Asian Architecture (ARC 2234) Project 1: Case Study

Asian Architecture [ARC 2234]
PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY
STRATEGIES ON THERMAL COMFORT AT OUTDOOR SPACES

IN TERMS OF CONTEXTUALISM IN BELUM RAINFOREST
RESORT, PULAU BANDING
NAME
TSAI WAN CHING
STUDENT ID
0315185
LECTURER
PN. NOR HAYATI RAMLI
SUBMISSION DATE
11 NOVEMBER 2014
Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding.
Table of Contents
Page
Abstract....................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................2-3
2.0 Contextualism........................................................................................................4
2.1 An Overview of Outdoor Spaces at Belum Rainforest
Resort..........................................................................................................................5
3.0 Human Thermal Comfort.......................................................................................6

3.1 Factors Affecting Human Thermal Comfort.........................................................7-8
4.0 Strategies in Achieving Outdoor Thermal Comfort............................................... 9

4.1 Building Orientation.............................................................................................9-11
4.2 Overhangs.........................................................................................................12-13
4.3 Natural Features................................................................................................14-17
4.4 Natural Materials................................................................................................18-19
4.5 Water Features..................................................................................................20-21
5.0 Effectiveness of Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces..........................................22

5.1 Methodology......................................................................................................22-23
5.2 Subjective Reviews...........................................................................................24-25
6.0 Conclusion............................................................................................................26
7.0 References...........................................................................................................27
ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Abstract
A study on the strategies used for outdoor spaces at Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau
Banding in terms of contextualism is to identify the effectiveness of thermal comfort at
outdoor spaces. The objective of this study is to understand that building strategies do
give an impact on human thermal comfort, thus strategies used for outdoor spaces is
interrelated with the site context. Besides that, this study helps to understand that thermal
comfort at outdoor spaces is an subjective review as every person has their own
perception and definition on the phrase "thermal comfort". In researching the study,
survey has been conducted with the participation of 50 visitors on site in order to obtain
the most reliable result on the effectiveness of thermal comfort. Thus, the study
conducted at Belum Rainforest Resort has clearly shown that the building orientation and
overhangs would help in reducing solar heat gained at outdoor spaces and speed of
perspiration can be slow down. The used of natural materials has prevented air pollution
as heavy construction materials are not required which helps in maintaining air quality
that affects thermal comfort. Water feature and natural feature have been applied on site
as water cooling effect and photosynthesis help to increase relative humidity in order to
ensure that outdoor space is cooled all the time. Through the subjective review from 50
visitors, the result shows that most of them feel comfortable on site. Hence, it has come to
a conclusion that the effectiveness of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved
through building strategies with the help of site context. Beyond acclimatization and
behavioral adaptation, psychological adaptation plays a critical role to ensure thermal
comfort and satisfaction with the outdoor environment. Ultimately, enhancing architecture
and environmental diversity can influence thermal perception.
-1-

1.0 Introduction
In tropical context, thermal comfort at outdoor spaces will extremely affect ones
satisfaction towards the usage of open areas. Therefore, creating acceptable thermally
comfortable outdoor spaces could be one of the significant strategies for enhancing the
quality of life towards nature at Belum Rainforest Resort. This research gets to know the
different perspective of each individual towards outdoor thermal comfort and strategies
applied in building design to ensure that users get to enjoy the environment of outdoor
spaces comfortably instead of indoor spaces only.
Hence, the aim of this paper is to study users experience on the effectiveness of thermal
comfort at outdoor spaces (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in terms of the integration of building
design strategies and contextualism in Belum Rainforest Resort. Building design
strategies focused on building orientation, overhangs, natural features, natural materials
and water features that will directly form responsive results to the air temperature, relative
humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Thus, design strategies are interdependent to
the site context in order to achieve a higher value of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.
-2-

However, outdoor thermal comfort is subjective in this research as each individual has
different perception. Hence, questionnare is conducted at site in order to collect reviews
from each individual on whether thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved at the
site.
This paper studies the strategies on thermal comfort at outdoor spaces in terms of
contextualism in Belum Rainforest Resort by responding to the following 3 questions:
Question 1: What are the factors that influence thermal comfort at outdoor spaces?
Question 2: How does building design strategies involve into contextualism to achieve
thermal comfort at outdoor spaces?
Question 3: Does the integration of building design strategies and contextualism being
effective in achieving optimum thermal comfort at outdoor spaces based on subjective
reviews from visitors?
-3-

