case Study of S11 House
The reason of doing an academic study of building orientation as a passive design
consideration for Architecture in a tropical climate is to find out how the climatic context
would affect the design of a tropical residential building. Every location has its unique
climatic characteristics; this influences the decision of the building orientation in order to
improve the way of living in a residential building. However, every designer has different
methods of approach towards solving a common problem. The uniqueness of Malaysia’s
climate and environment forces an architect to focus on the weather conditions to
achieve thermal comfort. In assisting the validation of research, literature reviews based
on various sources regarding S11 House and the Malaysian climate were conducted to
enhance the process. On-site experience help give a real-life perspective of the building
and the effects of the passive design. The building in interest is the S11 House which
boasts an exemplary use of passive design and was awarded the highest level Platinum
rating of Malaysia’s Green Building Index (GBI). A traditional Malay house is built as a
shelter to protect from the frequent rain and the scorching heat of the Sun. It uses wind
flow to passively cool the building and pitched roof to shield from rainfall. However, the
S11 House encounters the same issues and uses the same concepts but applies them
in a different manner. The placement of most of its windows at the north and south side
to allow unobstructed cross ventilation; the positioning of heat retaining walls on the east
west ends to counter the Sun’s rays throughout the day. The application of materials
such as solid walls on the east and west and more glass windows on the south to provide
gentle natural light into most of its activity space such as the living room, dining room
and the family room. The architect also applies a strict code of using minimal mechanical

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means to create cooling artificially. However, the architect does not ignore the potential
of man-made designs to further enhance his design. One such way is to place pools of
water on the front and back of the building to increase the cooling of the building through
evaporative cooling. Therefore, building orientation is a significant part in responding
towards the climatic context of a particular building. It will also govern the overall design
of the building as well. Malaysia resides in a hot and humid environment where thermal
comfort becomes a main priority for passive design. It is how the S11 house uses its
surroundings as a solution towards the issues presented by the surroundings itself
without using any mechanical means.

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1. Introduction
Located just across the Universiti Malaya Hospital, the S11 House sits atop a small hill
located among the suburbs. The house is a replacement to the previous abandoned
house which was built during the 1960’s. The building reacts sensitively towards its
immediate surroundings as well as the tropical climate. The S11 House was built to
achieve the highest level Platinum rating of Malaysia’s Green Building Index (GBI).
This paper will investigate one of its major elements affecting its passive design, which is
the building orientation by responding to the following questions:
Question 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages when building in a
tropical climate?
Question 2: What are the ways to provide passive design for tropical architecture?
Question 3: How is building orientation a significant part of passive design in S11
House?
Question 4: How does building orientation influence other passive design
strategies?
Question 5: How does this strategy govern the overall design of the building?
Question 6: What are the drawbacks encountered when using this strategy in the
S11 House?

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2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Building in a Tropical Environment
Humidity is a common problem that is faced as Malaysia is a tropical country, hence high
humidity throughout the year is assured. In Malaysia, the average relative humidity lies
around 80% throughout the month. Extreme humidity whether high or low can cause
discomfort to the occupants of the buildings where in this case is high humidity.
Figure 1 shows the average relative humidity faced in Malaysia
Rainfall is another common problem encountered in a tropical environment. Malaysia
receives an expected average of 225 mm of rainfall per month, hence the constant
downpour is a common issue to be dealt with as a tropical country. Overhangs are
recommended in tropical building designs.

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Figure 2 shows the average monthly rainfall that Malaysia receives.
Due to the rainfall constantly experienced in Malaysia, the water content in the soil is
expected to be high. With high water content in the soil, soil erosion has a high probability
to occur which will be an issue to the foundation of the buildings.
Figure 3 shows the average monthly sunhours that Malaysia receives.

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Finally, Malaysia is also located at the equator which means that sunlight received is
constant throughout the year, which may cause thermal discomfort and sun glare to occur
during the peak of the day where sun is the most intense, the issue can be resolved the
same method as rainfall with roof overhangs to be implemented in building design.
One advantage is that in a tropical environment, wind is fairly common, and by utilizing
the wind in passive designs for building. Thermal comfort can be achieved while still being
eco- friendly to the environment. Vegetation is also in abundance in a tropical
environment which can be used to act as a shade and reduce the heat received.
Figure 4 shows the wind and vegetation that are prevalent in a tropical environment.

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3. Ways to Provide Passive Design for Tropical Architecture
Passive design follows a certain design approach, which consists of several natural
elements for example heat gain from sunlight and wind direction. Passive design takes
advantage of the climate and uses it to minimize the heat gain for buildings and maximize
cooling for buildings. Systems that employ passive design do not require much
maintenance and consume less electricity by reducing or not using mechanical systems
for cooling. Passive design strategies can be applied to the building structure itself. For
example, building orientation, window placement, skylight installation, insulation can be
designed to aid in achieving cooler indoor temperature by using natural ventilation.
Passive ventilation
 Orientating the building to make the most of prevailing winds.
 Aligning vents, windows and doors to allow air flow into the building
 Minimizing internal obstacles or blockages such as internal walls in major flow
through areas to allow for unimpeded ventilation.
 Raising the building off the ground to catch breezes
 Ventilating the ceiling cavity with cooler air from outside using convection. It will
reduce heat radiated from the ceiling cavity to the inner parts of the building.

