Submission Environmental Design Strategies K14EDS PKP V3.0

11 April, 2011
DEPARTMENT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
MASTERS IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN 10-11
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STRATEGIES

(K14EDS)
GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
COULD GOOD SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING FAÇADE MATERIAL AND

NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE THE BUILDING THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND
MITIGATE ENERGY CONSUMPTION?
Module Convenor – Dr Lucelia Rodrigues

Student – Peh Ke Pin (ID: 4151764)
MSc Sustainable Building Design ‘10-11 Environmental Design Strategies
Introduction
Singapore has a mere 740km2 land mass and very populated with 5 million people. Singapore is
generally characterised by uniform temperature, pressure, high relative humidity and showered with
abundant of rain falls through the year.
1. Sunpath and Radiation Analysis

The basis of Environmental Design Strategies involves a detailed analysis of Sunpath and it’s
incident solar radiation over building envelope, shading and solar access of the key surfaces which
will affect the key spaces within the building.
1.1. Solar Radiation Overview
Simulations were carried out on a simplified model as shown in Fig. 1 with Singapore Solar
Sunpath superimposed. The need for simplified model is due to constraints from the availability of
good processing power and time factor. Yan Fook Building as shown in Fig 1 will experience a
shadow cast from Building A in the west.
Yan Fook
Building A Building
Level Profile,
3 floors
Figure 1 Simplified Yan Fook Building with Singapore Sunpath superimposed, ECOTECT.
A graphical display of Annual Incident Solar Radiation of Yan Fook North Facing façade is shown
below in Fig 2. It can be observed that for approximately 4 months of the year, the North façade
received more than 2,000kWh/m2.
Peh Ke Pin Page 2 of 39

Laxkp2@nottingham.ac.uk , Kepin.peh@pqholdings.com
Department of the Built Environment
Figure 2 Annual Incident Solar Radiation of Yan Fook Building North Facing Facade, ECOTECT.
An Optimum Orientation analysis was carried out with Ecotect with the same model and Fig 3 was
generated. The Optimum Orientation is South East at 165o .
Figure 3 Optimum Orientation of Yan Fook Building, ECOTECT.
The Annual Incident Solar Radiation at near Optimum Orientation as shown in Fig 4 was generated
in Ecotect again and it was evident that we have lower Incident Solar Radiation throughout the year,
with only approximately 2 months with more than 2,000 kWh/m2 of radiation received.

Figure 4 Annual Incident Solar Radiation at near Optimum Orientation, ECOTECT.
1.2. Incident Solar Radiation
Simulation Calculation was carried out in Ecotect to provide a visualization of the Average Daily
Incident Solar Radiation of Yan Fook’s façade, see Fig 5.
Figure 5 Calculated Visualization of Avg. Daily Incident Radiation of Yan Fook Building Facade in Ecotect
1.3. Transmitted Radiation
From the same simulated calculation, another visualization of Average Daily Transmitted Radiation
can be displayed for study on heat gain into Building through glazing and concrete walls. As can be
seen in Fig 6. The Incident Radiation transmitted into the Building are mainly through the Single

Glazed Windows. No Radiation was transmitted through the Concrete walls, because Concrete
appear Opaque for Electromagnetic waves.
Figure 6 Average Daily Transmitted Radiation, ECOTECT.
1.4. Absorbed Radiation
Another important attribute to study is the amount of Radiation Absorbed and which object in the
building absorb the most.
Fig 7. Shows clearly that the Concrete absorb most of the incident radiation, as Concrete appear
opaque while Glazing’s appear near transparent to Radiation, see Fig 6.
Since most or all incident radiation on the façade walls were absorbed, the amount of energy which
is stored in the Concrete is very much higher than the Glazing due to its high heat capacity.
Special façade Aluminium features, coatings, in-wall insulation etc are some of the very common
solution to reduce the transmitted heat through Glazing’s and absorption or irradiation of the
absorbed heat.
Figure 7 Avg Daily Absorbed Radiation, ECOTECT.

1.5. Analysis Grid
Analysis Grid is particularly useful to allow designer to get a good idea through simulation and
visualization of how Radiation could affect the internal environment. As show in Figure 8 below.
Figure 8 Analysis Grid within the Building (Left) and Isolated Grid (Right), ECOTECT
Designer could better plan for internal zoning, partitioning and also add on designs, plants etc to
create a more liveable environment, comfortable and yet aesthetically pleasing to the Occupants.
1.6. Superimpose Insolation Analysis Grid with Building Façade
Finally, ECOTECT is used to superimpose both the Insolation Analysis Grid and the Average Daily
Radiation Simulation. Figure 9, shows very clearly on how simulations carried can give an even
clearer visualization to Designers and even Engineers to further improve their design to achieve
lower energy usage than before.
Radiation transmitted as show in Fig 6 had resulted the contours of Insolation Grid as show in Fig 8.
Though the simulations were run separately, we can successfully superimpose both to form a fairly
accurate result and visualization as show in Fig 9.
Figure 9 Insolation Analysis Grid superimposed with Average Daily Transmitted Radiation, ECOTECT.

