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Building Services 1 [BLD 60403]
Lecturer: Ms. Lim Tze Shwan
A Study On Energy Efficiency in Heritage Buildings
Daniel Song Cheng Hock 0320155
Abd Allah SaiefulHaqq Hossainsaeb 0324556
Satesh Raj 0321419
Sim Chia Ting 0320932
Kiraly Renaud 0320322
Teh Qing Da 0318590
Chin Khang Wei 0320728
1
Table of Contents
No. Content Page(s)
1. Introduction
3
2. Construction & Installation process Traditional Malay Houses Traditional Chinese Houses
417
3. Advantages and disadvantages 1820
4. Case study: Findings and Explanations Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
2143
5. Possible problems to the system
44
6. Recommendations for future improvement
4559
7. Learning from the group project
60
8. References
6162
9. Bibliography
6364
10. Appendices 6566
2
1. Introduction
Energy consumption worldwide is reaching an alltime high. Energy consumption has
more than doubled since the 1990s, and is set to triple the 1990s in the next 30 years. This all,
due to the rapid development, and demand for energy as the modern way of life begins to
overtake all else (Hall, 2015).
As such, it seems reasonable to
shift the global perspective in
favour of energy efficiency and
sustainable development.
It is commonplace to find
scientists looking at innovative
ideas and forefront technologies to
combat the problems that plague
us. This brings us to the question,
is there anything that we can learn
from the past? Also, expanding on energy efficiency and sustainable development, can we look
at energy efficiency and sustainable conservation, which is to keep what we already have in a
sustainable way?
We are looking back at a time when the many luxuries we have come to take for granted, like
our artificial Heating, Ventilation, & AirConditioning (HVAC), water heating systems, artificial
lighting, refrigeration, and the like were not present. We find that in order to fulfil the needs of
building occupants, many design & additive elements were incorporated into the building
systems. For example, it is a known fact that natural ventilation was widely taken advantage of
in the past. Various architectural elements, building design systems, and the like allowed for
sufficient thermal comfort and ventilation, while the storage of foods was carried out by natural
means, by the use of dry rooms, and cabinets.(Garrett, 1971)
These methods were practical and effective, even up to the advent of modern building services.
Furthermore, they did not consume any energy, and relied on passive, natural means. These so
called archaic methods are the subject of investigation in this paper as the question of energy
efficiency in heritage buildings is tackled.
3
2.0 Installation Process 2.1 Construction Method of Traditional Malay Houses Introduction The traditional Malay houses were built basically above the ground. This was done as Malaysia
is a tropical country and there are many monsoons. This is the main reason why Malay houses
were raised on stilts. Stilts can be defined as a long post with wooden or bamboo walls. The
traditional Malay houses meet the socioeconomic, cultural and environmental needs required
while still reflecting the creativity and aesthetic skills of Malays. The house is usually set up in
the middle of the compound or yard.
The traditional Malay house is also called the vernacular Malay house. The distinctive feature of
this type of house is the roof. It consists of a steeply sloping roof with gables at both ends. The
roof is made from the fronds of the local palm trees providing protection from the heavy rainfall
and allowing ventilation. This material has also some very specific characteristic such as it is a
thermal insulator and is very light. The traditional Malay house also comprises lots of windows
lining the walls so as to provide very good ventilation and views for the house. The house has
lots of large interior spaces with few partitions. The picture below shows the main feature of the
Malay house, raising the house on posts.
The early settlements were mainly built along rivers and coastline. This practice was done as
there was abundant in fresh water and food nearby. The raised floor construction was an ideal
solution as it was coping with the ground humidity and with the heavy rains that generally
resulted in flash floods. The raised floor systems also allowed ventilation through the cracks in
the floor. The traditional Malay house have a minimum of two entrance, the main entrance was
for the visitors and the males and the one at the back was mostly for women and children.
4
Traditional malay house
The traditional Malay house has quite a unique interior arrangement. The house has less room
but has large areas for various social and household occupations. The traditional Malay house
does not have portions or solid ceiling height walls that usually separate the three main areas
that is the veranda, main house and kitchen. They are separated by a change of level in the
floor height and also the placement of doors. The Malay house seems to blend itself naturally
with the environment.
5
Malaysian climate & environment Malaysia is a tropical country where the high humidity and temperatures prevails. The average
air temperature throughout the year in Malaysia is around 22 and 23 degree Celsius. The
humidity is very high in Malaysia, through the year the humidity can attain 75% or more. Direct
solar radiation is filtered by the heavy clouds covering the high water vapour content in the air.
The disadvantage of high humidity is that it accelerates some natural processes such as rotting,
rusting and growth of algae. There is usually no strong wind in Malaysia unless if it is raining.
The average cm of rainfall throughout the year is around 250 to 300 cm. During monsoon
season there is heavy rainfall..
6
The external environment of Malay house. Vegetation growth is very inappropriate to control under some factors. Those factors are the bad
condition of air, the moderate heat and the high amount of rainfall. Air flowing across any
surface will undergo friction. When increasing height the wind spread is higher and lower when
it is near the ground where there are many obstruction. Glare control in the traditional Malay
house is necessary because of some factors such as high percentage of solar radiation from
sea, sky and beach. The strong wind occurring during monsoon seasons is a hazard to the
house and its occupants. The picture above shows the external environment of the Malay
house.