2.0 Contextualism
Contextual architecture is to establish on how significant a role context should be involved
in architecture. Architects do observe the environments in which their buildings will
eventually exist before they proceed to the preliminary drawings of the buildings. Each
plot of land is believed to have certain elements that makes the landscape unique.
(Masoomeh, 2011). In this study, the man made lake and also the difference in height of
topography has caused Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding to be unique. The
difference in topography height has been considered and so there is a dissimilarity of
Phase 1 and Phase 2 resort.
The context should not be ignored definitely as the adaptation of the buildings should be
adhered to the distinct condition as a matter of survival. Architecture and site context are
interdependent based on the latin word contexere which has the meaning of weave
together to exist as one. (Keith, 2009)
-4-

2.1 An Overview of Outdoor Spaces at Belum Rainforest Resort
Outdoor Spaceat Phase 1 Resort
Outdoor Space of Phase 1 Resort
Outdoor Space of Phase 2 Resort

-5-

3.0 Human Thermal Comfort

Human being has little protection against the harsh situations of the weather that has
changed continuously. During early stage, human being lived in caves that act as shelter
and also protection from the extreme thermal conditions. Human beings spend most of
their lifetime in buildings as indoor thermal comfort could be achieved easily by the use of
active mechanism, however, outdoor thermal comfort should not be neglected in terms of
the strategies used in architecture. According to the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010,
indoor and outdoor thermal comfort shares the same definition, which is the condition of
mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by
subjective evaluation, as each individual has their own value and perception towards the
phrase thermal comfort. The studies on thermal comfort of indoor environment can be
applied to an outdoor environment without modification.
In general, human body will keep its body temperature constant at 37 0.5 under
different climatic conditions (Ogulata, 2007; Cengel, 2006) although human thermal
comfort is subjective.
-6-

3.1 Factors Affecting Thermal Comfort

Factors that affect thermal comfort are based on meteorological variables and human
factors. Meteorological variables include air temperature, air humidity, solar radiation and
wind speed, whereas human factors include metabolic rates and clothing insulation. Each
individual experiences these sensations differently based on his or her state and
physiology.
The table below shows the optimum data for meteorological variables in achieving
thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.
Meteorological Variables
Optimum Data
Air Temperature
25 to 30C
Air Humidity
70% to 90%
Solar Radiation
Average 7 hours of sunlight
Wind Speed
6km/h to 8km/h
On the other hand, human factors do not have optimum data for both metabolic rate and
clothing insulation.
-7-

Metabolic rate fluctuate due to different activity level of each individual at outdoor spaces.
ASHRAE Standard 55 has provided a list of met rates for different activities. The common
values are 1.0 met for a seated position, 1.2-1.4 met for light activities standing, 2.0 met
or more for activities that involve movement and walking. Food and beverages intake
does influence metabolic rate by indirectly causing a change in thermal preferences as
well.
Clothing insulation is defined as the amount of thermal insulation worn by a person and
this will have impact on thermal comfort because it influences heat loss and also thermal
balance of the individual. In this case study, the more the layers of clothing insulation, the
greater the insulating ability will occur, and this leads to a higher probability of human
discomfort. 1 clo equals to 0.155 mK/W (0.88 Ffth/Btu). This corresponds to trousers,
long sleeved shirts and jackets.
-8-

4.0 Strategies in Achieving Outdoor Thermal Comfort

4.1 Building Orientation
Building orientation determines solar radiation received from the sun. East and
west facing walls receive highest intensities in the equatorial location and
consistently large intensities. In this resort, solar heat gain is avoided by placing
longer length of facade in Phase 1 and shorter length of facade in Phase 2.
The table below shows the solar heat gain per square meter of the wall area of the
east and west facades at the latitude of 3 degree N (latitude of Malaysia).
10
11
12
am - East facing
--
pm - West facing
June 21
Heat gain
1.24 2.2 2.4 2.2 1.66 0.94 0.5 MJ/m2
Solar elevation angle 11
23
36
49
63
76
85
Degree
10
11
12
am - East facing
--
pm - West facing
0.12 1.84 2.02 1.56 0.78 0.29 MJ/m2
December 21
Heat gain
Solar elevation angle -
13
23
31
37
39
Degree
(Source: Comfortable Low Energy Architecture, 2000)
-9-

