Environmental Issues - Sustainable Architecture

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSES ?
Environmental responses was the relative between natural organisms and
ecology system. So the basic interest of ecologist interact with their environmental . Non-living objects normally do not ―interact‖ with others objects.
It will simply acted upon by force of environment .
Organisms cannot totally passive within a chain of events and they still sustain life .
In a sense, life represent reversal.
In the order of universe , everything will balance back in physical and chemical reaction proceed .
Living system + organisms + Respond in various ways
the physical forces of an ever-changing environment and interrelationships
with other living organisms of the world
The organisms can determine what it can do but environment determines
what it actually does and to what degree (Greulach & Adams, 1962).
Organism responses can be described under four different categories:


morphological,



physiological,



behavioural,



community relations.

2
Environmental
Response

Morphological

Physiological

The form that an organism takes—termed its life-form—
encompasses all of the structural aspects that make that species
describable and unique. By morphological adaptations is meant
the structural feature or features (called traits) that allow an organism to live successfully in its habitat; traits that have evolved
over a (usually long) period of time as a consequence of the process of natural selection.

Physiology is the study of biochemical functions
of living organisms.

Natural selection can result in Directional Selection or Disruptive selection
Directional Selection is when individuals at one end of the distribution do well and the other doesn‘t. .
Disruptive selection is when there is an intermediate that does not
do as well as the individuals on the other sides of the distribution.

Whereas morphology (discussed above) is essentially about anatomy and structure, physiology is
largely about processes.

2
Environmental
Response

However, the two are so interlinked in any organism that one cannot really be discussed without consideration of the other.
As already noted, physiological processes must proceed the growth of
morphological traits.
And a physiological response, such as an increase in blood pressure, results from short-term mechanical changes in the anatomy of the heart and
arteries.
Put another way, the shape and structure of a heart is a morphological trait;
the pumping of blood—the function of the heart organ—is a physiological
activity.
Muscle contractions are mechanical actions resulting from biochemical
signals and changes. One cannot occur without the other.

Behavioural
Behavioral responses to environmental factors can be observed as movements of
one sort or another.
We say that "behavior" is the way an organism "acts"—what activities it "does".
Complex behaviors controlled by cognitive processes evolved from simple response behaviors, the understanding of which provides a basis for understanding
how behavior confers survivability on an organism

2

Problem of the environment
Global warming has a great impact on biodiversity distribution and abundance.
Increase of the world temperature in 1 °C
The Responses from the Environment
Iceberg melt
Flooding
Extreme Climate
Tsunami
And etc……...
Processes and patterns of the climate influence behavioral
and physiological response of organisms, their productivity, relative competitive abilities of species, birth, growth,
and death rates, nutrient cycling, decomposition, net primary production, and community structure of populations.
Reason
The increase of the CO2 (Carbon dioxide )
Green house gases .

Environmental
Response

Environmental response Theories
1.Bio-mimicry design
2.Bio-Climate design
3.Tropical design
4.Ecology design
5.Sustainable Architecture
6.Green Architecture

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Environmental
response theories

Biomimicry/Biomimetic Architecture
Definition
Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human
challenges by emulating nature‘s time-tested patterns and strategies. Biological
organisms are the consummate engineers, chemists, and materials scientists of the
planet. They‘ve figured out what works within the same constraints as humans and
they‘ve come up with elegant designs to face the same challenges that we face. So
biomimicry is learning from and emulating nature to solve life‘s pressing challenges, and by emulating we mean emulating form, emulating processes, and emulating natural systems.

Characteristic






Design inspiration by nature organisms for unconventional forms and
symbolism
Able to connect human problem and find solution from the natural environment
Make design more sustainable and environmental friendly

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Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

Biomimicry/Biomimetic Architecture
Advantages




Organisms have evolved to be very efficient in adapting
Organisms are also great with multi-functionality
Sustainable and environmental friendly

Disadvantages





Limitation in scientific understanding
Biological research must be conducted to identify the relevance to
a design context
Human design might not achieve the maximum potential

2
Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

2

Case Study 1

Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

Snail biomimetic architecture

How desert snails survive high temperatures: The surface of the shell is
highly reflective, resulting in 95% reflectance within the near infrared,
90% in the visible spectrum (a). While the maximum air temperature
might reach 43 °C (109 °F) ,surface temperatures can reach 65 °C (149 °
F). However, shading and the rough surface of the soil results in a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) (d). During the heat of the day, the snail retreats
into an upper whorl where the temperature is an even cooler 50 °C (122 °
F) (b). Heat flows in the direction of lower temperature, result in heat
flow through the shell, with resultant decrease higher in the shell (c).

Case Study 2

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Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

Termite den = Office building
Termite dens look otherworldly, but they are surprisingly comfortable places to live. While the temperature outside swings wildly throughout the
day from lows in the 30s to highs over 100, the inside of a termite den holds steady at a comfortable (to a termite) 87 degrees.
Mick Pearce, architect of Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, studied the cooling chimneys and tunnels of termite dens. He applied those lessons to the 333,000 square-foot Eastgate Centre, which uses 90 percent less energy to heat and cool than traditional buildings. The building has
large chimneys that naturally draw in cool air at night to lower the temperature of the floor slabs, just like termite dens. During the day, these
slabs retain the coolness, greatly reducing the need for supplemental air conditioning.