Thermal comfort requirements
The factors of climatic stress in Malaysia are, the relatively high temperatures, solar radiation,
humidity and glare. So as to achieve climatic comfort in the modern Malaysian houses, these
important factors must be controlled as well as the control of rain, floods and occasional strong
winds. To achieve thermal comfort, the heat gain by the body from the surrounding environment
through solar radiation or warm air must be reduced to constant body temperature of 37 degree
Celsius. The heat that is lost through conduction, convection and radiation is neglected as the
air temperature are generally around the body temperature. There are also other main sources
of heat gain to the body by direct and indirect solar radiation, hot air, conduction and radiation.
In order to attain a degree of thermal comfort, the saturated air around the body must be
removed. Bricks and concrete are classified as high thermal capacity materials and they are
widely used in modern construction. These materials absorb the heat within the building fabric
which is directly radiated to the interior of the building causing discomfort to the users. From the
above facts, so as to achieve thermal comfort in the hot and humid climate, the solar heat
absorbed by the building and the human body must be reduced while heat loss from the body
must be maximized by ventilation and evaporative cooling. The traditional Malay house is
adapted to those situations. The picture below illustrates the climatic design of the traditional
Malay house.
The picture below is showing the numerous aspects of ventilation throughout a traditional Malay
house. As it is described in the picture the Malay houses were well designed so as to enable
7
sufficient ventilation throughout the building. In ancient times natural ventilation was very
important as the use of mechanical ventilation did not even exist. By doing so the traditional
Malay houses was able to maintain thermal comfort throughout their buildings.
Climatic design of the traditional Malay house.
The design requirement for climatic control From the explanation mentioned about the climatic characteristics of Malaysia, it is important to
attain optional climatic control. A modern house in Malaysia should comprise the following
points:
Allow sufficient ventilation for cooling and reducing humidity.
8
Use building materials having low thermal capacity so that little heat is transmitted into
the interior of house.
Control solar radiation.
Control glare from the surrounding.
Protection against rain.
Ensure adequate natural vegetation to provide cooler environment.
Climatic design of traditional Malay houses.
Building materials Traditional Malay houses use light materials for
construction e.g. wood and other natural materials. The
lightweight construction of low thermal capacity retain less
heat and cools properly at night.The attap roof is a good
thermal insulator. Glazed areas are seldom found in the
traditional Malay house.
Layout Traditional Malay houses are arranged not next to each
other. This ensures that wind velocity in the houses will not
be reduced while not disturbing the flow of the wind..
Ventilation for roof spaces Joints and panels in the roof structure allow sufficient
ventilation in the house.
9
Vegetation Coconut trees and other tall trees provides good shade but
also does not block the movement of winds at the house
levels
Cross ventilation The long house plans of the traditional Malay house allow
the movement of air and good cross ventilation. With
minimum of partitions inside the house it helps to keep a
good flow of air movement.
Wind velocity gradient
At high altitude,the velocity of wind increases. This a
benefit for the malay houses as it helps to have a great
flow of air, while on the ground it is restricted by plants.
10
Overhangs and exposed vertical areas Malay houses provide good protection against rain, shading and
allow windows to be opened for ventilation. This is due to the large
overhangs and low exposed vertical areas.
Glare The large roof overhang and low window help in controlling glare in
the traditional Malay house. It is also minimized by the natural ground
covers and wooden walls of neighbouring houses.
Lighting level The traditional malay house is normally under lighted. This give a
state of coolness in the house. This is not a problem as it can be
replaced by artificial lights
11
2.2 Construction Process of Chinese Heritage Buildings in Malaysia
The population of Chinese residing in Malaysia were the immigrants from southern provinces of
China. The Chinese who were hardworking laborers gradually changed the pattern of society in
the Malay Peninsula. The Chinese not only laid roots in within Malaysia but also brought their
customs, religion, and language as well as Southern Chinese Architecture.
According to Hashimah (2005,p.21) Malaysian Chinese houses differed from that of Malay
houses in the sense that they were not freestanding and could either be categorized as being
attached or detached to one another.
The design aspects of the Chinese heritage buildings in Malaysia that are to say the floor plan,
elevation and ornamentation reflected the aspiration of the Southern Chinese style of
architecture. This can be categorized as residential which includes traditional shophouses and
terrace house, religious buildings such as Buddhist temple and public such as clan and
association buildings.
Chinese heritage buildings could either be close or disconnected to the following building. There
are several kinds of heritage buildings associated within this group. One of these, in particular,
would consist of the courtyard mansion.
Factors that control style of architecture in Malaysia
The Chinese heritage buildings in Malaysia not unlike their counterparts in South China follow
the same styles of architecture.
The style of architecture by Chinese culture in Malaysia has been influenced by these major
factors which include historical factors, religious beliefs and more importantly the climate.
The historical factor plays an important role in the construction method of the Malaysian
Chinese. Most heritage buildings such as shophouses and clan houses have adapted the local
and colonial architecture in the building facades. Some have arches and classical columns to
support the building structures which also include large openings which provide and control the
ventilation process.
12
Another factor that has influenced the southern Chinese style is the climatic conditions of
Malaysia. Most buildings have large openings, louvered doors, and covered walkways. These
structural elements were designed to counter and respond to Malaysia warm and humid climate.
The use of jack roof and air well, which can be found in many old shophouses and terrace
houses are some of the examples of building elements that seek to control the local climatic
conditions.