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Landscaping for a cooler building:
 Reducing the amount of paving and hard surfaces and replacing these with
ground cover or lawn will result in reduced ground temperature around a building.
 Reducing the temperature of incoming air through shading by trees and dense
vegetation.
 Planting trees to provide protection against solar heat gain for the building.
 Water bodies such as fountains, pools, water trickling down walls, and even
plants can provide cooling effects by the process of evaporative cooling. This
works best if the humidity level is low.
Example of a few systems that can be easily found in a tropical country:
Figure 3.1 Evaporative Cooling Figure 3.2 Earth Coupling Method

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4. Building Orientation as a Significant Element of Passive Design
Dr. Tan Loke Mun positions and orientates the building in a such a way that it achieves
three things at once. It aims for reject heat from the Sun, at the same time receive natural
light as well as allowing natural wind to flow across the spaces in the building. Hence, it
has become an important aspect towards passive design.
The S11 House has orientated its long directional axis towards the north and south
where minimal surface area is directed towards the east and west. Furthermore, the
architect erects massive walls on the east-west side of the building as a response
towards the path of the Sun.
The walls act as a barrier to block off the heat rays from entering the household. Thus,
securing a cool environment on the interior.
Figure 2.1 shows a diagram of heat rejecting walls and roof aligning to the Sun path.

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In Malaysia, the Sun moves at an incline, positioned at 31 degrees to the south when it
is at its peak. Therefore, it gives the architect a reason to face the S11 House to the south
instead of the north due to the fact that most leisure based activities are done near the
front of the house. This also explains the placement of most of the windows on the south
side of the building.
Figure 2.2 shows a diagram of leisure spaces (yellow) on the ground floor (left) and first
floor (right) in close proximity to the sun path (orange).

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According to the wind rose diagram, most wind comes from the south followed by the
north-east. The building that is orientated towards the south is able to capture the
prevailing wind. With the abundance of apertures on the north and south side, cross
ventilation that is in effect allows for constant air circulation where hot air is not able to
linger within the house.
Figure 2.3 shows a
diagram of wind
rose acting on the
ground floor plan of
S11 House.

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Due to Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, human comfort can only be achieved when the
home is constantly cooled and heat gain is lowered.
Figure 2.4 shows a sectional diagram indicating cross ventilation from the south to the north.

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5. Other Passive Design Affected by Building Orientation
Thermal Massed Materials
Materials Plan Diagrams Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Wire
Netting
Screen
Wall
The wire netting screen
walls is for plants and
creepers to grow on the
specific walls and were
used in the house to
shade the east walls to
reduce its heat gain
though the walls.
-Takes up only very
little space
- Aesthetics
- Needs to be well
maintained
Old
Crushed
Concrete
This material was
reused from the
previous houses’ roof
tiles and are now used
for stonework purposes
such as bathrooms,
driveway and ground
floor living areas.
- low construction
cost
- save its natural
resources
- easier to get its
supply
- low tensile
strength.

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Old Clay
Brick
These bricks were
cleaned from project
rejects or old scraps and
were used as featured
walls and walls for the
interior spaces.
- good insulator
- fire resistance|
- thermal insulation
- high compressive
strength.
- uncertain
compressive
strength
Old
Recycled
Waste
Plywood
The modular book
shelves in the house
were built using these
recycled plywood
cut-offs from project
rejects.
- to prevent cutting
down of trees
- good strength
- low cost.
- quality is
uncertain.
- needs to be well
maintained

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Old
Recycled
Chengal
This wood is used for
the ground floor timber
deckings. This wood is
classified as heavy
tropical hardwood with
high enduring qualities,
sturdiness, durability
and its resistance
against termites.
- lesser trees will
be cut down
- provides raw
aesthetics
- longer time is
needed to search
for supply
Insulated
Aerated
Light
Weight
Concrete
Block
This lightweight
concrete blocks were
used and constructed on
the east and west walls.
- high thermal
insulation
- lightweight
- convenient
- easy to be used
and handled.
- quality is hard to
be maintained
Table 5.1 shows the materials involved in the S11 House.

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Placement of Windows
i. Casement Windows
These windows are great in ventilation with varieties of design features. These windows
are mainly placed at the South West and North East side.
ii. Awning Windows
Awning windows has a 100% ventilating advantage. These windows are weather-tight
construction, having it to be good in damped climate conditions.
Figure 5.1 & 5.2 shows the appearance and placement of casement windows.
Figure 5.3 & 5.4 shows the appearance and placement of awning windows.

