School of Architecture, Building & Design

Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

Building Science 2 (ARC 3413)

Lim Pui Yee 0313605

Tutor: Mr. Edwin Chan Yean Liong

Content
1.0

Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Project Description
1.3 Floor Plans

2.0

Lighting
2.1 Daylighting Factor Analysis
2.1.1
2.1.2

Outdoor Childrens Area

Caf Area

2.2 Artificial Lighting Analysis

2.2.1

E-Library

2.3 PSALI-Permanent Supplementary Artificial Lighting

2.3.1

3.0

Office

Acoustics
3.1 External Noise Calculation
3.1.1

Sound Pressure Level Calculation

Reading Terrace
Childrens Reading Area

3.2 Reverberation Time Calculation

3.2.1
3.2.2

Discussion Room
E-Library

3.3 Sound Transmission Loss Calculation

3.3.1

4.0

Reference

Reading Terrace

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Objectives
This project aims to integrate the understanding of the principles of lighting and acoustics in
the context of the final design project of Studio 5. This project involves forward-thinking of
daylighting systems and the integration of artificial lighting, strategies for noise management
and room acoustics.

1.2 Project Description

Located along Jalan Haji Salleh, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, the new community library will be a
vibrant and interesting place for the whole community, welcoming people of all ages and
backgrounds. The role of the library as a focus for community interaction. With the intention
of reactivate the site and gather the community of sentul, the community library is designed
to create a place of entertainment where they can play and learn at the same time. With the
design concept of Play and Learn, where I find that Sentul is lacking of entertainment
source, the new library is to provide spaces such as the playroom and multi-sport court where
more interaction between all other communities happen.

1.3 Floor Plans

Figure 1.1 Ground Floor Plan

Figure 1.2 Ground Floor Mezzanine

Figure 1.3 First Floor Plan

Figure 1.4 Second Floor Plan

2.0 Lighting
2.1 Daylighting Factor Analysis
Daylight factor (DF) is defined as the ration of interior illuminance(Ei) to available outdoor
illuminance:

Ei (indoor illuminance at a given point)

Eo (outdoor illuminance)

Where Eh is the unobstructed horizontal exterior illuminance. The daylight factor concept is
applicable only where the sky luminance distribution is known or can resonably be estimated.
In this case, the average daylight level in Malaysia (EH) is assumed to be 20000 lux.
The CIBSE Lighting Guide 10(LG10-1999) broadly bands average daylight factors into the
following categories:

<2 Not adequately lit artificial lighting will be required.

2-5 Adequately lit but artificial lighting may be in use for part of the time

>5 Well lit artificial lighting generally not required except at dawn and dusk but
glare and solar gain may cause problems

Daylight is used in several spaces in order to decrease mechanical energy usage of the library. The
chosen spaces are the Outdoor Childrens area and Ground Floor Caf.

2.1.1

Outdoor Children Area

The Ground Floor Mezzanine Outdoor Children Area adopted an open plan
design with openings from the side, allowing plenty of sunlight entering the
space.

Figure 2.1 Highlighted Outdoor Childrens Area

Floor Area (m2)

60.11m2

Area of opening exposed to sunlight

Perimeter: 16m
Height: 4.2m
Area: 67.2m2

Daylight Factor

67.2
100%
60.11

= 111.8 % 0.1
=11.18 %

Given Eo = 32000 lux

= 100 %
11.18 =

100%
32000

= 3500
The selected childrens outdoor area has a daylight factor of 11.18%, and natural illumination of 3500 lux.
Based on the requirements of MS1525, the childrens outdoor area has more than 6% casuing a very
large with thermal glare problems.
Therefore, based on recommended illuminance categories, childrens outdoor area need to reduce by
2300 lux. Double Skin Faade will be added to the opening of the childrens outdoor area to avoid the
thermal glare problems.

Figure 2.2 Ecotect generated daylight contour diagram

in Childrens Outdoor Area

2.1.2

Caf Area
The selected area is the caf. It is located at the ground floor. The reason being
chosen is to study the area which exposed to daylight. The caf is designed to
have more opening to allow interaction between outside and inside.