2. Shading Analysis
External shading device place on windows can eliminate and minimize the solar radiation coming from
direct beam radiation and from diffuse radiation. Ecotect was used to calculate for the percentage shading,
overshadowing and sunlight hours on the model.
2.1. Sunlight Hours
Figure 10 (view from the south) and Figure 11 (view from the North) shows the results of the daily average
of total sunlight hours taken for the whole year, on the external walls and windows. The range of colours is
from 2 to 6 hours.
Figure 10 Daily average total sunlight of the model viewed from the south, ECOTECT.
Figure 11 Daily average total sunlight on the model viewed from the North, ECOTECT.

2.2. Percentage of Shading
Figure 12 (view from the North) and Figure 13 (view from the South) shows the results of the Daily average
percentage of shading from sunlight taken for the whole year, on the external walls and windows. The
range of colors is from 40% to 80%.
Figure 12 Average Daily percentage of shading from sunlight for the model viewed from the North, ECOTECT.
Figure 13 Average Daily percentage of shading from sunlight for the model viewed from the south, ECOTECT.
2.3. Overshadowing
Ecotect was used to generate the stereographic sunpath diagram for the model, showing the sunpath line
from January to December. The sun’s azimuth and altitude for any given time and date may be read from
the diagram. Vertical and horizontal shadow angles can be taken from the diagram in relation to a façade or
window on the model, this information can be used for shading design.

Figure 14 shows the stereographic sunpath diagram for a selected window facing south with the overshadowing
from adjacent structures, ECOTECT.
Figure 15 shows the stereographic sunpath diagram for a selected window facing North with the overshadowing
from adjacent structures, ECOTECT.

2.4. Shading Design
From the results obtained in the above calculations, it is recommended that the model must consider
shading in the retrofitting of the model to reduce its total energy consumption. A more precise
determination of the overheated period including internal heat gain and solar radiation must be considered.
A detailed study of the sunpath diagram will establish the horizontal and vertical shadow angles for the
design of the selected shading devices that will met the performance specifications.

3. Wind Analysis
As Singapore is located along the equator, it enjoys the tropical climate and also seasonal monsoons.
Singapore is primarily affected by two monsoon periods – the Northeast Monsoon and the
Southwest Monsoon. It is key to note that the exact start and end of the monsoon seasons are not
very well-defined; therefore some slight variation in the beginning and the end of the monsoon
period from year to year must be taken into account.
The Northeast monsoon season brings along cooler climatic conditions and starts approximately
from November/ December through to March1. During the early part of the Northeast Monsoon
season, the weather is ‘generally cloudy and windy with rain periods lasting for 2 to 3 days at a
stretch’2. The cool Northeast winds that are attributed for this slight seasonal variation experienced,
originates from the cold winter conditions of the inner regions of the continent of Asia. As shown
below in the wind rose diagrams extracted from the Ecotect Analysis software, November through
to March shows the greatest amount of wind flow coming in from the North-eastern direction and
slowly progresses to a more variable wind direction before transiting to the South-eastern winds
which characterise the Southeast Monsoon season. This transition period between the monsoon
seasons are referred to as inter-monsoon periods3.
The temperature data extracted from the Ecotect Analysis software shows that the temperatures
from November to March being observably lower than the rest of the year. It can be inferred that
the monsoon season brings about colder and wetter weather conditions that in turn lower the overall
recorded temperatures of the area.
Average Monthly temperatures – extracted from the Ecotect Analysis software4
1
National Environment Agency, Singapore. Meterological Services Division, Your Weather Resource - FAQ. 2007. 26 01 2011
<http://www.weather.gov.sg/wip/web/home/faq>.
2
3
4
Software, Ecotect Analysis. Average Monthly Temperatures. Singapore, 18.01.2011

