stategies on thermal comfort at outdoor spaces in terms of contextualism in belum rainforest resort,...

8/10/2019 Stategies On Thermal Comfort At Outdoor Spaces In Terms Of Contextualism In Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding.

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Asian Architecture [ARC 2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

STRATEGIES ON THERMAL COMFORT AT OUTDOOR SPACES

IN TERMS OF CONTEXTUALISM IN BELUM RAINFORESTRESORT, PULAU BANDING

NAME : TSAI WAN CHING

STUDENT ID : 0315185

LECTURER : PN. NOR HAYATI RAMLI

SUBMISSION DATE : 11 NOVEMBER 2014


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

Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding.

ARC 2234 Asian Architecture

Table of Contents Page

Abstract....................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................2-3

2.0 Contextualism........................................................................................................4

2.1 An Overview of Outdoor Spaces at Belum Rainforest

Resort..........................................................................................................................5

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

3.1 Factors Affecting Human Thermal Comfort.........................................................7-8

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

4.1 Building Orientation.............................................................................................9-11

4.2 Overhangs.........................................................................................................12-13

4.3 Natural Features................................................................................................14-17

4.4 Natural Materials................................................................................................18-19

4.5 Water Features..................................................................................................20-21

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

5.1 Methodology......................................................................................................22-23

5.2 Subjective Reviews...........................................................................................24-25

6.0 Conclusion............................................................................................................26

7.0 References...........................................................................................................27


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ARC 2234 Asian Architecture - 1 -

Abstract

A study on the strategies used for outdoor spaces at Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau

Banding in terms of contextualism is to identify the effectiveness of thermal comfort at

outdoor spaces. The objective of this study is to understand that building strategies do

give an impact on human thermal comfort, thus strategies used for outdoor spaces is

interrelated with the site context. Besides that, this study helps to understand that thermal

comfort at outdoor spaces is an subjective review as every person has their own

perception and definition on the phrase "thermal comfort". In researching the study,

survey has been conducted with the participation of 50 visitors on site in order to obtain

the most reliable result on the effectiveness of thermal comfort. Thus, the study

conducted at Belum Rainforest Resort has clearly shown that the building orientation and

overhangs would help in reducing solar heat gained at outdoor spaces and speed of

perspiration can be slow down. The used of natural materials has prevented air pollution

as heavy construction materials are not required which helps in maintaining air quality

that affects thermal comfort. Water feature and natural feature have been applied on site

as water cooling effect and photosynthesis help to increase relative humidity in order to

ensure that outdoor space is cooled all the time. Through the subjective review from 50

visitors, the result shows that most of them feel comfortable on site. Hence, it has come to

a conclusion that the effectiveness of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved

through building strategies with the help of site context. Beyond acclimatization and

behavioral adaptation, psychological adaptation plays a critical role to ensure thermal

comfort and satisfaction with the outdoor environment. Ultimately, enhancing architecture

and environmental diversity can influence thermal perception.


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1.0 Introduction

In tropical context, thermal comfort at outdoor spaces will extremely affect ones

satisfaction towards the usage of open areas. Therefore, creating acceptable thermally

comfortable outdoor spaces could be one of the significant strategies for enhancing the

quality of life towards nature at Belum Rainforest Resort. This research gets to know the

different perspective of each individual towards outdoor thermal comfort and strategies

applied in building design to ensure that users get to enjoy the environment of outdoor

spaces comfortably instead of indoor spaces only.

Hence, the aim of this paper is to study users experience on the effectiveness of thermal

comfort at outdoor spaces (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in terms of the integration of building

design strategies and contextualism in Belum Rainforest Resort. Building design

strategies focused on building orientation, overhangs, natural features, natural materials

and water features that will directly form responsive results to the air temperature, relative

humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Thus, design strategies are interdependent to

the site context in order to achieve a higher value of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.