Based on the data shown, heat gain occurs between 6.00a.m to 10.00a.m on east
walls, and 2.00p.m to 6.00p.m on west walls when the sun is positioned lower in
the sky. Thus, the east and west walls are the sources of heat gain and therefore
the building orientation has been considered for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the
resort.
S
Site Plan of Belum Rainforest Resort
Longer length of facade is placed in Phase 1 as the morning sunlight is still within
comfortable range of temperature due to the high air humidity but on the other
hand, evening sunlight requires shorter length of facade as the solar radiation is
stronger together with the low air humidity.
- 10 -

The graphs below show that much more radiation falls on the horizontal surface of
the building, which is the rooftop that is unavoidable, and solar exposure of
building will be in the morning and afternoon as mentioned.
Graph 1: The hourly incident solar radiation on surfaces at different orientations

on a summer day at mid-latitudes.
(Source: Comfortable Low Energy Architecture, 2000)
- 11 -

4.2 Overhangs
Overhangs are necessary in this resort as natural shadings could not be apply for all of
the outdoor spaces. Overhangs help to minimize direct heat gain as sunlight is prevented
from penetrating to the visitors although they stay outside of the resort.
Overhangs for Phase 2 Resort

- 12 -

As a rule of thumb, eaves width should be 45% of the height from the window sill to the
bottom of the eaves. The 45% rule is met by following the standard eaves overhangs as
shown below.
Height from Window Sill to
Size of Overhang
Bottom of Eaves
450mm
900-1200mm
600mm
1200-1350mm
900mm
1350-2100mm
1200mm
2100-2700mm
Eave width has to be based on the height from window sill to bottom of the eave.
In this resort, the eaves overhangs have simply met the requirement. But then, overhangs
should have been increased up to 50% of height for full shading to ensure that visitors are
all within comfortable thermal range as the penetration of sunlight can be minimized.
- 13 -

4.3 Natural Features

Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration is the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water
vapour from trees that helps in reducing the air temperature at the resort. This happen at
the garden and interior courtyard of the resort.
Garden at Phase 1 Resort
Interior Courtyard at Phase 2 Resort
- 14 -

Furthermore, shrubs, wall vines and ground cover insulate heat and reduce reflected heat
radiation.
Shrubs along the Pathway that leads to

Phase 2 Resort
Wall Vines and Ground Cover at

Phase 2 Resort
Natural features reduce the surrounding temperature up to 5C as cool air settles near
the ground. The released of water vapour from plants increases the air humidity, one of
the factors of thermal comfort and this helps in achieving thermal comfort at outdoor
spaces.
- 15 -

Shading
Plants provide shade and act as windbreaks. Deciduous trees with high, spreading
leaves and branches have been planted to the south of the resort to maximize roof
shading. Trees with crowns lower to the ground are planted to the west as this is more
appropriate as shading is needed from lower afternoon sun angles. Trees with high
canopies can be seen at the resort as these trees are essential for shading at large area
of the outdoor spaces, such as pathways in between the resort.
High Canopy of Trees along the Pathway
- 16 -

Vegetated roofing is used for pathways that leads to the open air spaces. The use of
vegetation on the glass roof helps in natural treatment and reducing airborne
contaminants in micro climatic condition. Visitors do feel more comfortable as the outdoor
air quality is freshly maintained.
Vegetated Roofing
Vegetated roofing also provides a buffer between ambient temperature and roof
insulation, which reduces the fluctuation in high and low daily temperature and also the
rate of change in temperature. The use of vegetation on top of it helps in shading and 3C
lower temperature compared to roofs with no vegetation. This feature slows down the
perspiration process of visitors as they stay outdoor.
- 17 -

4.4 Natural Materials

Night cooling makes use of the storage of sensible heat in the building facade. Night
cooling helps in storing thermal energy in the daytime by absorbing heat at the material
surface and release the heat at evening or night as that period of time has cooler air.
Lightweight materials require smaller thermal mass compared to heavyweight
ones(concrete). Thus, lightweight materials are widely used in this resort to ensure that
heat is released to the air at evening and night.
The use of Timber Skinning for Phase 1 Resort
The use of Timber Cladding for Phase 2 Resort

