Asian Architecture [ARC 2234]
Project 1: Case Study
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive
Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum
Rainforest Resort
Name: Nurul Jannah Masturah Jailani
Student ID: 0310210
Tutor: Pn. Norhayati Ramli
Submission date: 11th November 2014
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
Asian Architecture [ARC2234] 1
Table of Contents
Abstract •••••••••••••• 1
1.0 Introduction •••••••••••••• 3
2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture •••••••••••••• 4
3.0 Passive Heating •••••••••••••• 5
4.0 Passive Cooling •••••••••••••• 9
5.0 Daylighting •••••••••••••• 15
6.0 Active Design Strategies •••••••••••••• 19
7.0 Achieving Energy Efficiency •••••••••••••• 22
8.0 Conclusion •••••••••••••• 24
9.0 References •••••••••••••• 25
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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Abstract
Bioclimatic architecture is a sector in architecture, which is influenced by the principles
of ecology and sustainability. It has a connection with nature, seeking perfect cohesion
between design and natural elements such as wind, sun, rain, and vegetation, which
leads to the optimization of environmental resources. Bioclimatic architecture helps
reduce energy consumption, rendering artificial cooling, heating and lighting
unnecessary thus saving excess energy and costs from being produced. The objective of
this research paper is to identify and analyze the design principles of bioclimatic
architecture. It optimizes natural environment resources and the design strategies
applied in order to reduce fossil fuel and electricity consumption. This paper will focus
on Belum Rainforest Resort and bioclimatic design principles applied to its buildings. The
local climate and surrounding ecosystems are taken into consideration for the concept
and design of the Resort to achieve thermal comfort without relying on mechanical
equipment. Not only the usage of proper passive design, but the application of suitable
building materials also increase the energy efficiency and improve the microclimate of
the building. The orientation of individual buildings in a certain way can help manipulate
the surrounding natural resources to be used into the building such as natural
ventilation flow and day lighting. Passive cooling design strategy is an alternative to
using mechanical cooling ventilation systems in maintaining the level of thermal comfort
in the building. The importance of identifying the design principles and approaches of
the bioclimatic design of Belum Rainforest Resort allows the production of sustainable
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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design and architecture. The key elements that make up bioclimatic architecture are the
passive systems, which can be divided into three categories: passive solar heating
system, passive cooling techniques and system, and day lighting techniques. The
building materials also play an important role in conserving energy, which is why most
of the materials used in the construction of the resort are local to ensure the reduction
of energy used in transportation.
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1.0 Introduction
Belum Rainforest Resort is situated in Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia. Located in
the region near to the Earth’s Equator, Malaysia experiences medium to high
temperatures, high humidity levels, light winds, and an ample amount of rainfall all year
round. The variation of climates in Malaysia are due to varied altitude levels and the
exposure of the coastal lowlands to the alternating southwest monsoon winds that
blows from April to September and northeast monsoon winds that blows from
November to February. The Belum Rainforest Resort accommodates for guests that
partake in jungle trekking or visiting the Royal Belum State Park, one of the oldest
rainforests in the world, or simply for a vacation.
The Resort adopts a humble sustainable design, to respect and complement the
surrounding nature instead of contrasting it. The materials used in the construction as
well as the finishing of the Resorts were mainly retrieved from local supplies, to
decrease the need for transporting materials from far places, which may induce extra
energy consumption and costs. Using local materials is considered to be a strategy that
was implemented by the architect towards sustainable architecture.
This research paper aims to identify and analyze the different passive design
approaches adopted by the architect of Belum Rainforest Resort in order to achieve
energy efficiency through the consumption of environmental resources.
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2.0 Bioclimatic Architecture
A sector in architecture that adapts to the environment is called bioclimatic
architecture. The key elements of bioclimatic architecture is passive design, which is a
strategy that utilizes the local climate and environmental by playing around with the
local environmental characteristics such as topography, climate, vegetation, direction of
prevailing wind, sun path, etc., to develop appropriate design, geometry and building
orientation. (Martinez, 2012) Through passive design, natural energy sources can be
consumed instead of relying on purchased energy like electricity or natural gas, thus
reducing the usage of mechanical systems. (Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.)
The natural sources around can be used for heating and cooling, like sun heating and
cooling breeze. A well-‐designed and orientated building can reduce unwanted heat gain
and loss.