And the final factor that has affected this style of architecture is the concept of “Feng Shui”
which literally means windwater. This focuses on the ornamentation and orientation of the
building including factors of preconstruction such as the direction which the building shall face.
1. Traditional Shop houses
This type of structure would have two or more stories and would be used as a
commercial and private building. Unlike traditional Malay houses, it is not freestanding
but instead attached to other structures of the same kind creating a shop block. This
would eventually extend further forming streets and town squares. Some of the materials
used in its construction are brick, plaster, concrete and timber which are common for
these buildings.
13
Cross sectional view of traditional chinese shophouse
Row of shophouses in Penang
2. Terrace houses
Typically the traditional terrace house would consist of two story with the porch at street
level in the front. Ordinarily this type of establishment would have big entrance doors
with timber bars locked in the door head as well as a metal bar and louvered panel
windows with very few openings. The building is designed in such a way that it follows a
certain symmetry. This means that the doors would be positioned in the center of the
front of the building with windows on both sides. Similarly, the terrace house uses the
14
same kinds of materials as the traditional shop houses which are brick, plaster, concrete
and timber as major materials.
The courtyard or air wells would be the main focus of the special arrangement giving a
feeling of openness and In regard to ventilation aspect, the windows and other openings
are located at higher levels to provide privacy. Hashimah (2005, p.28) states that the
front of terrace houses had certain peculiar elements that had one function of providing
shade to the porch due to the upper floor extending out above the street.
3. Religious Buildings/Buddhist Temple
Similar to the mosques in Malaysia, Buddhist temples can be found in villages, small
towns as well as in cities. These temples have substantial qualities which contribute to
southern Chinese culture and architecture. A typical Buddhist temple will have projected
eaves made of clay tiles jointed by mortar, ornament figures of people, angels, flowers or
animals can be found on the roof ridges. Also, a typical Buddhist temple would contain a
massive entrance door in the center, windows of simple geometric shape and mosaic
tiles to the floor.
15
Front view of a typical buddhist temple
4. Clan house or association house
As the Chinese are divided into numerous clans and communities, structures called
association buildings have been set up for said clans. The purposes of these buildings
are for social gatherings, festivals, and ceremonial functions. These buildings or clan
houses are usually one to two stories tall. There is a big entrance door, a front porch.
The windows of these buildings are louvered and have canopies.
16
The Khoo Kongsi is the best renowned and most lavishly decorated of Georgetown’s
clan houses
17
3.0 Advantages and Disadvantages In modern days, ventilation has frequently just been seen as a technical function. The effort and
needs to make the ideal indoor atmosphere, which will work with at least exertion by the users,
has prompted progressively bulky installations and technically complicated systems. Making use
of the configuration of the building, which is a part of the ventilation system in heritage
structures, has been ignored. The first ventilation system is a capacity and in addition an outflow
of the building's validity and character deserving conservation. Almost all historic buildings were
ventilated naturally, albeit a large number of these have been bargained by the expansion of
partition walls and mechanical frameworks. With an increased awareness of the cost and
environmental impacts of energy use, natural ventilation has turned into an appealing technique
for decreasing energy utilize and cost and for giving adequate indoor natural quality and
keeping up a fresh, comfortable, and profitable indoor atmosphere instead of the all the more
overarching methodology of utilizing mechanical ventilation.
Advantages
Sustainability
Natural ventilation systems are completely natural and it also means that it works independently
without any use of external modern mechanically technologies which involves in the usage of
energy. for example, electricity energy. and instead, elements of nature are fully utilised such as
wind energy which allows air to move naturally throughout a building.
In fact, it’s estimated that natural ventilation systems can save a property anywhere between ten
and 30 per cent of the building’s energy consumption which also promotes in helping to reduce
energy bills. This reduces the need of expensive energy intensive fans which costs loads of
money to use in a long run.
Adaptable
natural ventilation frameworks are highly versatile. In the summer, building that are design on
account of these system benefits by the cool air, harnessed by the wind energy. A minimal
quality is likewise maintained all through the building. In the event that set up correctly, normal
ventilation can evacuate contamination, and additionally warm from a building. These systems
can move air around to guarantee it doesn't get excessively hot or excessively cool which
works incredible now and again when the seasons change.
18
Improved air quality
One of the best advantages of natural ventilation is the way that it offers enhanced air quality.
On account of the way air moves in a building, and expels pollutants, it implies you consistently
get a stream of clean air all through the building.
No maintence of mechanical system required.
Not at all like a portion of the mechanical ventilation systems available in the present day days,
you don't need to invest any additional energy or assets on keeping up natural ventilation and
when there is absent of modern technologies in the past or old time for the old traditional
houses. Houses worked on account of natural ventilation, will hold airflow themselves after
some time, because that the buoyancy of the wind or stack force is used as a component of the
very design of a building. These sorts of system require no filters, pumps or fans and it mean
you won't need to paying out cash for any additional expenses.
Consistency
The considerable thing about this sort of ventilation system is that it supplies every room with a
satisfactory measure of warm and cool air to guarantee the temperature stays consistent. This
makes it considerably more wonderful for those utilizing the building and means they won't need
to continually stress over adjusting room temperatures.
19
Disadvantages
Uncontrollable
Factors such as exterior temperature, wind speed, amount of rain, and others are
uncontrollable. These are the key factors that affects the temperature, thermal comfort and the
effect of natural air ventilation in a building. In other hand, polluted air in the surrounding may be
channelled into the building as well because the building isn't sealed which is not benefiting the
building when the local air quality is bad.