Case Study 3

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Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

Vertebrae Staircase by Andrew McConnell
Inspired by the spine of a whale, the Vertebrae Staircase is not simply mimicry of organic form but an exploration in shaping structure. Much
of the design work went into refining the single component, or vertebra, that mate with each other creating a unified spine running from floor
plate to floor plate. These interlocking vertebrae create a rigid and self-supporting structure.

Comment
Biomimetic architecture is not commonly implemented in Malaysia due to some limitation in technology and research. Despite being one of the best innovative design method, it requires deep scientific research on the particular organism in order to achieve the maximum potential of the biomimetic element. Then, those biological researches also lead to huge amount of costs and time yet no
guarantee in the result.
Biomimetic architecture is not only limited in term of technology, there is also very less implementation in term of education. Thus most of the students do not have the chance to carry out any depth
scientific research on biomimicry and lead to the low awareness and application in this field.
At last but not least, profit and construction duration are more concerned rather than the sustainability of the building. Thus, most developer prefer traditional construction method instead of putting in
more time and effort to achieve green building by applying biomimicry.
In a nutshell, I would say that biomimetic architecture should be largely implemented or applied in
the future because the natural organisms had survived in this environment for more than thousands
of years and able to adapt due to different biomimetic features.

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Environmental
response theories
2.1 Bioclimatic

Bioclimatology




2
Environmental
response theories

relationship between climate and living organisms

2.2 Bioclimatic

part of sustainability

study of relationship between climate
and living organisms towards
sustainable architecture

balance

form and
fabric of building to match human and climate
factors to optimize climate response


reducing ecological footprint



Improve quality of life

Aim
balanced approach

modern approach

MODERN APPROACH
LEVER HOUSE New York City , by SOM


Seminal glass-box in International
Style Curtain wall skyscraper,
completely sealed with no
operating windows.



Blue-green glass façade
deteriorated due to harsh
weather condition



Mullions and caps became rusted



Air-conditioned office tower



Restoration started from 1998

BALANCED APPROACH
MENARA MESINIAGA Subang Jaya, by Ken Yeang

“Buildings will need to be designed not as
high-energy polluting open systems but as
mimetic urban ecosystems that relate their
inputs, outputs and operations within the
context and carrying capacities of the
ecosystems in the biosphere..."
- By Ken Yeang



IBM building , adapt to the
environment as living being.



North + South facades, curtain wall
glazing is used to maximize
daylighting



East + Weat facades, aluminium finds
and louvers provide sun shading.



Sliding doors allow occupants to
control natural ventilation.



Skycourt, vertical landscaping and
natural ventilated core.



Suggested that air-conditioner was
not needed.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

“Climate responsive design of buildings is important not only because
of the comfort

and energy saving implications for its users, but also because it helps

preserve valuable resources in our planet”
(La Roche, P.,Liggett, R, 2001)

rate of change in level of climate variability
increase, human need to adapt.

adopt passive cooling
air-conditioner as “solution” deplete fuel

match human and environmental needs

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

Considerations
2

Input

measures to design

Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic



low impact mobility



sustainable materials and water



renewable energy systems



regenerating ecological value



enhanced passive systems through
integration of microclimate and
active systems

Output measures from design


comfort and well-being of the occupants
(social & economic)



building lifecycle and its infrastructure
(reduced environmental impacts and cost)

climatic zone

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

lightweight

elevated

well
ventilated

linear form

one
room deep

Recommended
characteristic

Strategy

1
2
3
4
5

General characteristic of the project
(geometry and proportion of form / space)
- characteristic, form, and interior design are determined by the external
environment
- use of natural resource - The building must maximizing the use of favourable
environmental resources.

Specific characteristic of architectural components
- thermal capacity, insulation, shades, green roof
- reaction of materials during different weather condition

Zoning (Internal organization of the functional program or climate, soils,
animal adaptation, vegetation, diversity and human effects)
- Climate Zoning: Cool, temperate, hot and humid & hot and arid
- macro-condition, humidity, airflow, rainfall and temperature,

Passive strategies aiming at taking advantages of natural resources and
phenomena
- Natural resource such as solar radiation, wind pattern and stack ventilation.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

o
r
i
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n

family

living

dining

N

family

living

dining

S

North-facing rooms

South-facing rooms

The main living spaces such as living, family and dining
rooms should be north facing where possible.

The main living spaces such as living, family and dining
rooms should be north facing where possible.