Wind rose diagrams indicating wind direction, speed and temperature over the course of the
year– extracted from the Ecotect Analysis software5
Prevailing Winds
A v e r a g e W in d T e m p e ra t u re s
L o c a t io n : S i n g a p o r e , S G P ( 1 . 2 ° , 1 0 3 . 5 ° )
D a te : 1 s t J a n u a ry - 3 1 s t D e c e m b e r
50 k m/ h °C 50 k m/ h °C 50 km / h °C 50 k m/ h °C
T im e : 0 0 : 0 0 - 2 4 : 0 0 45+ 45+ 45+ 45+
40 k m/ h 40 40 k m/ h 40 40 km / h 40 40 k m/ h 40
© W e a th e r T o o l 35 35 35 35
30 30 30 30
30 k m/ h 25 30 k m/ h 25 30 km / h 25 30 k m/ h 25
20 20 20 20
15 15 15 15
20 k m/ h 10 20 k m/ h 10 20 km / h 10 20 k m/ h 10
5 5 5 5
<0 <0 <0 <0
10 k m/ h 10 k m/ h 10 km / h 10 k m/ h
J a n u a ry F e b ru a ry M a rc h A p r il
45+ 45+ 45+ 45+
40 k m/ h 40 40 k m/ h 40 40 km / h 40 40 k m/ h 40
35 35 35 35
30 30 30 30
30 k m/ h 25 30 k m/ h 25 30 km / h 25 30 k m/ h 25
20 20 20 20
15 15 15 15
20 k m/ h 10 20 k m/ h 10 20 km / h 10 20 k m/ h 10
5 5 5 5
<0 <0 <0 <0
10 k m/ h 10 k m/ h 10 km / h 10 k m/ h
M ay Jun e J u ly A u gu st
45+ 45+ 45+ 45+
40 k m/ h 40 40 k m/ h 40 40 km / h 40 40 k m/ h 40
35 35 35 35
30 30 30 30
30 k m/ h 25 30 k m/ h 25 30 km / h 25 30 k m/ h 25
20 20 20 20
15 15 15 15
20 k m/ h 10 20 k m/ h 10 20 km / h 10 20 k m/ h 10
5 5 5 5
<0 <0 <0 <0
10 k m/ h 10 k m/ h 10 km / h 10 k m/ h
S e p te m b e r O c to b e r N ov em ber D ecember
5
Software, Ecotect Analysis. Average Monthly Temperatures. Singapore, 18.01.2011.

Wind rose diagram indicating Prevailing Wind direction and wind frequency over the course of
the year – extracted from the Ecotect Analysis software6
Prevailing Winds N OR T H
hrs
W ind Fre que ncy (H rs) 3 45 ° 50 km/ h 1 5°
Location: Singapore, SGP (1.2°, 103.5°) 381+

Date: 1st January - 31st December
3 30 ° 3 0°
Time: 00:00 - 24:00 342
© W e ath er T oo l
304
40 km/ h
266
3 15 ° 45 °
228
190
30 km/ h
152
3 00° 60 °
114
76
20 km/ h
<38
285 ° 75 °
10 km/ h
W EST EAST
255 ° 10 5°
2 40° 12 0°
2 25 ° 13 5°
2 10 ° 15 0°
1 95 ° 16 5°
SOU T H
The Southwest monsoon period occurs from May to September. This monsoon season is
characterised by lower wind speeds. As shown in the following table which charts the Surface wind
speed and wind directions, show that the wind speeds experienced during the months of the NE
monsoon season is significantly higher than that of the SW monsoon season.
Also evident in the table extracted from the National Environment Agency of Singapore
Meteorological Services Division’s document on Singapore’s Weather Statistics, the highest mean
daily surface wind speeds experienced in Singapore is a mere 2.4m/s. However, it is key to note
6
Software, Ecotect Analysis. Average Monthly Temperatures. Singapore, 18.01.2011.

that this data was recorded at the Changi meteorological point where there is little to no obstructions
nearby.
Despite the abovementioned, Singapore is also a coastal city and will also be affected by prevailing
sea winds. This is a minor factor to be considered in the course of this building analysis study as the
site is located along the coastal region of Singapore.
extracted from http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather_statistics.aspx on Singapore’s Weather Statistics

4. Rain Analysis
The Northeast Monsoon month of December is considered the peak rainfall of the year. The
Southwest Monsoon from month of May to September is generally drier period of the year, as
shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Mean Total Rainfall Records By Months for Singapore upto year 2008
4.1. Northeast Monsoon
The Northeast Monsoon Surge results in prolonged and continuous rain falls, which are considered
moderate to heavy, and are at time accompanied by surface wind with the speed of upto 10 to 12m/s.
As shown in Figure 16 and 17.
Figure 16 Windflow 8 Jan 2006, Length of Arrow denotes Wind Speed of Northeast Monsoon.

Figure 17 Satellite Image Showing Monsoon Rain Affecting Singapore and neighbouring countries
It can be observed from weather data collected in Table 1, the increase in rainfall can be observed to
start in as early as mid-October and peaked in December, while the ending phase of the Northeast
Monsoon from February to early March, we can see sharp drop in rainfall due to movement of
Monsoon rain-belt Southwest wards to Sumatra and Java. See Figure 18.
Figure 18 Monsoon Rain-belt shifted towards Summatra and Java away from Singapore giving rise the the Dry
Northeast Monsoon Season.
The belt of subtropical high pressure, see Fig 18 and 19, is the fundamental reason for the
occurrences of dry seasons in the subtropics. The prevailing Northeasterly Wind actually move the
Rain belt further towards Java and the equator with Subtropical High Pressure System, bringing the
Dry weather southwards, which happens from February to early March. 7
7
(National Environment Agency, Guide to Singapore's Weather NEA Meteorological Services, 2007)
Figure 19 Satellite image showing the subtropical high pressure belt and the Monsoon rain-belt.
4.2. Sea Breeze Induced Thunderstorms
If prevailing wind is too strong, it might easily affect the formation of sea breezes. During Inter-
monsoon periods, when winds are generally lighter, sea breezes are more common. See Fig 20.
Figure 20 Radar image - sea breeze induced thunderstorms over Singapore. (Bright red means heavy down pour)