- 18 -

The use of Bamboo Cladding for Reception

The use of natural materials prevents heavy construction at the resort to ensure that the
air quality is controlled at its satisfaction point. This helps to minimize air pollution through
material selection as heavyweight materials(concrete and bricks) causes greater site
impact. Lightweight materials provides easier installation and the building facade blends
well with the surrounding context. High air quality ensures that the air temperature and
the air humidity are constantly within the comfortable range without any side effect of
construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 resort.
- 19 -

4.5 Water Features

Water Ponds
By using water ponds, the environment temperature will be reduced in the hot climate.
Water ponds has been used as linear expressions and streams along the walkways at the
resort to produce water cooling effect through evaporation. Water features at the resort
help in improving air humidity as water molecules evaporate to the air throughout the day.
The low air humidity will then decrease air temperature of the surrounding spaces.
Water Stream along the Walkway
Water Ponds at Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resorts

- 20 -

Temenggor Lake
Temenggor lake has over 70 kilometers in length, 5 kilometers wide and 120 meters deep
is surrounded at the west side of the resort. The large area of the lake applies the sea
breeze principle. This principle occurs as wind develops over the large volume of water
near the landscape as there is a difference in air pressure due to different heat capacity of
land and lake. The cooler air above the lake, and also higher pressure, will then flow
towards the resort area into a lower pressure that creates a cooler breeze near the resort.
Thus, the hot air at the resort area will rise, and replaced by the cool air from the lake.
This enhances the thermal comfort of the visitors by reducing microclimatic air
temperature.
Sea Breeze Principle

Source: (Vaughan, 2006)
Temenggor Lake
- 21 -

5.0 Effectiveness of Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces

Strategies applied at the resort do not mean that the outdoor thermal comfort is pleased
to each individual as thermal comfort is highly subjective as mentioned earlier. Thus,
questionnaire is conducted at the resort to obtain reliable data on the effectiveness of the
human thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.
5.1 Methodology
Questionnaire is conducted with the participation of 50 visitors at the resort by using
Human Sensation Thermal Comfort Scale as a guideline for the effectiveness of thermal
comfort at outdoor spaces for visitors. EnergyPlus, a thermal analysis tool that allows the
researchers to determine whether the environmental control strategy will be sufficient for
human to achieve thermal comfort. Researchers have been conducted in various ways to
predict thermal sensation of human based on meteorological, personal and physiological
factors that influence human thermal comfort. Based on the research done by
researchers, mathematical models are developed, and it is able to simulate humans
thermal response to the environment. (EnergyPlus, 2013)
Thermal comfort prediction models included the use of Seven Point Thermal Sensation
Scale and Nine Point Thermal Sensation Scale. In this questionnaire, seven point thermal
sensation scale is chosen as the available choices for nine point thermal sensation scale
just added very hot and very cold thermal scale, which is not necessary in this study.
- 22 -

The table below shows Seven Point Thermal Sensation Scale that has been prepared for
the conduction of questionnaire.
Value
Thermal Scale
Hot
Warm
Slightly Warm
Neutral
-1
Slightly Cool
-2
Cool
-3
Cold
The participation of 50 visitors have chosen their respective value of thermal comfort at
Belum Rainforest Resort.
The use of Seven Point Thermal Sensation Scale applies energy exchange mechanisms
together with the experimentally derived physiological parameters in order to predict
thermal sensation as well as the physiological response of each individual based on their
environment.
- 23 -

5.2 Subjective Reviews

By the end of the questionnaire, the concern encountered with the question Does the
strategies used at Belum Rainforest Resort achieve optimum human thermal comfort?
The method in categorization of thermal comfort is shown in the table below.
Value
Thermal Scale
Thermal Comfort
Hot
Very Uncomfortable
Warm
Just Uncomfortable
Slightly Warm
Just Uncomfortable
Neutral
Neutral
-1
Slightly Cool
Just Comfortable
-2
Cool
Just Comfortable
-3
Cold
Very Comfortable
Result
Subjective reviews from the 50 participants can be shown in the table below.
Thermal Comfort
Number of Participants
Very Uncomfortable
Just Uncomfortable
Neutral
Just Comfortable
32
Very Comfortable
- 24 -