Figure 2.3 Highlighted Caf Area

Floor Area (m2)

76.44m2

Area of opening exposed to sunlight

Perimeter: 7.8m
Height: 7.6m
Area: 59.28m2

Daylight Factor

59.28
100%
76.44

= 77.5 % 0.1
= 7.75 %

Given Eo = 32000 lux

= 100 %
7.75 =

100%
32000

= 2500
The selected Caf area has a daylight factor of 7.75%, and natural illumination of 2500 lux. Based on the
requirements of MS1525, the caf area has more than 1% casuing a very large with thermal glare
problems.
Therefore, based on recommended illuminance categories, Caf area need to reduce by 1300 lux. As
the opening is a glass faade, curtain blinds or louvers blinds will be added to avoid too much glare
problems especially during the afternoon sun.

Figure 2.4 Ecotect generated daylight contour diagram in Cafe

10

2.2 Artificial Lighting Analysis

2.2.1

E-Library
The E-Library located at the first floor of the library. It is an enclosed space
where minimal daylighting get through this space. Sufficient and even
distribution of lighting is needed for the users to carry out their research at the
E-library.

Figure 2.5 Highlighted E-Library

11

Material Properties
Material
Concrete
Glass Panel
Fabric
Timber

Function

Colour

Area (m2)

Surface Type

Wall
Floor
Ceiling
Wall
Chair
Table

Grey
Grey
Grey
Transparent
Dark Brown
Beige

43.19
77.29
77.29
43.19
15.05
2.1

Reflective
Reflective
Reflective
Reflective
Absorptive
Reflective

Reflectance
Value
70
25
70
6-10
25-35
30

Fixture Properties
Types of Fixture Parabolic T8 Fluorescent Lighting
Specification

Waltage: 32 W
Colour Temperature: 5000k
Bulb Finish: Warm White

Luminious Flux
(lm)

1300 lux per lamp

2600 lux per grid

Lumen Method Calculation

Space
Dimensions
Total Floor Area
Lumen of Lighting Fixtures / F (lux)
Standard Illumination Required
Room Reflectance (%)
Luminaire Height
Mounting Height
Room Index

Utilization Factor
Maintanance Factor
No. of Luminaires

First Floor E-Library

L: 11.8m W: 6.55m H: 3.45m
77.3 m2
3000 Lm
300-400 lux
C: 0.7 W: 0.5 Floor: 0.2
3.2m
3.45m 0.25m 0.8m
= 2.4m

=
( + )
11.8 6.55
=
(11.8 + 6.55) 2.4
77.29
= 44.0414
= 1.75
0.6
0.8

350 77.3
=
(1300 3) 0.6 0.8
= 14 ()
=

12

Space to height ratio (SHR)

=

1
77.3

2.4
14

= 0.98

=
= 0.98
2.4
= 2.35 ()
Fittings required along wall

Fitting required along 11.8m wall

11.8
= 4.02
2.35
4
14

No. of fittings/row = 4
= 3.5 () 4 ()
6.55

Spacing along the width = 4

= 1.64()

Figure 2.6 E-Library light fitting layout

13

From the calculation, the E-Library required a total of 14 units of lighting fixtures with 1.64m spacing
arranged in 4 row configuration to achieve even light distribution.

Figure 2.7 Ecotect generated artificial contour diagram in E-library

Figure 2.8 Ecotect generated artificial light cone

section in E-Library

14

2.3 PSALI-Permanent Supplementary Artificial Lighting

2.3.1

Office
The Office located at the second floor of the library. It is an enclosed space
where minimal daylighting get through this space. Sufficient and even
distribution of lighting is needed for the workers to do work.

Figure 2.9 Highlighted Office

15

Material Properties
Material

Function

Colour

Area (m2)

Concrete
Timber
Concrete
Glass Panel
Timber

Wall
Floor
Ceiling
Window
Furniture

Grey
Light Brown
Grey
Transparent
Light Brown

Surface Type
Reflective
Reflective
Reflective
Reflective
Reflective

Reflectance
Value
70
60
70
6-10
30

Fixture Properties
Types of Fixture LED Downlight
Specification
Luminious Flux
(lm)

Waltage: 8 W
Colour Temperature: 3000k
Bulb Finish: Warm Light
8000 lux per lamp

Lumen Method Calculation

Space
Dimensions
Total Floor Area
Lumen of Lighting Fixtures / F (lux)
Standard Illumination Required
Room Reflectance (%)
Luminaire Height
Mounting Height/H (Hm)
Room Index/RI (K)

Utilization Factor
Maintanance Factor

Second Floor Staff Office

L: 7.2m W: 5.2m H: 4.05m
38 m2
800 Lm
200 lux
C: 0.7 W: 0.5 Floor: 0.2
3.842m
4.05m 0.208m 0.8m
= 3.042m