Figure 21 Satellite image – Prevailing Wind opposing a Sea Breeze Induced Thunder Storm can result in some of
the most severe Thunder Storm
It is of significance to design building giving due considerations to rain falls patterns in relation to
general Wind direction discussed in preceding chapter, see Wind Rose Diagram generated through
Ecotect - Weather Tools. Specific functions of horizontal shades may be considered to provide
shelter in case of rain with consideration on Wind Directions.

5. RESEARCH QUESTION
“COULD GOOD SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING FAÇADE MATERIAL AND NEW
TECHNOLOGY IMPROVE THE BUILDING THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND MITIGATE
ENERGY CONSUMPTION FROM COOLING LOAD?”
With the introduction of many Thermal Protection Building Materials, Architects, Designers,
Consultants Owners and Developers (the Decision Makers, DM for short), were presented with a
myriad of solutions, from Single Low E (emissivity), Double Low E, Triple Low E, In-Situ
Application of Transparent Insulation Glaze Coating, Heat Reflective Coatings for Walls, EPS
(Expanded PolyStyrene) Composite Concrete Wall, etc.
The above research question had become very relevant to many DM, as they are the professionals
most responsible in the selection of good material and technology to complement their Sustainable
Design Solutions.
And the result derived from this study would ascertain their decision made and would help to
continue their commitment to make sustainable building design their way to design in the future.
5.1. Objective
The Focus of this study anchors on Thermal Performance and Evaluation on the various Building
material usage and study their contribution to reduction of Cooling load and thermal performance of
the Building.
Practical assumptions will be made to allow the use of TAC and Ecotect to simulate within the
provided computational power and limited simulation time of this study. The model of this study is
thus kept as simple as possible while allowing the study to make conclusive assessments on the
Building materials used.
5.2. Material Selection for the Study
Study of Some Commercially Available Material will include the followings,
1. Adgreencoat8 HeatFlect – www.adgreencoat.com
a. A Heat Reflective Coating System for Walls and Roof.

b. Reflectivity of incident Solar Radiation of upto 95%.
c. Uses specific Heat Reflective Properties of Admafine Powder.
d. Coating seeks to reflect heat and provide thermal comfort and energy reduction and
at the same time reduce Thermal footprint and contribute to the mitigation of Global
warming. See graph 1 and figure 22.
8
Adgreencoat Pte Ltd, is a registered company in Singapore and all information used in this Study is with permission
granted by the company. Adgreencoat Pte Ltd is the exclusive distributor for Adgreencoat Co Ltd in Japan.
Graph 1 Reflectivity Graph of Adgreencoat Coating system over wavelength, Source: Adgreencoat Pte Ltd.
Figure 22 Principle of Adgreencoat9 Heat Reflective Coating over conventional and Insulation Coatings, Source:
Adgreencoat Pte Ltd.
2. EcoShield9 – farben.pqholdings.com
a. A Heat Insulation Transparent Coating over Glazings.

b. It has one of the highest Light Transmittance of more than 80%
c. It intercepts or reject Infra Red (IR) upto 80%
d. UV rejection of upto 99.9% see graph 2.
e. EcoShield Glaze coating seeks to reduce Thermal Radiation Heat Gain into Building
and at the same time allow maximum light transmittance, without sacrificing
Daylight use for the Office area. See Graph 2.
9
Ecoshield is a product of Japan company, named ABRIDZ Co Ltd, and is exclusively marketed by PQ Farben Pte Ltd for
Singapore Market. The use of information related to Ecoshield is with the permission from PQ Farben Pte Ltd.
Graph 2 EcoShield Tansmittence % in comparison with Normal Glass and other Suppliers, Source: Adgreencoat
Pte Ltd.
Figure 23 Comprehensive Eco-coating solutions by PQ Farben Pte Ltd. This Study will examine HeatFlect and
EcoShield’s implementation into Yan Fook Building, Source: PQ Farben Pte Ltd
3. Insulated Composite Walls using EPS from Jebsen & Jessen, - http://www.jjsea.com
a. The Composite wall will comprise of the following Elements,
b. Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS), will be sandwiched within the Wall component for
TAS Simulation on Yan Fook Building.
c. Purpose of this composite wall is to provide Insulation to reduce Thermal Heat
Transfer into the Building.
4. Finally, the Study will also implement a combination of these Thermal Performance
Building Material in Yan Fook Building to check their full potential in reducing Cooling
Load requirement for the building.