Conditions referring to May-August period:

Conditions referring to November-February period:



have good daylight most of the day



have good daylight most of the day



have solar gain for most of the day throughout the year



have solar gain for most of the day throughout the year

bedroom

drying yard

West-facing rooms

W

As west-facing rooms get low-angle, late afternoon sun, they usually require
some shading to prevent overheating and excessive glare, particularly during
the summer


have good afternoon daylight



can overheat in the late afternoon for much of the year



may require vertical shading to prevent excessive overheating and glare in the
afternoon



provide good direct solar gain for thermal mass heating of living spaces in the evening.



suitable as a living area in households where occupants are away from home during

http://www.level.org.nz/passive-design/location-orientation-and-layout/room-layout/

kitchen

breakfast

bedroom

E

East-facing rooms
suited as kitchen and breakfast areas as they can
benefit from early morning solar gain throughout the
year and will be cooler in the late afternoon when
evening meal preparation takes place.


have good morning light



have solar gain in the morning throughout the year to
provide initial warming



will be cooler in the late afternoon.

2
Environmental
response theories

CASE STUDY

2.2 Bioclimatic

( Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Residential house )
Malaysia has the same climate throughout the year which is uniform temperatures, high humidity, light winds and heavy rainfall. Malaysia has an average
temperature of around 26.7ºC. Hence, design aims for this climate are to reduce internal temperatures, maximize ventilation rates and provide

protection from sun, rain and insects.
Sunway Rahman Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
City: Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Building type: Row house, two storey
Year of contsruction: 2003
Architect: Dr. Ar. Tan Loke Mun
Lot size: 240sqm(26 × 95 feet) to 265 sqm (28 × 95 feet)
Built up areas: from 340 sqm to 450 sqm

Description:
No industrial area in the vicinity. 30minutes away from the city centre so it has low air, noise and traffic pollution. Surrounded by hills, parks and tree-lined avenues provide
green spaces. The courtyard concept allows natural ventilation and daylighting to enter the houses. The garden terraces and courtyards provide a visual and physical link to
the interior spaces.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

Material uses:
Walls reinforced concrete structure with plastered brick infill walls.
Roof sloped to facilitate water drainage (hardwood timber trusses with clay roofing tiles)
floor has polished porcelain marble tiles that provide a cooling effect on the feet.
floor timber parquetry on family room and bedrooms.

Bioclimatic housing solution: ( Passive and low energy design strategy )
Cross-ventilation and stack ventilation is used by the stairwell.
Solar energy used for daylighting and hot water system for bathroom.
Wider frontages (average row house frontage is between 6 and 7m) to encourage more cross-ventilation,
first floor plan

ground floor plan

daylighting and more comfortable internal spaces.

Internal courtyard and stairwell produces stack ventilation and daylighitng as well.

Reference: Hyde. R. Bioclimatic Housing: Innovative Designs For Warm Climates. United Kingdom, Trowbridge: Cromwell Press, 2008. Ebook.

factors of
The variables

COMFORT

2
Environmental
response theories

that affect heat dissipation from the

2.2 Bioclimatic

body (thus also thermal comfort) can be grouped into three sets:

environmental

- PLEA-NOTE-3-THERMAL-COMFORT

personal

contributing factors



air temperature



metabolic rate (activity)



food and drink



air movement



clothing



acclimatization



humidity



body shape



radiation



subcutaneous fat



age and gender



state of health

MAINTAINING

RELATIVE HUMIDITY
To avoid mould growth and dust mites the RH level is
recommended to be kept at below

50 per cent.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

Providing
adequate
ventilation and
and focus
with
sources
of humidity,
Providing
adequate
ventilation
focuson
onareas
areas
with
sources
of humidity, e.g.
e.g. bathrooms
and kitchens.
bathrooms
and kitchens.


VENTILATION
INSULATION
AVOIDING
CONSIDERING
“strategies for sustainable architecture”

moisture
producedininaahouse
house of
to to
10.43
kiloskilos
per day
The The
moisture
produced
of four
fourcan
canamount
amount
10.43
per day
(Oreszczyn and Pretlove 2000)
(Oreszczyn and Pretlove 2000)




insulating well and avoiding cold-bridging



avoiding the use of materials conducive to mould growth and harbouring dust
mites (e.g. carpets)



considering using hygroscopic materials (e.g. unfired clay, timber, natural fibres, cork)
finished with permeable finishes (e.g. wax) to avoid sealing the hygroscopic materials



considering using vapour-permeable wall constructions that allow excessive vapour
to escape the building

S
U
M
M
A
R
Y

CLIMATE ZONING CHART
CLIMATE ZONING

REQUIREMENT

HOT HUMID
(TROPICAL)

HOT ARID

TEMPERATE
(MODERATE)

COLD

HIGH VENTILATION

VENTILATION &
EVAPORATIVE
COOLING

HEATING &
MODERATE
VENTILATION

HEATING & LESS
VENTILATION

ANNUAL SOLAR
RADIATION

1500-2100

>1900

1500-1900

<1500

BUILDING LAYOUT

OPEN LAYOUT +
COURTYARD

COURTYARD +
FAN

COURTYARD IN
RURAL HOUSING

NO COURTYARD +
SOUTH SLOPING

FACTOR OF HUMAN
STANDARD EFFECTIVE
TEMPERATURE (SET) IN
CELCIUS

AIR MOVEMENT (M/S)