Climate-‐sensitive design is important, especially in seasonal and temperate
climates, where constant thermal comfort is difficult to achieve naturally. By
understanding the principles of effective passive design, thermal comfort can be
attained, lessening costs needed to heat and cool buildings, and minimizing the impact
on the environment. The principles of bioclimatic architecture apply when considering
for passive design. These principles include passive heating, cooling, and daylighting.
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3.0 Passive heating
Passive heating uses the sun to heat up a space without using mechanical
systems. In the context of Malaysia, passive heating is not necessary due to the climate
being hot and humid all year round. However, with the understanding of the concept of
passive heating, it is possible to avoid solar heat gain.
3.1 Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is the quantity of material that exhibits good retention of heat; for
example a thick concrete wall. Thermal capacity refers to the amount of heat that a
material can hold. (Binggeli, 2003) It is crucial to have effective passive heating design,
especially in locations that have sharp changes in temperature from day to night. Even if
the thermal mass does not prevent heat energy from flowing into or out of the interior
spaces, like how insulation would, it can still slow down the heat flow so much that it
contributes to comfort rather than causing discomfort.
(Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.) Thermal mass helps in storing heat during
the day and releases it into the cool night. Examples of materials with high thermal
capacity are concrete, metals, plaster, stone and brick.
The architect of the Belum Resort has chosen materials with high thermal mass,
especially concrete and steel. A material like steel, which has high heat conductivity, it is
most probably cool to touch even when it is out in the sun. This is due to the heat of
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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your fingertips being conducted away from your body quickly by the steel and into the
surrounding air. (Binggeli, 2003)
3.2 Shading for Solar Heat Gain
Through proper location and design of shading systems, the buildings can be
protected from gaining unwanted heat gain and improve thermal comfort. In order to
achieve effective shading, the sun angles of the site must be calculated, and climate and
house orientation must be considered. (Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.) Interior shading devices
like draperies and blinds provide the least effective shading and thermal insulation but
gives the occupants easy operation access. Instead, it is mainly used for privacy
purposes. Exterior shading devices are the most effective in reducing solar heat gain,
reducing the sun’s radiation before it reaches the glass. Examples of exterior shading
include louvers, awnings, roof overhangs and screenings. Vegetation and foliage on site
can also be used as a natural external shading device.
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Image 1: Deep overhangs are used at main restaurant of the resort, to prevent direct sunlight from
penetrating through.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Image 2: A single wall and trees are used as shading devices to prevent direct sunlight from entering into
the room.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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Image 3: Wooden sticks are used to shade the windows, arranged properly to let sunlight in but prevent
glare at the same time.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Diagram 1: Using foliage as shading device
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4.0 Passive Cooling
The evolution of passive cooling has been manifested through different building
forms, constructional methods and orientation alignments. Effective passive cooling
design does not only address heat removal from the building but also heat gain
reduction of the building. (Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.) Passive cooling strategies include
natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and shading.
4.1 Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is the movement of air into and out of a space through
fenestrations such as windows and doors. It provides cool and fresh air from outside to
inside, replacing the hot interior air through air motion. (Bradshaw, 1993) This strategy
is only suitable depending on the site. For example, if there are high levels of acoustic
noise, such as heavy traffic zones, it may be not suitable to implement natural
ventilation. Natural ventilation is also unsuitable in areas with poor air quality, which
may require mechanical systems to filter the air before in comes inside.
(Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com, n.d.)
Due to the location of Resort being at the edge of Pulau Banding, there is an
abundant of wind blowing from the lake. The buildings are designed to have many
fenestrations, and spaces without walls covering them, in order to maximize natural
ventilation as a method for passive cooling. Wide openings can be seen especially at the
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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reception and Phase 2 buildings. Due to both areas being exposed to sunlight (unlike
Phase 1, which is covered by trees), cool wind from the lake is highly welcomed to
ventilate the area.