=
( + )
7.2 5.2
=
(7.2 + 5.2) 3.042
37.44
=
37.72
= 1.00
0.4
0.8

16

No. of Luminaires

200 38
=
800 0.4 0.8
= 30 ()
=

Space to height ratio (SHR)

=

1
38

3.042
30

= 0.37

=
= 0.37
3.042
= 1.125 ()
Fittings required along wall

Fitting required along 7.2m wall

7.2
= 6.4
1.125
6
No. of fittings/row =
= 5 ()

30
6

5.2

Spacing along the width = 5

= 1.04()

Figure 2.10 Office light fitting layout

17

There are 30 lights fitting at the office. The light fittings are controlled by 5 switches, SW4 and SW5 can
be turned off during the day due to sufficient daylighting from the side glass panels where there is a void
beside the office. SW1, SW2 and SW3 have to be turn on during the day to achieve 200 lux requirement
of MS1525 and also uniform lighting of the space.

Figure 2.11 Ecotect generated artificial contour diagram in Office

Figure 2.12 Ecotect generated artificial light cone section in Office

18

3.0 Acoustic
3.1 External Noise Calculation

3.1.1

Sound Pressure Level Calculation

Reading Terrace

Figure 3.1 Highlighted Reading Terrace

19

The sound level assumption is made during non-peak hour (10am) and during peak hour (6pm). Noise
sources are categorized as external traffic noise as well as internal noise. They are marked by human
activities along the busy street, along Jalan Haji Salleh.

Traffic Noise at Jalan Haji Salleh

Recorded Reading
Sound Intensity

Peak Hour
Highest Reading: 86dB
Lowest Reading: 67dB
Using the formula where,
= 1010 (

1
)
10

Highest Reading
1
)
1 1012
= (108.6 )(1 1012 )
= 3.98 104
86 = 1010 (

Lowest Reading
1
)
1 1012
6.7
12
= (10 )(1 10 )
= 5.01 106
67 = 1010 (

Total Intensities
Combined Sound Pressure Level

= (3.98 104 ) + (5.01 106 )

= 4.03 104
Using the formula combined
2

= 1010 [ ], where = 1 1012

2

= 1010 [
= 86.05

20

4.03104
11012

],

Traffic Noise at Jalan Haji Salleh

Recorded Reading
Sound Intensity

Non - Peak Hour

Highest Reading: 67dB
Lowest Reading: 52dB
Using the formula where,
= 1010 (

1
)
10

Highest Reading
1
)
1 1012
= (106.7 )(1 1012 )
= 5.01 106
67 = 1010 (

Lowest Reading
1
)
1 1012
= (105.2 )(1 1012 )
= 1.58 107
52 = 1010 (

Total Intensities
Combined Sound Pressure Level

= (5.01 106 ) + (1.58 107 )

= 5.17 106
Using the formula combined
2

= 1010 [ ], where = 1 1012

2

= 1010 [

5.17106
11012

],

= 67.13
According to Australian Acoustic Association, recommended internal noise levels for library general area
is 40dB.

21

Transmission Loss for Faade

Transmission Coefficient of Material
Building Element
Material
Wall
8x8x13 3cell lightweight
concrete masonry units
UHPC panels
50mm Rockwool Flexi
insulation
Openable
70mm Softwood timber
Shutters

Surface Area(m2)
11.20

55

11.20
11.20

49
47

17.57

54

Rockwool Flexi insulation

Wall: Lightweight Concrete

= 10

= 10

= 10
1

47

= 10
1

= 105.5

1
105.5

= 10

= 49

= 54
1

54

= 10
1

= 104.9
=

1
104.7

Openable Shutters: Softwood timber

= 10

= 2.00 105

Wall: UHPC panels

55

= 104.7

= 3.16 106

= 10

= 47

= 55
55

SRI (dB)

1
104.9

= 105.4
=

1
105.4

= 3.98 106

= 1.26 105

22

Sound Reduction Index Calculation

= 10log(
= (

= (

55

Surface area
(m2)(S)
11.20

Transmission
Coefficient (T)
3.16 106

49
47
54

11.20
11.20
17.57

1.26 105
2.00 105
3.98 106

Material

SRI (dB)