Privacy
Privacy of the building would be affected if natural air ventilation is to be carry out because
privacy and security of a building prevents doors and windows from opening causing the
absence of air ventilation in a building. And it also cannot prevent sun light, rain, or snow to
enter the building completely due to openings such as windows and doors for maximum natural
air ventilation in a building.
Outdated aesthetics
Yes it adaptable with the environment but in the sense of trend in this not advisable because
trend changes from time to time and heritage buildings design makes the building to look old
and out of trend.
High maintenance
Since the building is old , the building might acquire things that have to be change or maintained
compare to new buildings . For example, after few years a wooden door can lose its strength ,
wooden window frames and more. So in order to keep the place presentable to visitors, the
place should be well maintained.
20
4. Case Studies
4.1 Case Study #1
Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
Perspective view of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
The Location of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is at 2, Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
21
History
Above Rumah Penghulu PreRestoration
Kuala Lumpur, it also known as Muddy Confluence which is an urban city full of modern
and fancy high rise buildings. The reason why the Heritage Trust of Malaysia took the difficulty
to relocate the house of Penghulu Abu Seman bin Nayan to the center of the city is to remain
and show traditional Malay houses which is extremely rare in the city. Abu Seman was the
head of the village within the state of Kedah. In the year of 1924, he bought the core building of
the house which was initially built in 1916. He resettled it and added onto it in the 1930s.
After the Penghulu pass away, the house was then pass to his elder son, Ibrahim bin
Abu Seman. After Ibrahim pass away, the house was left empty. The Heritage of Malaysia Trust
found out the house was empty and bought it from Ibrahim's inheritor. The house was then
carefully disassembled and relocated in Kuala Lumpur (Visit malaysia, 2016).
22
Design Approach For Ventilation
Essentially, the concept of
ventilation in the Malay traditional
house is a combination of three
element which is the ventilation
from bottom level, top level and
the middle part which also known
as cross ventilation. Based on this
concept, the house was designed
to fill up the requirements. The
significant results the climatically
responsive design features
consisting of devices and thermal
capacity building materials. Other than it is the orientation. Usually all the traditional Malay
houses are directly to face Mecca (e.g in an eastwest direction) for religious reasons.
(Wordpresscom, 2011).
Design Approach For Natural Lightning And Thermal Comfort
Building Orientation does affect not only
good air ventilation but natural lightning
too. The main entrance of traditional
Malay house was design to facing the
East. For religious reason, most of the
traditional Malay house faces Mecca
(e.g in an eastwest direction) . This
orientation / direction can minimize the
number of areas exposed to direct solar
radiation during the day thus it will
reduce the heat gain in the building and the building is made out of wood so the heat will not
pass through in the building because wood has better heat capacity. The orientation was also
for cultural purposes which will allow minimal light in the morning in concern of the occupant’s
dignity whereas it will gain more light in the evening so that it can reduce the electrical light
usage at that particular time (Infocollectionsorg, 2016).
23
Exterior of Rumah Penghulu Abu seman
This is the front Left view of the building. As you can see that the building is built above the
ground and it is supported by all the column. This will allow the air flow through the bottom part
of the building
Leftside photo shows that the exterior of
Serambi.
The interior plan was designed to respect the
Malay culture and relation between the
tenant and the guest. The main entrance of
traditional Malay house was designed to face
the EastWest. The front part of the house
which was serambi and anjung was the area
to greet the male guest. Its design has
openness with no wall. The important space
to greet the guest was loaded with sunlight in
the morning
24
Leftside picture shows the interior part of the
Penghulu's office (Lobby) also known as
Serambi and the staircase is link to the
'Rumah Ibu'
Leftside picture show the door of the
Serambi area.
25
Above picture show that the exterior wall of Rumah Ibu which have three big windows and a
decorative opening roof beam which allow wind and light pass through it.
26
A section of the back part of the house with the open door to Rumah Ibu. As The elongated
open plans of the traditional Malay house allow easy passage of air, and to make sure the cross
ventilation is achieved.
27
A section of the back part of the house (Kitchen) with the open door to Rumah Ibu. Windows
and doors are the main elements for ventilation at body level. Beside than these, there are also
decorative elements, specifically designed to allow air pass through into the interior part of the
house.
28
The Roof spaces in the traditional Malay
house are properly ventilated by the
provision of ventilation joints and panels in
the roof construction hence there is no
ceiling panel is used this is to make sure that
there is no air blockage so this ventilated
roof space will helps to cool the house.
Other than ventilation, these decorative
opening will also allow the sunlight pass
through into the building.
29
This is the living room for the Family Only it also known as Rumah Ibu. From the above picture,
there is only minimal wall and these will allow good air circulation within the internal part of the
house. The open plan concept reflects the efficiency of ventilation in the design of the traditional
Malay house.
30
4.2 Case Study #2
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Above The Blue Mansion, in all its restored glory
History The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or the Blue Mansion, as it shall henceforth be termed as, is a
magnificent showcase of colonial era vernacular architecture, hailing from a period of time when
Malaysia, or the Malayan Peninsular as it was then known, was under the provincial rule of the
British Crown. (Hassan & Yahaya, 2012)
It was built by the Mandarin business tycoon, Cheong Fatt Tze, after whom the mansion is
named, as a home him and his various concubines and as an administrative center for his
various business ventures & the Chinese consulate in the region. With his ventures being based
around the island of Penang, the mansion was built in the heart of Georgetown, at Leith Street.