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However, outdoor thermal comfort is subjective in this research as each individual has

different perception. Hence, questionnare is conducted at site in order to collect reviews

from each individual on whether thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved at the

site.

This paper studies the strategies on thermal comfort at outdoor spaces in terms of

contextualism in Belum Rainforest Resort by responding to the following 3 questions:

Question 1: What are the factors that influence thermal comfort at outdoor spaces?

Question 2: How does building design strategies involve into contextualism to achieve

thermal comfort at outdoor spaces?

Question 3: Does the integration of building design strategies and contextualism being

effective in achieving optimum thermal comfort at outdoor spaces based on subjective

reviews from visitors?


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2.0 Contextualism

Contextual architecture is to establish on how significant a role context should be involved

in architecture. Architects do observe the environments in which their buildings will

eventually exist before they proceed to the preliminary drawings of the buildings. Each

plot of land is believed to have certain elements that makes the landscape unique.

(Masoomeh, 2011). In this study, the man made lake and also the difference in height of

topography has caused Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding to be unique. The

difference in topography height has been considered and so there is a dissimilarity of

Phase 1 and Phase 2 resort.

The context should not be ignored definitely as the adaptation of the buildings should be

adhered to the distinct condition as a matter of survival. Architecture and site context are

interdependent based on the latin word contexerewhich has the meaning of weave

together to exist as one. (Keith, 2009)


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2.1 An Overview of Outdoor Spaces at Belum Rainforest Resort

Outdoor Spaceat Phase 1 Resort

Outdoor Space of Phase 1 Resort

Outdoor Space of Phase 2 Resort


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3.0 Human Thermal Comfort

Human being has little protection against the harsh situations of the weather that has

changed continuously. During early stage, human being lived in caves that act as shelter

and also protection from the extreme thermal conditions. Human beings spend most of

their lifetime in buildings as indoor thermal comfort could be achieved easily by the use of

active mechanism, however, outdoor thermal comfort should not be neglected in terms of

the strategies used in architecture. According to theANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010,

indoor and outdoor thermal comfort shares the same definition, which is the condition of

mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by

subjective evaluation, as each individual has their own value and perception towards the

phrase thermal comfort. The studies on thermal comfort of indoor environment can be

applied to an outdoor environment without modification.

In general, human body will keep its body temperature constant at 37 0.5under

different climatic conditions (Ogulata, 2007; Cengel, 2006) although human thermal

comfort is subjective.
https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/standard-55https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/standard-55


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3.1 Factors Affecting Thermal Comfort

Factors that affect thermal comfort are based on meteorological variables and human

factors. Meteorological variables include air temperature, air humidity, solar radiation and

wind speed, whereas human factors include metabolic rates and clothing insulation. Each

individual experiences these sensations differently based on his or her state and

physiology.

The table below shows the optimum data for meteorological variables in achieving

thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.

Meteorological Variables Optimum Data

Air Temperature 25 to 30C

Air Humidity 70% to 90%

Solar Radiation Average 7 hours of sunlight

Wind Speed 6km/h to 8km/h

On the other hand, human factors do not have optimum data for both metabolic rate and

clothing insulation.


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Metabolic rate fluctuate due to different activity level of each individual at outdoor spaces.

ASHRAE Standard 55 has provided a list of met rates for different activities. The common

values are 1.0 met for a seated position, 1.2-1.4 met for light activities standing, 2.0 met

or more for activities that involve movement and walking. Food and beverages intake

does influence metabolic rate by indirectly causing a change in thermal preferences as

well.

Clothing insulation is defined as the amount of thermal insulation worn by a person and

this will have impact on thermal comfort because it influences heat loss and also thermal

balance of the individual. In this case study, the more the layers of clothing insulation, the

greater the insulating ability will occur, and this leads to a higher probability of human

discomfort. 1 clo equals to 0.155 mK/W (0.88 Ffth/Btu). This corresponds to trousers,

long sleeved shirts and jackets.