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

COMFORT

17.5 - 14.5

22.5 - 25.6

30.0 - 34.5

>37.5

COOL

COMFORT

WARM & UNCOMFORTABLE

VERY HOT

<0.25

0.25-0.50

0.50-1.00

>37.5

UNNOTICED

PLEASANT

AWARENESS OF
AIR MOVEMENT

ANNOYINGLY
DRAUGHTY

100%

80%

BELOW 50%
ABOVE 20%

BELOW 20%

CONDENSATION
OCCUR

SWEAR PRODUCED,
AIR IS SATURAD

IDEAL

EVAPORATE
VIGROUSLY FAT

2
Environmental
response theories
2.2 Bioclimatic

Tropical Design
Tropical Design is not an established architectural style, but a collective description of architecture and interior design in tropical countries, it is
all about achieving thermal comfort through the
use of passive design elements like sunshades,
overhangs and even shading from large trees to
block the sun. It can look very traditional, ultramodern or even high-tech.

Characteristics of Tropical Country


Hot



Moist



High animal diversity



High vegetation diversity



Minimise east and west wall surface areas and avoid windows
on east and western walls







Windows should be shaded from the sun and protected from
rain

Environmental
response theories

The building should be engineered to withstand cyclones

2.3 Topical Design

Tall trees on north and south shade roof (minimise mid-height
foliage to let breeze through for naturally ventilated houses).
Consider leaving half roof un-shaded if solar panels are to be
used.

Design for Natural Ventilation


Considerations




Using lighter, more reflective colours (or zinc alum)
on roofs and walls





Eg. timber — will not store much heat
and release heat quickly



cross ventilation

Maximise the area of windows opening
catch the breeze and can be left open in wet
conditions





ie louvres, casements or awning windows

should be shaded from the sun and protected from rain.





Use orientation and shading
to eliminate direct sun
Insulate the eastern and
western walls (eg. plant
trees)

Long narrow floor plan


Use lightweight materials
for the walls and roof


2



Orientation


catch the breeze



minimise sun on east and west walls

Vegetation


cool the air passing through the house.

Roof space ventilation draws the
heat out (stack ventilation).
High indoor ceiling
—

ventilation mesh above

Rise on stilts.

avoid from dangerous wild animal such as snakes and tiger

avoid floor

exposed concrete on ground
outside the house heats the air

2
Environmental
response theories
2.3 Topical Design

Wooden Skin (louver)


envelops the gallery



act as railing



provide privacy and view



provide ventilation and shadow

Tropical House / Camarim Architects, Brazil (2008)
A holiday house in tropical design.

Case Study
Tropical House / Camarim Architects
Architects: Camarim Architects
Project Location: Mundau, State of Ceara, Brazil
Project Architects: Vasco Correia & Patricia Sousa
Site area: 2,400 sqm
Floor Area: 400 sqm
Project Completion: 2008

Suspended Roof


shelter the house



collect rain water

Third Floor


Design Process

3.2m high open able glass panel

Main Material


precast perforated concrete
panels




provide ventilation

wood

ECOLOGY DESIGN
Ecological design is defined by Sim Van der Ryn and Stuart Cowan as "any form
of design that minimizes environmentally destructive impacts by integrating
itself with living processes." Ecological design is an integrative ecologically responsible design discipline.
For centuries, humans have chosen to force their natural environments to conform to their
wants and desires. This attitude of transformation rather than conformation has led to a host of
problems. Buildings and other structures are built without consideration of their environments.
This leads to inefficient energy use, pollution, and water shortages. Ecological design seeks to
conform to the environment and substantially reduce energy consumption. By carefully considering the impact the natural environment has on a structure, it is possible to utilize the environment to improve overall energy consumption and quality of life.
Technology has improved, but energy-efficient
appliances can only do so much. In order to be
truly environmentally sound, a building must incorporate ecological design principles from the
ground up. Architects that focus on ecological
design when designing a building will plan to
minimize land use, conserve heat during the winter and cool the home during the summer, reduce
pollutants, and use landscaping to blend into the
natural landscape.

DIFFERENCES
Water treatment plant Grimshaw Croton—Inspired by the water lily, this design in New York
State for a water treatment plant by Grimshaw Architects draws lessons from nature. He said the
design‘s concept was influenced by the water lily: ―A water lily catches rainwater as it falls,
filters it for its own use, and returns the excess to the pond below.
These terms, commonly employed in Europe in place of sustainable, put the emphasis upon the
biological wellbeing of planet Earth. In architecture eco is used, on the one hand, to signal concern over the impact material extraction and manufacture has upon biodiversity, and on the other,
is employed as a modelling tool on the assumption that human systems should mirror biological
ones. In this context ideas like ‗Cradle to Cradle‘ and ‗biomimicry‘ have migrated into architectural design from the ecological or natural sciences.
One benefit of the term ecological is its quasi-scientific basis. Buildings are systems of resource use, recycling and waste. Ecology allows us to understand the complexity of decision
making from a green perspective. The growth in sustainability accounting methods (such as
BREEAM and LEED) owes much to habitat analysis in the natural world.