Image 5: Due to the windy location, the corridors are not enclosed, to prevent the formation of wind
tunnel effect.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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Image 6: The lobby of the resort relies on the air of environment to ventilate the space, thus the
openings are large in size allowing air to pass freely.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Image 7: One of the restaurants of the resort has an open dining space for ventilation. Due to the windy
location, the trees surrounding the restaurant act as windbreakers.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
4.2 Evaporative Cooling
Optimum Utilization of Environmental Resources Through Passive Architectural Design in Achieving Energy Efficiency in Belum Rainforest Resort
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Evaporative cooling is considered to be the most effective form of natural cooling
methods. It plays a major role in contributing cooling effect in the immediate local
climate. (Gallo, Sala & Sayigh, 1998) The Belum Resort uses passive evaporative cooling
by adding ponds and water features around the Resort, especially nearby Phase 1, the
part of the resort where its furthest from the lake, to cool the air. The lake surrounding
the island is used for evaporative cooling as well, a natural resource that’s easily
available to cool the air.
Image 8: The swimming pool is not only a place for the occupants to cool off in, but also acts as a water
feature to improve surrounding temperature.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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Image 9: One of the water features around the resort to cool the area through evaporative cooling.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Image 10: The resort is surrounded by a large lake that provides cool windy air during the day.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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Diagram 2: The process of evaporative cooling of the lake
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5.0 Daylighting
Daylight is a reliable source of light during the day, reducing both energy
demands and saving costs from electrical usage. Daylighting inside the building also
improves the occupants’ moods and make them more productive. In order to attain
effective daylighting system, several factors must be taken into consideration. A certain
amount of light is needed to illuminate the interior, enough to brighten up the spaces
but must provide visual comfort to the occupants. Glare and heat gain tend to be the
critical factor in designing openings for sunlight to shine into the building. However,
direct sunlight penetration must be minimized. (Sustainable Building -‐ Design Manual:
sustainable building design practices, 2004) Although sunlight is an effective way to light
up a space, it is rather unpredictable with the intensity and brightness of the light
depending on the weather.
5.1 Skylights
Application of skylights can make a huge contribution in saving energy and
providing comfort. It admits much more light than windows, making it an excellent
source of natural lighting. However, with poorly designed skylights, they may be
contributors to unwanted heat gain. Several factors must be considered when designing
skylights, which are the size of opening, energy efficiency and climate appropriateness.
(Yourhome.gov.au, n.d.)
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Image 11: Skylights are used in some of the units to light up the interior spaces.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
Image 12: Skylights illuminate along the walkway, reducing the need to use artificial lights during the
day.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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5.2 Glass panels
Using glass panels to replace solid walls is an effective method to maximize
sunlight admitted into the building. While providing daylighting, it also acts a protection
from rain and unwanted wind flow. However, using glass wall panels around the
building may increase solar heat gained inside the building and cause visual discomfort
as well as glare. To prevent this, glass wall panels are usually used in places where there
is no direct sunlight beam, or there are shading devices equipped with it. At the
reception area of the Resort, the glass wall panels around the lobby is surrounded by
trees, which act as natural shading device to the reception building.
Image 13: The villa of the resort uses glass sliding doors and panels along the entrance, providing
maximum light into the space.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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Image 14: Glass panels are used along the upper part of the lobby area, to provide natural lighting
throughout the space.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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6.0 Active Design Strategies
Despite aiming for sustainable design through bioclimatic architecture, it is
almost impossible to rely completely on the environmental sources to maintain comfort
in the Resort, especially at night and on days with unpredictable weather. To solve this
problem, the Resort has taken up mechanical systems into its design. Although
mechanical systems are not meant to be the main system to maintain thermal comfort
amongst the occupants, they provide aid to when natural resources reach its limits.
6.1 Mechanical Cooling
To aid in generating air movement in spaces where wind is absent, ceiling fans
are used. It is not the most effective method for mechanical cooling but it still provide
air movement that carry away the heat from inside the building. Ceiling fans are found
in more public open spaces, where the outside temperature can still provide thermal
comfort. Air-‐conditioners are used in places where the spaces require more control to
achieve thermal comfort. It allows the occupants to have complete control over the
temperature and humidity of the space, while providing clean air. Air-‐conditioners can
be found in individual rooms.
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6.2 Electrical Lighting
Sunlight, although a natural source of light, is an unpredictable natural source for
light. Clouds tend to block the sun’s light, especially on cloudy and rainy days, which
makes daylighting redundant during those times. Instead, electrical lighting is used to
help light up darker spaces where sun’s light is not available. In order to overcome the
darkness at night, ground streetlights are used all over the Resort. However, daylighting
is still used as the main source of light during the day instead of the electrical lighting.