6. METHODOLOGY
Selection of Commercially Materials from Reputable Suppliers. Most Analysis will focus on the
Efficiency, and the Supplier’s claim on their Product’s performance and Cost Savings Achievable
by implementing their product on Yan Fook Building.
With the use of TAS, ECOTECT or other commercially available Simulation Softwares, this Study
provides DM with a very cost effective solution to Simulate the potential reduction in Cooling load
and savings achievable and to verify if the implementation is worth their investment. Study can
allow informed Decisions be made without the need to send for time consumption and costly Lab
Testing and Actual Mock ups.
6.1. Setting the Scene
Assuming the open plot of land next to Marina Bay Sands and the Marina Bay Financial Centre
area is where Yan Fook Building will be erected. See Fig
Figure 24 Yan Fook Building in Marina Bay Financial Region with Estimated Sunpath indication in RED and an
insert with Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in the background. Source: Google Sketch and Google Earth
The location selected is currently an open space, with Yan Fook Building superimposed. For the
purpose of the scope of study, it is reasonable to assume that the shading from the surrounding
buildings has minimal impact on our study.
The only possible shadow will come from the Sail, which might cast some shadows at around 4 to
5pm in the evening.

6.2. Scenarios and Conditions
While Shading Design, Location and Material Selection will definitely have an impact and
contribution to the Thermal Performance of the Building, However, to narrow the scope of this
study and focus on the Research Question, assumption that,
1. The DM do not wish to have any external design of the Building changed, meaning no
installation of Aluminium Awnings, Shades, Fins etc, as the Design of the Building have it’s
own Significance to the DM.
2. The DM is deciding whether to implement Thermal Protection to both the Wall and the
Glazings.
3. The DM had a budget conscious approach and therefore will need the Study to check the
respective cost vs impact of the individual implementation
6.3. General Process of Simulation Used
A general process and method adopted in this Study was outlined as follows.
1. Seek to understand the Climatic condition of the environment where building will be
designed
2. Special attention should be paid to the Sunpath Analysis as it is Critical in Sustainable
Building Design especially so in Singapore due to it’s Hot and Humid climate, where
extensive air-conditioning is used, vast amount of energy about 40 to 50% of the energy
consumed by commercial buildings goes to Air-conditioning.
3. Design with Sustainable Building Design Strategies. After knowing the environment, we
then deploy Environmental Design Strategies, facing, shading, zoning, Daylighting,
sustainably Building Material, etc.
4. Implement various active and technology to improve and compliment the Environment
Design Strategies implemented. However in real world it is not possible to address or to use
only Environment Design Strategies to achieve the designer’s original intended
Sustainability requirement. However, as Society become more conscious about the
Environment, we tend to move the yard stick higher by the days. Therefore, It is also very
vital to know more new technology which can complement and further movement our
passive design and break new barrier in achieve Zero-Energy Building as our final goal
5. We then use Environmental Design Tool to help analyze, test and confirm our design on
paper, and giving us more certainty that in the real construction, we might not deviate too
much from our intended design criteria and therefore higher probability in achieving our
intended Passive Design Criteria and Results
6. Some of the Softwares which are deployed in this study are as follows, and there are many
more which are commercially available.
a. First, Building model was created through Drafting and Modelling software as
follows,
i. TAS 3D Modeller
ii. Google Sketch Up
iii. Google Earth
iv. Autodesk Revit
v. AutoCAD
vi. EcoTECT
b. With the models created, we can then set up the conditions with the following steps
using TAS Building Simulator and EcoTECT in this Study,

i. Set up the Singapore Climatic Environment and give the Simulator a set of
Climatic conditions as a basis for simulation.
ii. Set up Calendar for the purpose of the Building, in this case, Yan Fook is a
commercial Office Building with only 5 days’ work week.
iii. Setting up Building Elements and Assign Building Materials will form the
2nd Important basis for Simulator to run.
iv. In this study, there will be many changes to the Building Materials used to
run the simulations with.
v. Set up a Base reference Simulation so that all new material used can be
reference to and compared with.
vi. In order to input new material in addition to the material library, the
characteristics and specific performance of the various materials were
obtained with courtesy from Adgreencoat Pte Ltd, PQ Farben Pte Ltd and
Jebsen & Jessen SEA Pte Ltd.
vii. This information were then input into the TAS Construction Database, under
the Materials,
1. EcoShield Thermal Performance were entered in the Material Library,
see Fig. 25.
Figure 25 EcoShield Thermal Performance Input into TAS Material Library
2. Adgreencoat Heatflect Series, of Heat Reflective Coating is also

keyed into the Material library. See Fig 26.
Figure 26 Adgreencoat HeatFlect Series Thermal Performance Characteristics were keyed into the TAS
Material Database

3. EPS data is already found in the TAS Material Library.
viii. With the new materials introduced to the database, we then proceed to create
Construction System, with standard external wall without Thermal Protection
(very common in older Singapore Building), some of the new construction
system are as follows,
1. New 200mm Brickwalls with 25mm plasters on each side.