2

CHARACTERISTICS
Land Use
Incorporating a home into the natural flow of the
land has many benefits. Not only is the home aesthetically pleasing, it uses less energy to heat and
cool.

Environmental
response theories
2.4 ECOLOGY DESIGN

Incorporating Solar Into Overall Design
Ecological design takes advantage of the sun‘s energy. Even without installing solar panels, the sun‘s
energy can be used to heat the home. By simply,
orienting a building so that the most used rooms
face south, designers can take advantage of the
sun‘s energy to heat a building.
Use of Sustainable Building Materials
Ecological design utilizes sustainable building materials that minimally affect the environment. Reused building materials are preferable, but using
sustainable materials such as bamboo rather than
old growth hardwoods is also environmentally friendly.
Incorporating Traditional Regional Design Elements Wind energy zone
Prior to the popularization of HVAC systems, buildings were designed to take advantage of the sun and wind to heat and cool a home. Ecological design often makes
use of the same design principles that were in use at the turn of 20th century. Many
examples of local ecological design principles can be found by examining older
homes in the region.
Waste Reduction
Using energy efficient appliances can help to reduce a building‘s overall energy consumption. The installation of low flow toilets and showerheads, as well as dual
plumbing, will conserve water.
Landscaping
A building should be aesthetically pleasing. A structure that incorporated ecological
design elements will also attempt to make the surrounding landscaped area conform
to the natural landscape. By incorporating indigenous plants into landscape design,
ecological design professionals reduce the need for expensive and potentially wasteful irrigation systems.

ECOLOGY DESIGN

2

CASE STUDY
ECOLOGICAL CHILDREN ACTIVITY AND EDUCATION CENTER
Architects: 24H > architecture
Location: Koh Kood Island, Thailand
The Children Activity and Learning Centre, which will provide visiting children a wide range of
entertaining activities as well as raise the level of ecological awareness with them.

Ecological idea:
1. Use of Sustainable Building Materials
Main materials: Bamboo(exterior)
-Strength and Durability: Bamboo is heartier than oak and stronger than steel. It is flexible and
lightweight, and is water-resistant, minimizing the risk for warping.
-Affordability: It is easily grown and harvested, making it one of the most cost effective construction materials available.

Environmental
response theories
2.4 ECOLOGY DESIGN

POSTFOSSIL ECOWOODBOX KINDERGARTEN
Architects: Despang Architekten
Location: 1950s suburban area in the city
of Hannover

The first kindergarten in the city to meet the
rigorous requirements of passive energy
house standards, where the design of the
Ecological idea:
1.Land Use
-The Postfossil Ecowoodbox Kindergarten is located
in a typical 1950s suburban area in the city of Hannover, and replaces a prefabricated building from 1969.

.

2. Landscaping

2. Landscaping

-The site is surrounded by tons of bamboo trees and bamboo (a member of the grass family) regenerates very quickly. Thus, construction materials are easier to obtained and it helps to prevent future deforestation efforts.

-The new building occupies almost the same footprint
as the previous structure, making use of the natural
shading of mature trees on the site.

3. Incorporating Traditional Regional Design Elements Wind energy zone

3. Incorporating Solar Into Overall Design

-The design adopts all bioclimatic aspects to suits its humid tropical environment. The open design with the translucent elevated rooftop and setback floors allow a natural airflow inside and
the use of natural daylight, limiting the building‘s energy consumption.

-The structure is a light wooden frame clad in prefabricated 40 cm (15.6 in) thick wall panels with preinstalled and glazed windows. The building facing the south, a curved, fully triple-glazed
facade maximizes solar heat gain.

Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable architecture has bring together environment, social and economic issues into
compact known as "Sustainable‖. It is an architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy,
and development space.

What's the difference between "green," "sustainable" and "energy-efficient?"
Using green building products doesn't necessarily mean that a structure is sustainable or energy efficient. If it's energy efficient, it's not a given that it is sustainable either. The best approach to sustainable architecture, which is also environmentally sensitive and reduces energy use over the life of the building, is to adopt a program designed to meet all objectives.

Why sustainable architecture?

Global warming
Soil Degradation

Rapid Industrialisation
Ozone layer depletion

Pollution

2
Environmental
response theories
2.5 Sustainable Architecture

Benefits of sustainable architecture

- Protect Ecosystem
- Improve Air and water quality

- Optimizes the life cycle of the building

- Reduce waste

- Improve occupants attendance and productivity

- Waste reduction
- Reduce Emissions
- Conserve water
- Conserve natural resources
- Temperature control

- Improve occupants comfort and health
- Minimizes strain on local infrastructure
- Create an aesthetically pleasing environment
- Increases occupants overall morale
- Improves worker productivity

Sustainable architecture - Design Checklist



Reuse or rehabilitation of exist building





Effects on micro-climates





Consideration when select the development site with care

Reduce energy load
Use of renewable energy sources
- e.g. timber from managed forests, rape oil



– Select sites with public transport facilities

Environmental
response theories
2.5 Sustainable Architecture

Use of natural ventilation and natural lighting
- e.g. wind, sun, ground heat

– Select sites with existing or potential links for pedestrians and cyclists


– Select sites with low ecological value

Increase energy efficiency
- Use energy-efficient equipment

– Select sites, the development of which would benefit the community


2

2. Energy

1. SITE

- Provide heating and cooling through energy-efficient mechanical
appliances.