(Penangvacations.com, 2012).
31
Above Cheong Fatt Tze, the mind behind the mansion
The mansion was built lavishly, as no expense was spared by Cheong Fatt Tze to flaunt his
status and wealth. With iron pillars & railings imported from Scotland, massive wooden doors
hand carved by craftsmen of the highest order, sculpted ceilings, and sculpted walls, the
mansion was no humble statement (Bierre, 2006).
It was built true to vernacular Chinese architecture, and with much attention paid to geomancy
(Read: Feng Shui). With the aid of respected geomancers, the house attained perfect Feng
Shui. Unfortunately, after Cheong Fatt Tze’s demise, it fell into a state of disrepair, and
remained so, until a group of conservationminded individuals bought the home and restored it
to its former glory, where it stands today (Cheong Fatt Tze The Blue Mansion, 2016). For more
information on the restoration of the Blue Mansion, refer to Appendix A.
32
Findings The mansion, true to its identity in traditional Chinese architecture, is able to balance aesthetics,
with practicality. Its architecture and construction is such that it solves many of the problems
posed by the humid, tropical climate of Penang Island.
Design & Layout Symmetry
Above (Both) Observe the symmetrical frontal facade & layout of the building
33
True to traditional Chinese architecture, the building is constructed such that symmetry is
attained between the left and right wings. This optimises airflow, and allows for uniform,
unobstructed distribution of fresh air throughout the structure (Gomes, Rodrigues, Mendes,
2011).
Also, note the various air wells present throughout the structure. They are located symmetrically
equal as well, with sufficient ventilation provided on each wing of the house. Air wells allow for
hot air egress from the house during the day, and allow for cool, dense air to enter the premises
at night. They also allow for the maximum amount of natural lighting to penetrate the building.
Also, the building utilises windows on both the ground and first floor windows. These, and the
various air wells provided, allow for the stack effect to sufficiently ventilate the area.
Above The narrow left wing air well allows unobstructed air transit between the upper and lower floors of
the house.
The Central Courtyard
A key feature of The Blue Mansion, is the central courtyard, which is essentially the main air
well. Central courtyards are almost synonymous and ever present in Chinese Architecture,
being closely linked to positive Feng Shui towards the building (Ping, 1998). For more
information on the influence of Feng Shui on Chinese Architecture, refer to Appendix B. Situated
in the center of the premise, it also functions as an extension to the reception area, and a
feature space. The central courtyard is accessible via all four sides, and allows for unobstructed
air flow throughout. Also, it maximises light dispersion given the granite tiling used and the wide
open space. Natural lighting is thus a viable option.
34
During the day, it offers refuge from stuffy interiors, maximising airflow. In the event of rain, the
courtyard allows for most of the heat in the house to be dissipated by the cool rain. (Grele, 2004)
Above The central courtyard as it stands today. Note the scottish type grills on the upper deck and the
corinthian pillars forming the perimeter of the courtyard
Air Corridors & Orientation
The mansion is built such that the orientation of the
building also maximises all advantages of natural lighting
and ventilation as possible. The long sides of the building
do not face the directions of the sun traverse. The long
sides of the building, face the windward and leeward
directions for most of the year. In Georgetown, Penang,
these usually are northerly and southeasterly winds
(Weather online, 2008). This means, that the wind is able
to effectively ventilate the building. Also, long corridors
and unobstructed passages of air flow are found
throughout the building (Lash World Tour, 2012). Above An air corridor
35
Overhangs, Open Staircases, Clerestories, Openings, & Other Architectural Features
Above Note the overhang roofs employed, as well as the openings at different vertical heights.
The overhang portion of the roofs in The Blue Mansion are elaborately decorated, and gilded
with ornate carvings. However, they serve a more practical purpose besides aesthetics, allowing
and promoting air flow into the building. They also block out excessive sunlight during the
noonday, granting a conducive environment for thermal comfort.
Openings are equally elaborate, and functional. Often, in traditional Chinese architecture,
windows at differing heights are found throughout the structure. This allows warm air to escape
as cross ventilation and stack effect occurs. Clerestories also allow for better control of sunlight,
and wind ventilation. Below Note the window & clerestory at vertical
distance from each other
36
Above Note the smaller opening at the upper portion of the wall. This window is specially purposed to allow
warm air to escape.
Open stairwells, also allowed for a better
utilisation of the stack effect, allowing hot air to
be transferred out of the building, while cooler
air entered through the lower levels. It
essentially, acted like an air shaft.
Right The plan view of the open staircase
37
Colour and Paint Texturing
The Blue Mansion, as it is fondly known, is in fact, not blue, but a shade of indigoblue. This
shade, was very commonly found in the region, and was imported from India widely by the
British. This was due to its popularity during the colonial period. The blue paint finished with lime
wash, allows for the direct heat from the sun, to be dissipated and absorbed effectively in the
hot humid tropical climate. Besides that, lime wash also proved effective in absorbing moisture,
thus reducing humidity and attaining better thermal comfort standards. This all, was
accomplished without any damage to the structural integrity of the walls. (Cheong Fatt Tze
Mansion, 2014)
Above The obviously, (indigo) blue mansion
Explanation We shall look at the problems tackled by the mansion, in the areas, of thermal comfort &
ventilation, lighting, as well as a cursory view into water heating, considering that these
functions consume the most energy in buildings (Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2008).