Analysis
Based on the result obtained, the effectiveness of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is
achieved through building strategies together with the help of the environment. This can
be reflected by the result shown in the table above, as most of the participants felt
comfortable at Belum Rainforest Resort. However, a number of participants felt
uncomfortable due to personal health conditions. This again proves that human
discomfort does happen due to human factors.
Architects tried to achieve human comfort in Belum Rainforest Resort although they
understand that the fact that human factors could not be predicted nor avoided.
- 25 -

6.0 Conclusion
By the end of this study, it has come to a conclusion that the effectiveness of thermal
comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved. This study has also emphasized that outdoor
thermal comfort is able to achieve as the strategies in architecture have been used wisely.
In designing and planning for tropical climate in Malaysia, architects do have to ensure
that protection against heat and provide adequate cooling for human for both indoor and
outdoor spaces. This study has came up with a reference for future development for
either Belum Rainforest Resort or architecture building development in general.
Ultimately, enhancing architecture and environmental diversity can influence thermal
perception.
- 26 -

7.0 References
Alireza, M., Klaus, R. (2013). The Dependence of Outdoor Thermal Comfort on Urban Layouts. 1st ed.
Berlin: Universittsverlag der TU Berlin.
Caitlin, M. (2013). Shading. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading .
[Last Accessed 8 November 2014].
Comfortable Low Energy Architecture (2011). Building Orientation. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.new-learn.info/packages/clear/thermal/buildings/configuration/building_orientation.html. [Last
Accessed 8 November 2014].
Energy.Gov (2012). Landscaping For Shade. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/landscaping-shade . [Last Accessed e.g. 8 November 2014].
Keith, D.R. (2009). The Case for Contextualism. 1st ed. United States: Oxford University Press Inc.
Ken, P. (2003). Human Thermal Environments: The Effects of Hot, Moderate and Cold
Environments on Human Health, Comfort and Performance. Second Edition. Library of
Congress Cataloging. London.
Masoomeh, M., Mohammajavad, M. (2011). Architecture in Context - Inspiration of Contextualism in
Architectural Designing. Academic World Education & Research Center. Iran.
Russell, H. (2009). Studying Thermal Comfort in Context. Building Research and Information. 37(1), pp.
89-94 Abingdon. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Tsuyoshi, H. (2009). Thermal Comfort in Outdoor Environment. 1st ed. Japan.
- 27 -

Asian Architecture (ARC 2234) Project 1: Case Study

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Asian Architecture (ARC 2234) Project 1: Case Study

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Asian Architecture [ARC 2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

STRATEGIES ON THERMAL COMFORT AT OUTDOOR SPACES

TSAI WAN CHING

PN. NOR HAYATI RAMLI

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

3.0 Human Thermal Comfort.......................................................................................6

4.0 Strategies in Achieving Outdoor Thermal Comfort............................................... 9

5.0 Effectiveness of Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces..........................................22

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

2.1 An Overview of Outdoor Spaces at Belum Rainforest Resort

Outdoor Spaceat Phase 1 Resort

Outdoor Space of Phase 1 Resort

Outdoor Space of Phase 2 Resort

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

3.0 Human Thermal Comfort

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

3.1 Factors Affecting Thermal Comfort

Average 7 hours of sunlight

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

4.0 Strategies in Achieving Outdoor Thermal Comfort

1.24 2.2 2.4 2.2 1.66 0.94 0.5 MJ/m2

Solar elevation angle 11

0.12 1.84 2.02 1.56 0.78 0.29 MJ/m2

Solar elevation angle -

(Source: Comfortable Low Energy Architecture, 2000)

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

Graph 1: The hourly incident solar radiation on surfaces at different orientations

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

Overhangs for Phase 2 Resort

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

4.3 Natural Features

Garden at Phase 1 Resort

Interior Courtyard at Phase 2 Resort

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

Shrubs along the Pathway that leads to

Wall Vines and Ground Cover at

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

High Canopy of Trees along the Pathway

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Strategies on Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces in terms of Contextualism in