Ways to minimize impact of development
– Protect local natural habitats

- Use energy-efficient lights and appliances

– Enhance existing and introduce new planting

- Set energy design targets and monitor building performance

– Enhance potential for pedestrians and cyclists
– Include food production opportunities where possible

Case study: Thurgoona Campus
Natural ventilation with water cooling



- located in the Murray River valley, lies on 36° latitude
summer the average high temperature is 30°C and the average low night temperature is 14°C
- orientated east–west, maximizing northern heat gains in winter
rely on thermal mass, natural ventilation and night-time cooling
Thurgoona Campus
- Roof overhangs and corrugated metal window shields shade windows from the summer sun
Charles Sturt University, Albury, Victoria, - Insulation within ceiling
- Roof-mounted solar hot water panels circulate water through concrete slabs to provide space heating in
Australia
winter as well as cooling, by dissipating the heat to the clear skies at night, in summer

Client: Charles Sturt University

Architect: Marci Webster-Mannison
Engineers: Advanced Environmental Con-

3. Water
Sustainable architecture should be designed in a way that the building itself can minimize the use of water, and
reduce the amount of black water, grey water, and rain water discharged to a mains sewer system.


Water Efficient Equipment
Toilet

Minimizing the need for water
- Use composting toilets
- Select plants with low watering requirements



Dual flush WCs



Low flush WCs

- Encourage the use of showers instead of baths


Use water efficiently

Low flush WCs have smaller cisterns than standard ones, using lesser water.

- Install water-saving spray or automatic taps on basins and showers.
- Install low or dual flush WCs


- Retrofit existing appliances, e.g. upgrade existing WCs with an efficient flus mechanism or a ―hippo‖ (Heavy duty plastic container that
displaces water) in the cistern, upgrade taps.
- Install irrigation systems , grouping plants by their water requirements
- Install water meters

Vacuum toilets operate with air rather than water can achieve big water savings. They need electricity to run, therefore, the energy use has to be
weighed against the water savings.
Diagram1. Toilet dam and displacement bag

- Educate users and adopt a water–conscious approach.




Waterless toilets
Such as composting toilets, with or without electrical drying, use no or minimal water, and can save up to 40 percent of domestic water use.

Recycle used water
- Install grey water collection
systems from basins, showers
and baths to flush WCs or water
gardens.



Vacuum toilets



Urine separating toilet
Can have as low water use
low and dual flush WCs.

as

Recycle rainwater
- Install a butt to collect rainwater
for gardening
- Install a rainwater recycling
system.



Reduce the use of mains drains
- Install on-site waste water treatment systems

Diagram3. Dual flush WCs
Diagram2. Rainwater harvesting system

- Install a Sustainable Urban Drainage System ( SUD) (e.g. water-absorbent landscaping )

Diagram4. Urine Separating toilet

Urinals


Urinals should be fitted with a person detector that activates the water flush , or with an integrated sensor to activate the flush . Compared to urinal systems that flush six times per hour, savings or over 30,000 litres per year per
urinal can be achieved during unoccupied weekends.



I-litre urinals can save more than 65 per cent of water compared to normal urinals.



Use of recycled and renewable materials



Waterless urinals do not need to be flushed with water. A barrier and seal , which can be made of a number of
materials let urine through , but stop smells coming out . There is less salt build-up and less need for maintenance.
Water saving can be as high as 236,000 litres per urinal per year.



Conservation of natural materials



Low embodied energy materials



No ozone-depleting chemicals



No volatile organic compound materials



Consideration of materials choosing:

Taps


Aerated taps

4. Material

Available for basins and shower, mix water with air, providing a normal water volume without using as much water as non-aerated taps. Aerated shower heads can use 9 liters instead of usual 20 liters per minute. Aerated basin
taps
use 3.6 liters instead of 20 liters per minute. Spray inserts operate in a similar
way.

– the extraction and transport of clay to the brickwork
– the manufacture and transport of ancillary materials
– the extraction and distribution of natural gas for the brick kiln
– the mining and transport of fuels for the generation of electricity for use
in the factory
– the production and transport of raw materials for the packaging

Diagram5. Aerated tap and normal tap


Digram6. Self-closing tap

– the manufacturing and transport of packaging materials for the brick
– the manufacturing of the brick in the brickwork

Flow regulators

– the transport of the bricks to the building site

Limit the amount of water coming out of a tap. The water flow can be set as required.