Image 15: The main restaurant of the building being lit up with electrical lightings and using ceiling fans
to generate air movement and ventilation in the building.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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Image 16: Electrical lights are being used inside individual guest rooms to aid in lighting the interior
when sunlight is not enough.
(Source: Jannah Jailani, 2014)
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7.0 Achieving Energy Efficiency
Conserving energy by not using mechanical systems as the main source for
thermal comfort helps reduce humans’ dependency on the usage of fossil fuels and
electricity. The lack of dependency leads to the decline in demand for such energy
sources, reducing the purchase costs for energy supply. Instead, natural environmental
sources are used to replace it.
It is impossible to not rely on mechanical systems, especially with the
development of technology and the rise in global temperature. With the climate getting
warmer, it is difficult to rely solely on passive design to maintain thermal comfort
indoors. However, it is still possible to reduce the dependency on it. Passive design is an
effective solution in being energy efficient, which can be implemented even in the most
extreme climates but still require the aid of mechanical systems to maintain the comfort
of indoor spaces.
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7.1 Energy Balance
Energy efficient architecture warrants for careful balance between energy
conservation and energy gain. It is related to using mechanical systems sparingly and
expressing effective passive design. Imbalance between these two factors may cause
the loss of thermal comfort in the interior spaces and the need for more effective
regulatory regulations. Proper planning, construction and technology can affect the
energy balance.
The Resort has achieved energy balance, split up equally between energy
conservation and energy gain, with the use of mechanical systems and implementing
passive design to exploit the use of environmental resources around the Resort. Energy
efficiency does not only mean the minimal reliance on mechanical systems, but by using
local materials, it is also considered as conserving energy. Making use of locally available
materials on site or from nearby factories, helps in cutting energy and costs of
transporting the materials to the site. The further the materials are retrieved from, the
higher the energy consumption and are likely to be very costly.
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8.0 Conclusion
Environmental resources are free and readily available all year long, that provides
nature’s thermal comfort and it being natural, it significantly improves productivity.
Despite the benefits of using environmental resources, there are disadvantages to it.
Sunlight for example, can be unpredictable. The Resort cannot depend completely on
daylighting due to the changing weather that may or may not disturb the sunlight in the
area. Due to the Malaysian climate with constant rainy days, sunlight may seem
unsuitable but it still remain to be the best source for lighting since Malaysia has an
equal number of days where it is bright and sunny. Cooling is not issued faced by the
Belum Rainforest Resort, due to the large lake surrounding it. Passive evaporative
cooling and natural ventilation are best exploited since the are many water bodies that
supports evaporation and the frequency of cool winds during the day from the lake.
The Belum Rainforest Resort is surrounded completely by nature, filled with
abundant resources that can be used as replacement for fossil fuels and electricity to
maintain comfort of the guests. These resources are taken advantage of by the
architect, applying the principles of bioclimatic approaches in his design. He
manipulated his buildings, trying to optimize the utilization of the natural resources
surrounding the Belum Resort through passive design approaches.
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9.0 References
Binggeli, C. (2003). Building systems for interior designers. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
Bradshaw, V. (1993). Building control systems. New York: Wiley.
Gallo, C., Sala, M., & Sayigh, A. (1998). Architecture. New York: Elsevier Science.
Gonzalo, R., & Habermann, K. (2006). Energy-‐efficient architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser-‐
Publishers for Architecture.
Kachadorian, J. (1997). The passive solar house. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green
Pub. Co.
Landco.gr,. BIOCLIMATIC ARCHITECTURE. Retrieved 25 October 2014, from
http://landco.gr/en/services-‐2/environmental-‐applications/24-‐
services/perivallontikes-‐efarmoges/95-‐bioclimatic-‐architecture-‐in-‐association-‐
with-‐landscaping
Martinez, M. (2012). Bioclimatic Architecture (Undergraduate). VIA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE.
Sensiblehouse.org,. Passive Cooling. Retrieved 19 October 2014, from
http://www.sensiblehouse.org/nrg_cooling.htm
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Sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com,. Passive Design Strategies | Sustainability
Workshop. Retrieved 17 October 2014, from
http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/passive-‐design-‐strategies
Sustainable Building -‐ Design Manual: sustainable building design practices. (2004). New
Delhi.
Yourhome.gov.au,. Passive design. Retrieved 15 October 2014, from
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-‐design