Lightweight
concrete
UHPC panels
Rockwool Flexi
Softwood timber

ST (Area x TC)
3.54 105
1.41 104
2.24 104
6.97 106

3.54 105 + 1.41 104 + 2.24 104 + 6.97 106

)
11.20 + 11.20 + 11.20 + 17.57

= 7.96 106
= 10log(
= 10log(

1
)
7.96 106

= 51

86 51 = 34

The overall transmission loss from Jalan Haji Salleh to the library area is 34dB. The sound pressure level
at Jalan Haji Salleh during highest is 86dB, the sound that transmitted through the wall into the library is
34dB. According to the noise criteria environment perception, 34dB is a meeting room environment. It is
lower than the standard SPL of the library general area which is 40dB

23

The sound pressure for reading terrace is 40dB. The combine SPL reading of 86.05dB of Jalan Haji
Salleh is too high for a reading terrace. The design solution proposed to address to this issue is to create
a buffering zone which is the operable shutters are inserted into the opening facing the main road. The
shutters also acts as the faade which absorb the sound from the traffic during the peak hour, users can
close the shutters to prevent sound from entering the reading terrace.

Figure 3.2 Transmission loss from Jalan Haji Salleh into library area

24

Childrens Reading Area

Figure 3.3 Highlighted Childrens Reading Area

25

Recorded Reading (Noise Source)

Sound Intensity

Car Services (Highest Reading): 80dB

Normal Conversation (Lowest Reading): 60dB
1
Using the formula where, = 1010 (10)
Car Services (Highest Reading)
1
80 = 1010 (
)
1 1012
= (108 )(1 1012 )
= 1 104
Normal Conversation (Lowest Reading)
60 = 1010 (

1
)
1 1012

= (106 )(1 1012 )

= 1 106
Total Intensity

= (1 104 ) + (1 106 )
= 1.01 104

Combined Sound Pressure Level

Using the formula combined

= 1010 [

2
] , = 1 1012
2

= 1010 [

1.01 104
]
1 1012

= 80.04

The sound pressure for library area is 35dB according to Australian Acoustic Association standard. The
combine SPL reading of 80.04dB is too high for a reading area.

The design solution is to arrange the spaces according to zoning during the design planning stage. The
childrens reading area is located on the other side of the car service center. There is also plants placed
around the area to absorb the noise.

26

3.2 External Noise Calculation

3.2.1

Sound Pressure Level Calculation

Figure 3.4 Highlighted Discussion Rooms

27

Room Height: 3.66m

Standard Reverberation of Time for Discussion Room: 0.6 - 1 second
Peak Hours Capacity: 8 people
Volume of Discussion Room: 85.165m3
Component
Wall
Floor
Ceiling

Furniture

Opening
People(peak)

Brickwork, 10mm
flush pointing
4mm glass
Parquet fixed in
asphalt, on
concrete
Plasterboard
10mm thick
backed with
25mm thick
bitumen
Clothupholstered
seats
Timber

Wall

20.5

Absorption
Sound
Coefficient at Absorption
2000Hz (s)
(Sa)
0.22
4.51

Glass panel
Floor Finish

14.09
23.27

0.05
0.06

0.7
1.4

Ceiling finish

23.27

0.05

1.16

Arm Chair

10

0.87

8.7

Table

3.27

0.3

1.16

Single seals
glass
-

Door

1.26

0.54

4.59

0.46

3.68

Material

Function

Area, m2
(A)

Total Absorption 25.9

= 0.16

= 0.16

85.165
25.9

= 0.52

28

Component
Wall
Floor
Ceiling

Furniture

Opening
People(peak)

Brickwork, 10mm
flush pointing
4mm glass
Parquet fixed in
asphalt, on
concrete
Plasterboard
10mm thick
backed with
25mm thick
bitumen
Clothupholstered
seats
Timber

Wall

20.5

Absorption
Sound
Coefficient at Absorption
500Hz (s)
(Sa)
0.12
2.46

Glass panel
Floor Finish

14.09
23.27

0.05
0.07

0.7
1.63

Ceiling finish

23.27

0.15

3.49

Arm Chair

10

0.49

4.9

Table

3.27

0.05

0.16

Single seals
glass
-

Door

1.26

0.44

0.55

0.46

3.68

Material

Function

Area, m2
(A)

Total Absorption 17.57

= 0.16

= 0.16

85.165
17.57

= 0.78

The reverberation time for discussion room in 2000Hz of absorption coefficient is 0.52s while in 500Hz
of absorption coefficient is 0.78s. According to the standard reverberation time, the standard comfort of
general use of discussion room is within the range of 0.6 to 1s. Hence, the reverberation time of
discussion room is within the range of comfort reverberation time.