– the extraction of the sand and production of cement for the mortar
– the building of the brick wall



Automatic basin taps
Equipped with infrared sensor identifies a hand under tap. They will automatically turn off after a set time.

Landscaping
Drought-tolerant species



For example cactus, succulents and eucalyptus reduce watering needs. If a lawn is needed, select a grass species that requires less watering.
Grass that require less watering: Zoysia grass, Bermuda grass, St Augustine grass, Buffalo grass, Bahia grass, Fescues,
etc.


Automatic irrigation
Moisture sensors optimizes the use of water by irrigating only when required.



Hydro zoning
Grouping plants according to their watering needs improves watering efficiencies



Mulching

– the maintenance of the wall, such as painting or repointing

5. Indoor Environmental Quality



Restorative environments



Consider health and safety on the building site.

– Consider including peaceful and restful spaces that help rejuvenate and calm individuals.



Physical comfort levels

– Provide opportunities to enjoy nature.

– Consider the indoor temperature relative to outside temperatures.
– Consider relative humidity levels and their impact on temperature.
– Provide ample natural light and good quality lighting without glare.
– Ensure sound separation between buildings and to the outside and within
buildings.
– Design environmental systems that enable the users to control their environment.


Keeping the living environment pollution-free
– Avoid building boards and other materials containing formaldehyde.

Diagram8. Sources of indoor pollutants

– Use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and finishes or avoid
the use of finishes.
– Avoid materials, such as carpets, that encourage dust mites.
– Consider treating timber only if necessary and using the least toxic treatments possible.

Diagram7. Low VOC paints

– Ventilate spaces sufficiently to avoid a build-up of indoor air pollutants.


Independence and identity
– Create environments that help disadvantaged individuals to be and feel independent.
– Design buildings that demonstrate consideration of all users and their particular requirements.
– Ensure building users are able to personalize and demonstrate ownership of
their building.
– Create environments that enable individuals to grow old comfortably and
without disruption.

6. Operational and maintenance


Reduce require of water



Reduce require of energy



Reduce require of toxic chemical



Reduce require of life-cycle costs

Case study 1 – City of Melbourne Council House Two (CH2) Office Building.
Council House Two, (CH2), a 135,000 square foot project of the City of Melbourne, which houses
several of its agencies, was completed in August 2006. Its architect, Mick Pearce of DesignInc, describes it as harvesting wind, rain, daylight, and night air much like a living organism. Like a living
organism, CH2 interacts with environment to meet its needs. CH2 uses conventional and nonconventional ways of creating energy, water, cooling to use on site. It makes the buildings a very
sustainable one. It has four different modes to suit with different situation, namely day mode, night
mode, winter mode, and summer operational mode.

Diagram9. Day mode

Diagram10. Night mode

Diagram11. Winter mode

Water Conservation
CH2 building has on-site black water and gray water capture and treatment systems , a strategy known as sewer mining. Sewer mining system can treats up to 100,000 litres of wastewater per day, and provide class A water that supplies 100 percent of CH2 ‗s non drinking water for toilet flushing , cooling and irrigation. Not only
that, surplus water is transported off site for use of other buildings, fountains ,street cleaning and irrigation . In
addition , when the fire sprinkler system is tested, the water is captured , recirculated and reused. Rainwater is
harvested for use in irrigation , toilet flushing , and cooling towers. Planters have a soil medium that stores water until the soil needs more moisture.

Diagram12. CH2 Approaches to Sustainable architecture

Diagram14 Deal with sunlight
Diagram13. Angled vertical louvers

Lower floors receive less daylight than upper floors so windows on the north and south
facades are larger on the lower floors than the upper ones. This allows the total amount of
glass to be minimized, reducing energy loss , while maintaining desirable natural light
levels.

Daylight harvesting
Light shelves on north - facing windows help harvest light and control glare. Glare is also controlled using planters on balconies ( which also act as sun shades ) and internal
blinds . Angled vertical louvers ( really functioning as shutters – a tropical climate control strategy ) , made from recycled timber , respond to sun angles with preprogrammed
seasonally appropriate set times. The louvers are powered by photovoltaic ( PVs) and
hydraulically operated with bio based oil .

Indoor Environment Systems

Much of CH2‘s indoor environment control system is expressed on the exterior of the building. The vertical timber louvers, water-shower towers , and wind turbines are highly visible . Supply air ducts are located in the south façade and exhaust shafts on the north façade. Displacement – air ventilation replaces
used air regularly. Indoor planting is healthy and abundant, averaging one plant per worker,. Interior finishes were selected for their low- emitting properties. Regular air quality testing is conducted to monitor
indoor pollutants.
Cooling
Exposed concrete ceilings absorb heat through their thermal mass during the day. Chilled ceilings containing circulated chilled water transfer heat at night and transport it to a phase change material stored in
a series of basement tanks ( in this case , frozen stainless steel balls containing a salt solution make the
entire system a giant thermal storage battery ). Heat is then removed at night through evaporative-cooling
Diagram15. Cooling tower

Diagram16. How Cooling tower works

Heating
Heating is accomplished through an underfloor
hydronic system ( radiant floor ) , and the building also uses radiators and perimeter floor vents
and a raised access floor on a basement level.