2. New Brickwalls with Heat Reflective Coating, see Fig 27
Figure 27 New Construction with designed for Simulation of Yan Fook Building with Heat Reflective Coating
3. New Cool wall with sandwiched 50mm thick EPS Composite Cool
Wall with Heat Reflective Coating, see Fig 28.
Figure 28 New Coolwall with 50mm EPS and Aerated 150mm hollow blocks Composite wall with Heat Reflective
Coating to Achieve very high Thermal Performance

4. There are other permutations tried out and this Study had selectively
presented the more relevant and significant combinations.
ix. With the desired Construction System in the TAS Construction Library,
assignment of these Construction to relevant object item, such as Ceiling,
Walls, Window Frames, Glazing types etc were then carried out.
Figure 29 Assignment of Construction system to Building Elements
x. Assigning of Zones to be studied is also done so that we can isolate particular

zones for the Study.
xi. Internal Conditions such as the followings were entered to complete the
parameters for simulation particular only to this Study.
1. Standard Air-condition Office with operating hours from 8am to 6pm
on Weekdays and off on Weekends.
2. Thermostat value from 21oC to 24oC.
c. Simulation and Result Viewer

i. Once all parameters are set, Simulation can then be carried out and Result
will be displayed in TAS Result Viewer.
ii. TAS Result Viewer allow us to view graphical display, Tabulated format and
even export to graphing software like Excel.
iii. TAS Result Viewer also have filters to allow us to isolate and select only the
relevant information for analysis.

7. IMPLEMENTATION
With all Material and Construction information entered into the Library, a few models had been
carried out according to the Research Objectives,
1. Reference Base Model 1 with most Basic configurations

a. External Wall is made up of 25mm lightweight plaster, followed by 200mm bricks
and finished off with 25mm lightweight plaster.
b. Window Glazing is made up of Single Glaze 6mm high light transmittance of 0.89.
c. This model is very similar to Singapore Olden days Building with no considerations
to Thermal Performance.
d. Basic Office Air-conditioning Condition was selected for all Models. And was kept
constant throughout other models too.
e. As we are simulating the intermediate floors, we had kept the Ceiling constant as
well, assuming there won’t be significant impact from floor to floor heat transfer
f. Internal Wall had been assumed to have less impact on our Study, as the Result of
our study will mainly focus on the incoming radiation over Wall Façade and
Glazing. See Table 2, 3 and 4 for Typical Conditions.\
Table 2 Model 1 External Wall conditions
Table 3 Model 1 Window Pane Condition

Table 4 Model 1 - Internal Condition, Basic Air-Conditioned Office
2. Model 2 – is to investigate the effect of Heat Reflective Coating on the Standard wall
a. With all conditions remain unchanged from Model 1.
b. A customised construction was implemented with Customized Adgreencoat
HeatFlect Heat Reflective Cool Paint Solution on the External Wall. See Table 5
Table 5 Model 2 - External Wall coated with Adgreencoat - HeatFlect, Cool Paint
3. Model 3 – was simulated with an Insulation in the External Wall with Standard Double
Glazed (DG)
a. The Insulated External Wall was constructed with
i. 25mm lightweight Plaster
ii. 100mm of Aerated Concrete Block
iii. 55mm of Glass Fibre
iv. 50mm air gap
v. 105mm Brickwork

b. While the Window Pain is now being installed with DGU, see table 6
Table 6 Model 3 - Standard Insulated Wall with Standard DGU on Window Pane
4. Model 4 – was simulated with a Customized wall with a DGU coated with EcoShield
a. External Wall were further modified to have EPS Composite Wall with Heat
Reflective Paint Coated as an added protection, See table 7.
b. While there is a limitation by TAS, EcoShield cannot be a transparent layer made
adjacent to another Transparent Layer of Glass, therefore, an alternative is to identify
a material with similar specification to form the DGU. Please see table 8.
c. This DGU provides very good Thermal Property similar to EcoShield and at the
same time with good light transmittance of 0.797, which allows good Daylighting
into the Office area. See Table 8.