29

E-Library

Figure 3.5 Highlighted E-Library

Room Height: 3.66m

Standard Reverberation of time for E-Library: 0.4-0.8s
Peak Hours Capacity: 12
Volume of E-Library: 282.88m3

30

Component
Wall

Absorption
Coefficient at
2000Hz (s)
0.22

Sound
Absorption
(Sa)
9.5

Glass panel 43.18

Floor Finish 77.29
Ceiling
77.29
finish

0.02
0.3
0.05

0.86
23.19
3.86

Arm Chair

10

0.87

8.7

Material

Function

Area, m2
(A)

Brickwork, 10mm
flush pointing
6mm glass
Carpet, on concrete
Plasterboard 10mm
thick backed with
25mm thick bitumen
Cloth-upholstered
seats
Timber

Wall

Table

3.27

0.3

1.16

Opening

Double Seals glass

Door

2.73

0.54

1.47

People(peak)

12

0.46

5.52

Floor
Ceiling
Furniture

43.18

Total Absorption 54.26

= 0.16

= 0.16

282.88
54.26

= 0.83

31

Wall

43.18

Absorption
Sound
Coefficient at Absorption
500Hz (s)
(Sa)
0.12
5.18

Glass panel
Floor Finish

43.18
77.29

0.05
0.25

2.16
19.32

Ceiling finish

77.29

0.15

11.6

Arm Chair

10

0.49

4.9

Table

3.27

0.56

1.83

Opening

Double seals glass Door

2.73

0.44

1.20

People(peak)

12

0.46

5.52

Component
Wall
Floor
Ceiling

Furniture

Material
Brickwork, 10mm
flush pointing
6mm glass
Carpet, on
concrete
Plasterboard
10mm thick
backed with 25mm
thick bitumen
Cloth-upholstered
seats
Timber

Function

Area, m2
(A)

Total Absorption 51.71

= 0.16

= 0.16

282.88
51.71

= 0.87

The reverberation time for e-library in 2000Hz of absorption coefficient is 0.83s while in 500Hz of
absorption coefficient is 0.87s. According to the standard reverberation time, the standard comfort of
general use of e-library is within the range of 0.4 to 0.8s. Hence, the reverberation time of discussion
room is slightly higher between the ranges of comfort reverberation time.

32

3.3 Sound Transmission Loss Calculation

3.3.1

Sound Pressure Level Calculation

Figure 3.6 Sound transmission loss between reading

terrace and library study area

33

Transmission Coefficient of Material

Building Element
Wall

Material
4x8x18 3-cell
lightweight concrete
masonry units,
common brick,
mortared together
Timber, wood veneer
finishes

Pivoting Door

Surface Area
2.664x3.66=9.75

SRI (dB)
51

3x1.2=3.6

33

Wall
= 10

= 51
51
1

= 10

= 105.1
=

1
105.1

= 7.943 106

Pivoting Door
= 10

= 33
33
1

= 10

= 103.3
=

1
103.3

= 5.012 104

34

Sound Reduction Index Calculation

= 10log(
= (

Material

SRI (dB)

Lightweight
concrete with
common brick
Timber, wood
veneer finishes

51

Surface area
(m2)(s)
9.75

33

3.6

= (

Transmission
Coefficient (T)
7.943 106
5.012 104

ST(Area x TC)
7.74 105
1.804 103

7.74 105 + 1.804 103

)
9.75 + 3.6

= 1.41 104

= 10log(
= 10log(

1
)
1.41 104

= 38.5

65 38.5 = 26.5

The overall transmission loss from the reading terrace to the library study area is 38.5dB. The sound
pressure level at the reading terrace is 65dB, the sound that transmitted through the wall into the library
reading area is 26.5dB. This reading is lower than the standard SPL of the library study area which is
35dB. Hence, it is an ideal value for the library study area as the noise from reading terrace does not
penetrate to the study zone and disrupt the concentration of studying.

35

4.0 Reference

Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants Guideline ... (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from
http://www.daydesign.com.au/downloads/AAAC guideline.pdf

Illuminance - Recommended Light Levels. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2016, from
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/light-level-rooms-d_708.html

ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS - acoustic. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2016, from

http://www.acoustic.ua/st/web_absorption_data_eng.pdf

Sound Absorption Coefficients of architectural acoustical materials. (1957). New York.

Steffy, G. (2008). Architectural Lighting Design. New York: Wiley and Sons

36