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6. Overall Design Governed by Building Orientation
Figure 6.1 shows the large overhangs that are used to shade the S11 House.
Through the utilization of large overhangs, shade can be provided to shelter the
occupants from rainfalls and the scorching heat as this is common in a tropical climate
like Malaysia. This too allows large vertical surface to be designed on the facade as the
large overhangs are sufficiently large enough to shade the vertical wall from top to bottom.
Figure 6.2 shows the double volume space in the S11 house that encourages cross ventilation.

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The double volume space encourages cross ventilation to occur as they are openings on
both ends of the building in order to create a complete air circulation which will cool the
interior of the building and its occupants. Not only that, the larger volume space amplifies
the cooling experienced due to the huge space allowing more air flow hence resulting in
a better thermal comfort level to the user.
Openings are placed at the north and south facade of the building in order to receive
minimal sunlight, this also allows wind circulation to flow through the building, creating
cross ventilation.
Figure 6.3 shows the facade of S11 house which consist of open fenestration allowing breeze and
controlled lighting to enter.
Facades voided of openings are place in the east and west side of the building in order
to shade the interior from receiving sunlight and heat from the most intense direction due
to the sun’s natural path.

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Figure 6.4 shows the facade that lacks voids or openings to shade from the sun.
At the end of the buildings are openings where both ends have a water source placed
there, which in the case of S11 house, a koi pond and a swimming pool. Besides aesthetic
purposes, it allows the reduction of temperature through the evaporation of the liquid also
known as evaporative cooling.
Figure 6.5 shows the pool placed at one end of the SS11 house to encourage evaporative cooling.

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7. Drawbacks Encountered When Using Passive Design
As Malaysia is a tropical climate country, rainfall is abundant with monsoon seasons.
There are two monsoon seasons, it starts with the Southwest Monsoon occurring from
late May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from October to March. Both bring
in larger rainfall than usual with the Northeast Monsoon contributing the bulk of
precipitation. Due to this, efflorescence and rust may occur to raw materials used on the
S11 House if not properly coated and maintained.
Figure 7.1 shows efflorescence affects brick work and concrete, two primary materials of the S11 House.
The S11 House has a composite yard that reinforces its green design values by
composting organic waste such as fallen leaves and branches. The damp leaves and
wood could potentially become a catalyst for termite infestation which would endanger
the wooden flooring or timber finishes in the house.
Figure 7.2 shows termite infestations are caused by abundance of dead wood, leaves and moist soil.

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The main designs for the openings of the S11 House are predominantly large overhangs
with unobstructed openings to allow cool air to sweep in. The downfall for such design is
exposing the house for pests such as ants, house flies and mosquitoes to enter. Another
problem is allowing rainwater to affect the inside of the building. This can cause structural
damage. Moreover, the location of the S11 House is near the busy road of Jalan
Universiti, full of carbon monoxide emissions due to the heavy traffic.
Figure 7.3 shows the traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur are a daily occurrence.
The dependency of large overhangs to aerate the S11 House allows unwanted noise
pollution to enter the insides due to the traffic jams in Jalan Universiti and the nearby
power plant.

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Figure 7.4 shows the area with the most noise pollution with yellow being less intense and red being the
most intense.

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8. Conclusion
Malaysia is a tropical country where it is the same season all year round. This allows
passive design to work continuously every day. However, the hot and humid climate
creates small nuisances such as heavy rainfall and intense heat gain.
The stable weather allows the freedom to design a building to suit the surrounding
elements such as heat gain, air flow and vegetation.
The Building orientation of the S11 house is significant due to the height of the building
and the fact that it is on top of a hill. It allows for maximum air flow, sun shading and
natural lighting due to its orientation. The stable geology of Malaysia allowed the architect
to freely choose its building materials, hence the abundance of recycled materials. The
overall design is very minimal with almost no finishings on the exterior of the building.
This follows the core value of a green design building.
With that being said, passive design suffers in being prone to the natural elements itself.
For example, rainwater and strong heat gain can render the large overhangs a
disadvantageous design while pests and noise can freely enter the building due to the
numerous large openings.

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9. References
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9. Efflorescence Causes, Removal, and Prevention. (2016). Retrieved from
Delaware Quarries, Inc.:
http://www.delawarequarries.com/cleaners/efflorescence.html
10.Malaysian Meteorological Service. (2008, March 20). Weather Phenomena -
Monsoon. Retrieved from Malaysian Meteorological Service:
http://www.kjc.gov.my/english/education/weather/monsoon01.html
11.NLC General Pest Control Sdn. Bhd. (2011). NLC. Retrieved from NLC:
http://www.nlc.com.my/termites.html
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13.Al-Tamimi, N.A.M., Fadzil, S.F.S., & Harun, W.M.W. (2011). The effects of
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15.Climate of Kuala Lumpur. (2016). weather and climate. Retrieved 18 November
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Temperature-Sunshine,Kuala-Lumpur,Malaysia

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