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4.0 Strategies in Achieving Outdoor Thermal Comfort

4.1 Building Orientation

Building orientation determines solar radiation received from the sun. East and

west facing walls receive highest intensities in the equatorial location and

consistently large intensities. In this resort, solar heat gain is avoided by placing

longer length of facade in Phase 1 and shorter length of facade in Phase 2.

The table below shows the solar heat gain per square meter of the wall area of the

east and west facades at the latitude of 3 degree N (latitude of Malaysia).

June 216 7 8 9 10 11 12 am - East facing

6 5 4 3 2 1 -- pm - West facing

Heat gain 1.24 2.2 2.4 2.2 1.66 0.94 0.5 MJ/m

Solar elevation angle 11 23 36 49 63 76 85 Degree

December 216 7 8 9 10 11 12 am - East facing

6 5 4 3 2 1 -- pm - West facing

Heat gain 0 0.12 1.84 2.02 1.56 0.78 0.29 MJ/m

Solar elevation angle - 1 13 23 31 37 39 Degree

(Source: Comfortable Low Energy Architecture, 2000)


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Based on the data shown, heat gain occurs between 6.00a.m to 10.00a.m on east

walls, and 2.00p.m to 6.00p.m on west walls when the sun is positioned lower in

the sky. Thus, the east and west walls are the sources of heat gain and therefore

the building orientation has been considered for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the

resort.

S

Site Plan of Belum Rainforest Resort

Longer length of facade is placed in Phase 1 as the morning sunlight is still within

comfortable range of temperature due to the high air humidity but on the other

hand, evening sunlight requires shorter length of facade as the solar radiation is

stronger together with the low air humidity.


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

on a summer da at mid-latitudes.

The graphs below show that much more radiation falls on the horizontal surface of

the building, which is the rooftop that is unavoidable, and solar exposure of

building will be in the morning and afternoon as mentioned.

(Source: Comfortable Low Energy Architecture, 2000)


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4.2 Overhangs

Overhangs are necessary in this resort as natural shadings could not be apply for all of

the outdoor spaces. Overhangs help to minimize direct heat gain as sunlight is prevented

from penetrating to the visitors although they stay outside of the resort.

Overhangs for Phase 2 Resort


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As a rule of thumb, eaves width should be 45% of the height from the window sill to the

bottom of the eaves. The 45% rule is met by following the standard eaves overhangs as

shown below.

Height from Window Sill to

Bottom of Eaves

Size of Overhang

450mm 900-1200mm

600mm 1200-1350mm

900mm 1350-2100mm

1200mm 2100-2700mm

Eave width has to be based on the height from window sill to bottom of the eave.

In this resort, the eaves overhangs have simply met the requirement. But then, overhangs

should have been increased up to 50% of height for full shading to ensure that visitors are

all within comfortable thermal range as the penetration of sunlight can be minimized.


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Garden at Phase 1 Resort

Interior Court ard at Phase 2 Resort

4.3 Natural Features

Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water

vapour from trees that helps in reducing the air temperature at the resort. This happen at

the garden and interior courtyard of the resort.


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Shrubs along the Pathway that leads to

Phase 2 Resort

Wall Vines and Ground Cover at

Phase 2 Resort

Furthermore, shrubs, wall vines and ground cover insulate heat and reduce reflected heat

radiation.

Natural features reduce the surrounding temperature up to 5C as cool air settles near

the ground. The released of water vapour from plants increases the air humidity, one of

the factors of thermal comfort and this helps in achieving thermal comfort at outdoor

spaces.


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High Canopy of Trees along the Pathway

Shading

Plants provide shade and act as windbreaks. Deciduous trees with high, spreading

leaves and branches have been planted to the south of the resort to maximize roof

shading. Trees with crowns lower to the ground are planted to the west as this is more

appropriate as shading is needed from lower afternoon sun angles. Trees with high

canopies can be seen at the resort as these trees are essential for shading at large area

of the outdoor spaces, such as pathways in between the resort.