Table 7 Model 4 - Customized Wall with EPS sandwiched with Aerated Concrete Block and Protected with Heat
Reflective Coating - Adgreencoat.
Table 8 Model 4 - Customized DGU with near EcoShield Specifications

8. RESULTS
Interpretation of results for the Study can be of any months, as it is a study of material performance
on the incident radiation the external façade received, thus for the matter, 01 Jun 2011, Friday was
selected (day 152). Results were summarized in the tables below, Graph 3 to 6
Graph 3. Model 1 - Standard Construction without Consideration to Thermal Performance (Olden Days
Typical Singapore Building), TAS Result Viewer

Graph 4. Model 2 - Standard Construction with Adgreencoat Heat Reflective Coating on Wall, TAS Result
Viewer

Graph 5. Model 3 - Standard Insulated Wall with DGU, TAS Result Viewer

Graph 6. Model 4 - Customized EPS Composite Wall with Adgreencoat Heat Reflective Coating and Customized
EcoShield Equivalend DGU, TAS Result Viewer

9. DISCUSSION
For the Scope of Study, the basic understanding of how Solar Radiation transfer energy from Sun to
our Building is important and is illustrated in below Figure 30.
Figure 30. The Solar Heat Gain from Sun and The Greenhouse Effect, Source: National Geographic
Publication
The Results from the Simulation were summarized by exporting TAS Result Viewer’s data into
Excel for comparison between Models. Cooling Load, Solar Gain and Radient Temperature were
selected among other parameters for the purpose of this study, and was shown in Graph 7.
It is evident that the application of Adgreencoat’s heat reflective coating can reduce the Radiant
temperature, but not significant in temperature, because, the concrete may not exhibit high
difference in temperature but this minor difference were stored in the Concrete due to its high Heat
Capacity, which will affect Cooling load, with a reduction of from 159,667W to 158,586W with the
application of Adgreencoat coating system. See Graph 3 and 4 on Model 1 and Model 2
Simulation.
With the Introduction of low cost Insulation solution in Model 3, with Standard Insulation External
Wall and Standard DGU. There is a significant reduction in Radient temperature, see Graph 5
comparing with Graph 3 and 4. Therefore, the insulation provided by the Air gap and the Glass
Fibre provided much more effective Thermal Performance and the Standard DGU also provided
very good reduction in Radiant temperature and therefore, Model 3 required much lesser Cooling
load. See Graph 7.
However, with careful selection of a more High performance 50mm EPS composite wall
(S$3.50/m2) in model 4 compared to Model 3’s 55mm Glass (S$1.50/m2) and 50mmAir gap, the
performance of the wall improve tremendously. In addition, with the right selection of DGU glass
type, we can increase their heat insulation property while still allowing 79% of light transmittance
without the need to sacrifice Daylighting benefit of clear glass. This Study does not take into
account visual comfort from glare. Therefore Model 4 with the application of EPS, Adgreencoat
and EcoShield perform the best among the models. The Saving is significant.
Graph 7. Graphs for Comparison of Cooling Load, Solar Gain and Radient Temperature of all 4 Models
There is a 41.4% reduction in cooling load by adopting Model 4 Solution. Assuming that Yan Fook
Building Electrical Expenses on Cooling cost about S$800,000 per annum just on cooling. We are
looking at a potential recurring savings of approximately S$331,000. Therefore, with the savings
like this, it will allow DM’s to decide on their expected Return on Investment (ROI) and also
consider their Corporate Social responsibilities among others.
Estimated area for External Wall, is about 5,800m2, the cost of applying Adgreencoat Heat
Reflective Coating will cost about S$90,000 at S$15/m2 for the Building. Whilst for the EPS, it
only cost about S$29,000 for the Building.
Total Estimated Glazing is about 2,300m2, and therefore the cost of EcoShield will cost the owner
about S$345,000 for the Building.
Therefore, there will be an estimated amount of about S$465,000 in addition to as compared to

conventional construction material, if the DM were to adopt Model 4.
This works out to be an ROI of less than 2 years and since the design is passive in nature, the DM
can look forward to collect subsequent savings without additional cost less minor maintenance.
Other solution not explored is Solar Cell Glazings. When solar cell glazing becomes commercially
acceptable in terms of cost and efficiency, Designer ought to give such glazing a consideration for
façade receiving the most solar radiation.
Putting aside, current limitation by this technology, and assumingly that cost is able to provide a
ROI of less than 24 months and that efficiency of such solar technology can reach 60%.
In addition to its original intended purpose of generating useful energy from the sun, it can provide
visual comfort to occupants through its shading properties, while providing occupants a glimpse of
the outside view.

10. CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
This Study confirmed the effect and performance of HeatFlect, Heat Reflective coating from
Adgreencoat Pte Ltd, EcoShield, Heat Insulation Transparent Glaze Coating from PQ Farben Pte
Ltd and the effect of EPS as insulation from Jebsen and Jessen prove to be very effective and
capable of high Thermal Performance and provide savings by reducing Cooling Load Required.
It is recommended that the DM should go for Model 4 for that additional one-time cost while they
can enjoy substantial savings after first 2 years.
There are lots of sustainable technologies currently available to Architects, Designers, Consultants
and other professionals to use in complement to their sustainable design approach.
Having a basic knowledge of Life Cycle Cost would also enable more wide spread adoption of
these sustainable technologies, since owner can be more readily acknowledge the Designer’s intent
with more information for their decision.
Sustainable Building Design needs to achieve wide spread adoption to achieve its impact for the
Environment and the Earth and finally, for the Greater Good.