When studied, it appeared, that the design of the Blue Mansion, allowed for a very energy efficient
home. It requires very little energy, in respect to the aforementioned aspects of energy consumption.
38
Thermal Comfort & Ventilation
Ventilation is defined as the constant changing of air in an enclosed space to supply sufficient
fresh air, replacing stale air, and providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment for
building occupants. (Wikipedia, 2013)
39
Thermal comfort, is almost always directly related to ventilation. Thermal comfort is the state of
mind which expresses comfort & satisfaction with the thermal environment. (Health & safety
executive, 2016)
The Blue Mansion utilises various architectural & design elements to ensure that thermal
comfort and sufficient ventilation is attained. These allow for the occurrence of two phenomena,
namely, cross ventilation, and the stack effect.
The stack effect occurs, when a building of two
storeys or more, passively ventilates itself, using
the laws of physics. Negative pressure zones are
created in shafts, and wind tunnels, which allows
for the hot air to naturally rise. Given that there
are openings at the upper portions of the
building, the warm air will escape. This negative
pressure, will act with positive pressure acting on
the bottom portion of the building to bring cooler,
fresh air into the building. This achieves both
thermal, and ventilation requirements given the right conditions (Binggeli, 2013).
This applies to the Blue Mansion, considering its various openings & celestories at the various
levels and vertical distances. The presence of the five air wells, essentially large ventilation
shafts, allows for an amplified stack effect. This goes the same with the open staircases.
Cross ventilation also occurs, seeing that the
various rooms open into courtyards and air wells.
The opening from the windward side, where the
wind is blowing from will be the zone of positive
pressure, causing wind to flow in through the
openings into the room/area. The negative
pressure at the leeward side, will allow for the
wind to flow and balance the disequilibrium of
pressures. Usually, from the exteriors of the
Mansion, into the courtyards and air wells. Often, with wind inlet openings at low levels, this
allows for the occupants to experience as much of the positive effects of the cross ventilation as
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possible. These allow for much energy to be saved, as minimal energy is required for Heating,
AirConditioning, and Ventilation. For a further look into the effect of natural ventilation and stack
effect on heritage buildings, refer to Appendix C.
Above Cross Ventilation as it is properly applied
Left The various openings allowing cross ventilation to
occur in the Blue Mansion
Natural Lighting
With the presence of the many courtyards, and the generally open design of the Blue Mansion,
the building is able to maintain energy efficiency while not compromising on sufficient lighting.
The mansion, including its various interiors, is sufficiently lit during the day, thanks to its
courtyards, air wells, and openings. This reduces energy consumption, which would normally be
necessary for lighting.
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Above (Three Pictures) The sufficiently lit interiors of the Blue Mansion during the day. This is achieved
through the various design elements, reducing the need for artificial lighting which consumes energy.
Water Heating
While this was not realised in the Blue Mansion, it is not unreasonable to surmise that the water
storages, could have been heated by natural
sunlight during the day, considering the hot,
humid, sunny climate.
This could have been achieved by parabolic
mirrors, focusing the sun’s rays into a water
catchment tank, allowing it to naturally heat itself
over time. This would be energy efficient. Left A diagram explaining the actions of the parabolic mirror, focusing solar energy into a fixed point, in this case, a water catchment tank.
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5. Possible problem in Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
From the above information, we explain about the advantage of the heritage buildings
and yet there are some possible problem in those two heritage buildings.
For the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman the possible problem are:
Easily burn down compare to concrete buildings.
Rain Water may leak through the roof because there is no roof ceiling.
Have to keep maintaining the building because termite will attack the wood.
Polluted air will pass through in the building because of the opening roof beam
And the possible problem for Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion are:
Polluted air will pass through in the building because of the opening window on top of
the wall.
Have to keep maintaining the building since the building was built in the 1880s.
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6. Recommendation and Improvement in Heritage Building for Energy Efficiency
1) Installation of Inverted Air Conditioning
Inverted Air Conditioner
Improvement:
By installing the air conditioning in traditional houses, it can keep the internal air humidity and temperature at an optimum level. This can increase the thermal comfort of the tenants in
the building. With the air conditioner, the dust and dirt particles can be minimized. To keep
the air conditioner functioning optimally, the window should be closed at all times, this can
prevent the pollution outside from entering the buildings. The ionizer also helps improve and cleanse the air quality within the building.
The Inverted Energy Technology
Inverted energy is the latest technology where it can detect the heat distribution of the area
then regulate and adjust itself accordingly, this means the electrical energy can be used efficiently when there is no one present in the buildings. (Hawking, 2000)
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2) Compartmenting rooms in the building
Framing for the partition wall
Improvement:
By partitioning the building into several smaller sections and rooms, it takes lesser time to cool down or warm up the room. It makes a smaller space and prevent the wastage of energy
used to regulate the temperature. The energy will not wasted by warming up or cooling down
the spaces that are not necessary.
Examples of traditional houses with partition wall
3) Installation of Outdoor Awning
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Improvement:
The shade area from awning outdoor can provide coolness to the building. These awnings
act as a barrier from the direct hit of intense sunlight and rain to the canopy. This can help
to reduce energy used to cool down the temperature of the building.