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Vegetated Roofing

Vegetated roofing is used for pathways that leads to the open air spaces. The use of

vegetation on the glass roof helps in natural treatment and reducing airborne

contaminants in micro climatic condition. Visitors do feel more comfortable as the outdoor

air quality is freshly maintained.

Vegetated roofing also provides a buffer between ambient temperature and roof

insulation, which reduces the fluctuation in high and low daily temperature and also the

rate of change in temperature. The use of vegetation on top of it helps in shading and 3C

lower temperature compared to roofs with no vegetation. This feature slows down the

perspiration process of visitors as they stay outdoor.


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The use of Timber Skinning for Phase 1 Resort

The use of Timber Cladding for Phase 2 Resort

4.4 Natural Materials

Night cooling makes use of the storage of sensible heat in the building facade. Night

cooling helps in storing thermal energy in the daytime by absorbing heat at the material

surface and release the heat at evening or night as that period of time has cooler air.

Lightweight materials require smaller thermal mass compared to heavyweight

ones(concrete). Thus, lightweight materials are widely used in this resort to ensure that

heat is released to the air at evening and night.


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The use of Bamboo Cladding for Reception

The use of natural materials prevents heavy construction at the resort to ensure that the

air quality is controlled at its satisfaction point. This helps to minimize air pollution through

material selection as heavyweight materials(concrete and bricks) causes greater site

impact. Lightweight materials provides easier installation and the building facade blends

well with the surrounding context. High air quality ensures that the air temperature and

the air humidity are constantly within the comfortable range without any side effect of

construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 resort.


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Water Stream along the Walkway

Water Ponds at Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resorts

4.5 Water Features

Water Ponds

By using water ponds, the environment temperature will be reduced in the hot climate.

Water ponds has been used as linear expressions and streams along the walkways at the

resort to produce water cooling effect through evaporation. Water features at the resort

help in improving air humidity as water molecules evaporate to the air throughout the day.

The low air humidity will then decrease air temperature of the surrounding spaces.


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Sea Breeze Principle

Source: (Vaughan, 2006)

Temenggor Lake

Temenggor Lake

Temenggor lake has over 70 kilometers in length, 5 kilometers wide and 120 meters deep

is surrounded at the west side of the resort. The large area of the lake applies the sea

breeze principle. This principle occurs as wind develops over the large volume of water

near the landscape as there is a difference in air pressure due to different heat capacity of

land and lake. The cooler air above the lake, and also higher pressure, will then flow

towards the resort area into a lower pressure that creates a cooler breeze near the resort.

Thus, the hot air at the resort area will rise, and replaced by the cool air from the lake.

This enhances the thermal comfort of the visitors by reducing microclimatic air

temperature.


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5.0 Effectiveness of Thermal Comfort at Outdoor Spaces

Strategies applied at the resort do not mean that the outdoor thermal comfort is pleased

to each individual as thermal comfort is highly subjective as mentioned earlier. Thus,

questionnaire is conducted at the resort to obtain reliable data on the effectiveness of the

human thermal comfort at outdoor spaces.

5.1 Methodology

Questionnaire is conducted with the participation of 50 visitors at the resort by using

Human Sensation Thermal Comfort Scale as a guideline for the effectiveness ofthermal

comfort at outdoor spaces for visitors. EnergyPlus, a thermal analysis tool that allows the

researchers to determine whether the environmental control strategy will be sufficient for

human to achieve thermal comfort. Researchers have been conducted in various ways to

predict thermal sensation of human based on meteorological, personal and physiological

factors that influence human thermal comfort. Based on the research done by

researchers, mathematical models are developed, and it is able to simula te humans

thermal response to the environment. (EnergyPlus, 2013)

Thermal comfort prediction models included the use of Seven Point Thermal Sensation

Scale and Nine Point Thermal Sensation Scale. In this questionnaire, seven point thermal

sensation scale is chosen as the available choices for nine point thermal sensation scale

just added very hot and very cold thermal scale, which is not necessary in this study.