11. REFLECTIVE STATEMENT

We have chosen to investigate the model by using Shading, Ventilation and Wall Insulation
strategies.
Findings from Shading strategies showed that the best result is by reducing the overall height of
the window by raising the window sill and installing horizontal louver shades. It can reduce the
total energy consumption by about 15%.
Ventilation strategies show that operable windows, the size of the existing glazed facades of the
building, which allow for natural ventilation to occur during different periods of the day result in
lowered cooling energy consumptions. However, smaller window from the shading strategies
would (compromise the performance of natural ventilation because of the smaller window
opening) Or (The 1.5m window height recommended from shading is within the range of the
window opening from ventilation strategies and will not affect the flow of natural ventilation).
Wall insulation using Model 4, EPS Composite Wall with Adgreencoat Heat Reflective Coating
materials and EcoShield DGU for the windows can reduce the total energy consumption by 41.4 %.
This percentage savings could be used by DM’s to calculate ROI and allow them to decide if they
would like to proceed with the proposal based on Model 4.
Therefore, in conclusion a well thought balance needs to be achieved before the building’s office
spaces can become a sustainable low energy consumption space, since all building elements and
their factors are interlinked.


Submission Environmental Design Strategies K14EDS PKP V3.0

Uploaded by

Document Information

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

Submission Environmental Design Strategies K14EDS PKP V3.0

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

11 April, 2011

DEPARTMENT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MASTERS IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN 10-11

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STRATEGIES

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

COULD GOOD SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING FAÇADE MATERIAL AND

Module Convenor – Dr Lucelia Rodrigues

1. Sunpath and Radiation Analysis

1.1. Solar Radiation Overview

Peh Ke Pin Page 2 of 39

Figure 3 Optimum Orientation of Yan Fook Building, ECOTECT.

Peh Ke Pin Page 3 of 39

Figure 4 Annual Incident Solar Radiation at near Optimum Orientation, ECOTECT.

1.2. Incident Solar Radiation

1.3. Transmitted Radiation

Peh Ke Pin Page 4 of 39

Figure 6 Average Daily Transmitted Radiation, ECOTECT.

1.4. Absorbed Radiation

Figure 7 Avg Daily Absorbed Radiation, ECOTECT.

1.5. Analysis Grid

1.6. Superimpose Insolation Analysis Grid with Building Façade

Peh Ke Pin Page 6 of 39

2.1. Sunlight Hours

Peh Ke Pin Page 7 of 39

2.2. Percentage of Shading

Peh Ke Pin Page 8 of 39

Peh Ke Pin Page 9 of 39

2.4. Shading Design

Peh Ke Pin Page 10 of 39

Peh Ke Pin Page 11 of 39

Peh Ke Pin Page 12 of 39

Location: Singapore, SGP (1.2°, 103.5°) 381+

Peh Ke Pin Page 13 of 39

extracted from http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather_statistics.aspx on Singapore’s Weather Statistics

Peh Ke Pin Page 14 of 39

4.1. Northeast Monsoon

Peh Ke Pin Page 15 of 39

4.2. Sea Breeze Induced Thunderstorms

Peh Ke Pin Page 17 of 39

Peh Ke Pin Page 18 of 39

5.2. Material Selection for the Study

Study of Some Commercially Available Material will include the followings,

1. Adgreencoat8 HeatFlect – www.adgreencoat.com

a. A Heat Reflective Coating System for Walls and Roof.

a. A Heat Insulation Transparent Coating over Glazings.

Peh Ke Pin Page 21 of 39

6.1. Setting the Scene

Peh Ke Pin Page 22 of 39

6.2. Scenarios and Conditions

6.3. General Process of Simulation Used

Peh Ke Pin Page 23 of 39

Figure 25 EcoShield Thermal Performance Input into TAS Material Library

2. Adgreencoat Heatflect Series, of Heat Reflective Coating is also

Peh Ke Pin Page 24 of 39

3. EPS data is already found in the TAS Material Library.

1. New 200mm Brickwalls with 25mm plasters on each side.

Peh Ke Pin Page 25 of 39

Figure 29 Assignment of Construction system to Building Elements

x. Assigning of Zones to be studied is also done so that we can isolate particular

c. Simulation and Result Viewer

Peh Ke Pin Page 26 of 39

1. Reference Base Model 1 with most Basic configurations

Table 3 Model 1 Window Pane Condition

Peh Ke Pin Page 27 of 39