Examples of traditional houses with awning installed
4) Installing Windows Curtains
The types of different curtains, the right is the cloth curtains; while the bamboo curtain on the left
Improvement:
Curtain is a piece of big cloth or shades that hangs down from above a window and can be used
to cover the window. A curtain is intended to block or obscure light, or drafts, or water from outdoor in the case raining. The traditional building can install curtains on each outlets and windows around the building.
This helps blocking sun ray and heat from the sun into the building. Curtain can also
reflect some sunlight and blocking the hot air blown into the building.
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Examples of traditional buildings with curtains
5) Adjust Orientation of Window
Types of windows for a building
The ventilation flow with orientation of windows
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Improvement:
The correct orientation can make the optimum circulation of air in the building. The windows
facing the sunrise allow the maximize penetration of light ray into the building thus reducing
electricity for light bulb. It also let cool air to enter and ventilate with the warm air inside the
building.
Examples of a good orientation of windows allow sunray and air ventilation
6) Installing Air Inlet
The air inlet installed in a building
Improvement:
We can have an extension channel of vents and inlets spreading around to cool and refreshes
the air in the building. With the help of equipments such as exhaust fan, filter and ducts is used
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to actively draw air in and out to circulate the air and temperature in the building. Air Inlet is
efficient to eliminate odours like smoking smell and cooking smell.
The air inlet is installed above the ceiling and channel out to the rooftop
7) Finishes with Air Brick and void near the roof (without AirConditioning)
The hot and cold air circulation diagram with air brick and voids near the roof
Improvement:
The air brick (void) is a small opening which air can travel in and out into the building, it is
usually found near the roof of the building on top on the wall. Air brick is a passive way to improve the aircirculation and ventilation inside for the comfort of the tenants. It is also at
the same time, provide aesthetic value to the building. The air inlet should not be too big to
prevent the splash of rain and invasion of insects.
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Types of air bricks and voids available and suitable for traditional buildings
8) Heatinsulated and Fire Proof Painting
The use of paints not only give the aesthetic value, but also contributing to the energy efficiency
Improvement:
Heat Insulated Heat insulated paint can be painted on the external wall to provide better solar reflectance and thermal emission on the wall surfaces by the sun, this can make the building cooler and
tenants get to save on the cooling cost.
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FireProof Fire proof paint painted on the indoor wall can use to slow down the fire spreading in case of
emergency. Lesser water needed to put out the fire and at the same time protecting to minimize the damage spreading to the next room and building. This turn out to be a energy
efficient way during emergencies.
The wooden substrate coated with fireproof paint are harder to burn than the normal paint,
this is relevant to the traditional building who mainly uses wood on the entire building
9) Install Solar Panel and Wind Turbine
The renewable energy towards energy efficiency and safe to environment
Improvement:
Solar Energy and Wind Turbine is a renewable energy, these energy give less pollution to the environment. With the lesser means of energy waste, more energy efficient on the building.
Installing the solar panel and wind turbine can generates electricity to power up electric
appliances such as water heater to provide sustainability to the building. These renewable
energy generator is even more suitable for the tropical country like Malaysia.
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10) Water Recirculation Improvement:
The water circulation system can improve the overall efficiency on the water heating system, tenants can get hot water quicker without wasting gallons of water. Moreover, the
water can be reused for flowering purposes and use on flushing toilet. With this system, we
can prolong the life of the used water to before discharging into the sewage system. Proper
water circulation also includes a good and efficient water storage which does not leakage and
minimizes water pump usage.
The types of water recirculation system available in the market, they are working with the same principle, recirculate
the unused hot water back into the tank to keep the water warm
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11) Sanitary Services Improvement:
Sanitary services in the toilet uses water the most in the building, energy conservation can start
with conserving the water usage.
Dual Flush Toilet A dualflush toilet is a variation of the flush toilet that uses two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. The main feature of the toilet is that it has two buttons for releasing water. It outputs water in both 3 litre and 6 litre capacities, where the smaller level is
designed for liquid waste, and the larger is designed for solid waste.
The water used by dual flush system comparing with the single flush system
A simple diagram on how dual flush system works
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Faucet Aerator A faucet aerator (or tap aerator) is often found at the tip of water faucets. It can be easily installed and fixed onto the tap. The faucet aerator can prevent water splashing by shaping
the water stream to a straight and evenly pressured stream. It can help in water conservation
and hence reduction in energy costs. This aerator can reduce the faucet noise with this even and gentle water stream. Faucet Aerator is suitable for traditional houses with low water pressure by increasing the perceived water pressure.
The water faucet pressure is enough to save about 3000 gallon of household water per year
12) Green Landscape Improvement:
Energyefficient landscaping is the type of landscaping designed for the purpose of energy
conservation. It can be the embedded energy of materials on constructing the landscape, and
the energy consumed from the maintenance of a landscape. A good landscape utilizes trees,
shrubs, groundcovers, and vines to provide cooling summer shade.
Green pergola roof Green roofs can cool buildings with extra thermal mass and evapotranspiration. The plants
on top absorbs solar energy and release water and oxygen which cool down the
temperature.
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Trees and green landscape Planting trees and green vegetations around the building compound for the purpose of
providing shades and windbreaks, which able to reduces cooling costs to the building.