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The table below shows Seven Point Thermal Sensation Scale that has been prepared for

the conduction of questionnaire.

Value Thermal Scale

3 Hot

2 Warm

1 Slightly Warm

0 Neutral

-1 Slightly Cool

-2 Cool

-3 Cold

The participation of 50 visitors have chosen their respective value of thermal comfort at

Belum Rainforest Resort.

The use of Seven Point Thermal Sensation Scale applies energy exchange mechanisms

together with the experimentally derived physiological parameters in order to predict

thermal sensation as well as the physiological response of each individual based on their

environment.


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5.2 Subjective Reviews

By the end of the questionnaire, the concern encountered with the question Does the

strategies used at Belum Rainforest Resort achieve optimum human thermal comfort?

The method in categorization of thermal comfort is shown in the table below.

Value Thermal Scale Thermal Comfort

3 Hot Very Uncomfortable

2 Warm Just Uncomfortable

1 Slightly Warm Just Uncomfortable

0 Neutral Neutral

-1 Slightly Cool Just Comfortable

-2 Cool Just Comfortable

-3 Cold Very Comfortable

Result

Subjective reviews from the 50 participants can be shown in the table below.

Thermal Comfort Number of Participants

Very Uncomfortable 3

Just Uncomfortable 5

Neutral 8

Just Comfortable 32

Very Comfortable 2


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Analysis

Based on the result obtained, the effectiveness of thermal comfort at outdoor spaces is

achieved through building strategies together with the help of the environment. This can

be reflected by the result shown in the table above, as most of the participants felt

comfortable at Belum Rainforest Resort. However, a number of participants felt

uncomfortable due to personal health conditions. This again proves that human

discomfort does happen due to human factors.

Architects tried to achieve human comfort in Belum Rainforest Resort although they

understand that the fact that human factors could not be predicted nor avoided.


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6.0 Conclusion

By the end of this study, it has come to a conclusion that the effectiveness of thermal

comfort at outdoor spaces is achieved. This study has also emphasized that outdoor

thermal comfort is able to achieve as the strategies in architecture have been used wisely.

In designing and planning for tropical climate in Malaysia, architects do have to ensure

that protection against heat and provide adequate cooling for human for both indoor and

outdoor spaces. This study has came up with a reference for future development for

either Belum Rainforest Resort or architecture building development in general.

Ultimately, enhancing architecture and environmental diversity can influence thermal

perception.


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7.0 References

Alireza, M., Klaus, R. (2013). The Dependence of Outdoor Thermal Comfort on Urban Layouts. 1st ed.

Berlin: Universittsverlag der TU Berlin.

Caitlin, M. (2013). Shading. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading.

[Last Accessed 8 November 2014].

Comfortable Low Energy Architecture (2011). Building Orientation. [ONLINE] Available at:

http://www.new-learn.info/packages/clear/thermal/buildings/configuration/building_orientation.html. [Last

Accessed 8 November 2014].

Energy.Gov (2012). Landscaping For Shade. [ONLINE] Available at:

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/landscaping-shade. [Last Accessed e.g. 8 November 2014].

Keith, D.R. (2009). The Case for Contextualism. 1st ed. United States: Oxford University Press Inc.

Ken, P. (2003). Human Thermal Environments: The Effects of Hot, Moderate and Cold

Environments on Human Health, Comfort and Performance.Second Edition. Library of

Congress Cataloging. London.

Masoomeh, M., Mohammajavad, M. (2011).Architecture in Context - Inspiration of Contextualism in

Architectural Designing. Academic World Education & Research Center. Iran.

Russell, H. (2009). Studying Thermal Comfort in Context. Building Research and Information.37(1), pp.

89-94 Abingdon. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Tsuyoshi, H. (2009). Thermal Comfort in Outdoor Environment.1st ed. Japan.

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