Green landscape can give a fresh look to the building and help in reducing the heat from the sun
13) Energy Efficiency LED Lighting System
The comparison to the LED Lighting System, which gives 90% energy efficiency
Improvement:
The LED Lighting System can save electricity and energy compare to the conventional power
light bulbs. On top of that, LED lighting gives a longer lasting lifetime than the normal light
bulb. It also produces less heat waste and lit brighter in the building, one of this LED lights
can replace two conventional light bulbs. This means to be more energysaving on electricity,
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economics, and less wastage for the same amount of light energy. They are easily installed
and doesn’t require big renovation and adjustment.
The use of LED Lights save cost and preserve the Earth
14) Sewage System
Improvement:
Biosolids are the solid organic matter derived from the sewage treatment process. Sustainable
biosolids treatment, transport, and enduse can reduce economic and environmental costs.The traditional houses can replace their traditional individual septic tank system to centralised system. The new centralised system not only ensure the continuous flow of sewage without over spilt and also reduce the cost for extra manpower needed for clearing up the septic tank.(Iwkcommy, 2016)
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The centralized system for household by Indah Water Consortium
15) Clay Roof
Different types and colours of the clay roof with “Malaysia Energy Efficiency Rated”
Improvement:
The clay tiles also known as singgora, named after a town in Southern Thailand. These clay
tiles allow for rainwater to be absorbed, thus cooling the inside of the house when the
weather is hot outside. This tiles is extremely suitable for the allyear summer country like
Malaysia. Further than that, this tiles give a solar reflection of heat depending on the surfaces.
Singgora gives a good solar reflection and its special water absorbent features
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16) Lowering down the ceiling
Improvement:
The indoor can reduce the living space by lowering down the ceilings. This will give a smaller volume for electric appliances to regulate the temperature. Air conditioner uses lesser energy to cool down only necessary area. Lowering down the ceiling also creates a void in between
which insulates heat from outdoor into the living space, this can reduce the usage of airconditioning to cool down the area.
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7. Group Learnings In conclusion, the term energy efficiency is a very important aspect in construction industry. It is
a major step toward the use of renewable energy. During the whole coursework of this report we
were able to understand and better illustrate the concept of energy efficiency in heritage
buildings. By understanding the early settlement, we were able to learn the conservation of
energy of ancient times and how they manage to conserve energy.
While doing research on the traditional Malay and chinese house, we learned that no matter the
lack of knowledge the early settlers managed to develop design plans of houses that suited to
the climate of the country. They employed skills that was unique and provided enough comfort
to the users. However not all the technologies used before was adequate but with the help of
modern technology the heritage buildings may be improved to suite the actual living style.
We still have a lot to learn from the past, but this report has contributed a lot to better
understand, judge and learn from the energy efficiency of heritage buildings.
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10. Appendices Appendix A
The entire family waited patiently, mostly, for his death so that they could sell the extremely valuable property and split up the inheritance money. Quite unfortunately for them, the youngest son lived until the ripe old age of 75, outliving most of them. That was until1987. His widow then proceeded to attempt keeping the Mansion in the family by dividing up the rooms in the wings of the house and renting them out to shop keepers. Her scheme worked for a while, until the family assets were dwindled down to just 250 RM. In 1989, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was finally put up for sale.
Luckily for the remaining Cheong family, for Penang, and for the world at large, a group of Penang heritage conservationists recognized the historical/cultural value of the Blue Mansion, feared it would be demolished, bought it, and proceeded to completely renovate the property. By then it had fallen into great dilapidation by the shopkeepers who did not maintain the structure. The renovation was a massive project which took several years. But it was done so well that it received the 2000 UNESCO ‘Most Excellent’ Heritage Conservation Award. Other distinguished awards followed.
Quoted from Lash World Tour, 2012 Appendix B Fengshui played a significant role in forming the space of the Beijing courtyard dwelling, both physically and socially. Developed over thousands of years, the ancient practice of fengshui was intricately involved in every aspect of traditional Chinese life, from selecting a site for a house, city, grave, or temple to choosing a day to get married or a name for a child. In short, fengshui was a system used for attracting good luck. The fengshui concept of environment takes into account many factors, spiritual as well as physical and temporal as well as spatial, ranging from sky to earth and from human life to nature. The major goal of fengshui is to find a way to live in harmony with heaven, earth, and other people. Traditional Chinese believed that the way to live is to unite nature and people as a whole. There is an old Chinese saying that “to be lucky, one must find good timing, a suitable place, and supporting people.” According to fengshui, father sky fertilizes mother earth with Qi, thus producing the world and all life that inhabits it, including human beings. A very important fengshui concept, Qi was considered to be the vital energy from the sky father, carried by rain and water (shui) and moved by wind (feng) (Guo, 276324). One of the essential fengshui principles in site selection is to avoid cold wind that blows Qi away; another is to have water that brings and accumulates Qi. Ancient Chinese believed that Qi would bring health, peace, and luck. The application of fengshui to site selection includes two major aspects: dealing with landforms and arranging Qi. Dealing with landforms addresses the relationship of Qi with mountains, surrounding 272 hills, and water; arranging Qi emphasizes
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the relationship of Qi with orientations and positions. Both have greatly influenced the design of the Beijing courtyard dwelling. Quoted from Ping, 1998 Appendix C An example of the effect of natural ventilation on the interior condition of heritage buildings
Note the minute difference in indoor and outdoor conditions. This grants maximum thermal comfort to occupants, as opposed to stuffy interiors.
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