Diagram17. Ceiling energy transfer

Diagram18. Passive heating and cooling

Energy Generation
A gas-fired micro turbine cogeneration plant meets 30 per cent of the building‘s needs. Waste heat from the plant heats water for the building‘s occupants. Twenty-three solar panels on the roof
produce about 3.5 kilowatts of electricity, which is enough to power the vertical timber shutters. Six roof-mounted wind turbines generate power and also create an exhaust – air system. The elevators have regenerative braking. Domestic hot water is heated via solar hot-water panels that address 60 percent of the building‘s needs, supplemented by a boiler.


Low energy computing



Solar hot water



Low energy lighting



Solar photovoltaic cells



Electricity from co –generation



Wind turbines



Heat from co-generation



Shower towers



Heat recovery

Commercial building
SITE PLANNING
AND
MANAGEMENT







ENERGY
EFFICIENCY





MATERIALS AND
RESOURCES





WATER
EFFICIENCY






INDOOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY







Reducing transport impacts (locating building site
near to public transport points )
In harmony with nature
Minimize disturb to existing ecology
Use energy efficient products
Optimize energy usage
Use energy efficient electrical product
Design the building in a way to optimize overall
energy usage
Use renewable energy

Residential building



SITE PLANNING AND
MANAGEMENT

Temperature
Humidity
Lighting
Sound proof
Non formaldehyde materials
Low VOC finishes
Controllable environment







MATERIALS AND RESOURCES





Use materials that gone through life cycle
assessment
Use durable material
Use water efficient toilet /taps
Install rain water harvesting system
Collect and utilize grey water







ENERGY EFFICIENCY






WATER EFFICIENCY








OPERATIONAL
AND
MAINTENANCE



Building maintenance

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY







OPERATIONAL AND
MAINTENANCE





Reuse or rehabilitation
With public transport facilities
Protect local natural habitats
New planting
Food production opportunities
Recycle and reuse materials
Natural materials
Low embodied energy materials
No ozone-depleting materials
No volatile organic compound materials
Transportation of materials
Order adequate amount of materials
Renewable energy sources
Natural ventilation
Natural lighting
Energy-efficient equipment
Use water efficient household products
Grey water collection system
Rainwater harvesting system
On-site waste water treatment system
Sustainable urban drainage system
Temperature
Humidity
Lighting
Soundproof
Non formaldehyde materials
Low VOC finishes
Controllable environment
Reduce require of water
Reduce require of energy
Reduce require of toxic chemical
Reduce require of life-cycle costs

Sustainable architecture is a design method that can reduce damage to
environment. Malaysia is a country that rich of sunlight and rainwater.
Thus, buildings in Malaysia should be built as sustainable building to
fully use the existing renewable resources and save the energy usage at
the same time. By following the 6 principles for sustainable architecture,
buildings will be made as an environment friendly organism which minimize impacts but maximize functions.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.5 Sustainable Architecture

References
1.

CH2 Council House How It Works. (2015) (1st ed., pp. 2 - 12). Melbourne. Retrieved from http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Sustainability/CH2/aboutch2/Documents/
CH2_How_It_Works.pdf

2.

Joo-Hwa, B., & Boon-Lay, O. (2006). Tropical Sustainable Architecture (1st ed., pp. 15 - 57). UK: Elsevier Ltd.

3.

Sassi, P. (2006). Stratergies for sustainable architecture (1st ed., pp. 11-253). USA: Taylor & Francis.

4.

Wbdg.org,. (2015). Sustainable | Whole Building Design Guide. Retrieved 16 January 2015, from http://www.wbdg.org/design/sustainable.php

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE:

NIGERIA

Vernacular architecture is a category of architecture based
on local needs, construction materials and reflecting local
traditions. It always influenced by a great range of different
aspects of human behavior and environment which leading
to different building forms for almost every different
context. Local climate is the most significance influence.

2
Environmental
response theories
2.7 Vernacular approaches



The climate is influenced by rain-bearing south-west monsoon wind from the ocean and
dry north-west wind from Sahara Desert



From April to October is the rainy season with rainfall about 1524mm per year



Temperature varies from 28oC to 31oC



Relative humidity is about 80%



High pitched hipped roof with a slope of 20o to 35o to withstand the heavy rainfall



The roof is covered by the corrugated iron roofing sheets which have poor thermal
properties



It has overhang about 50cm to 1m to block the sun radiation



Adobe mud brick is used as the construction material as it has a good insulation to the
heat

The windows and occasionally doors
are shielded from the weather
conditions by the hoods.



The entrance of the building is
well protected from the rain and
sun.



The entrance area will be shielded
by the veranda‘s slab.



Besides, the entrance is deeply recessed.



As a result, it created a deeply
shadowed area.



The frontage of the house become
social purpose and for daily recreation.

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE:

BRAZIL

2
Yanomami tribe architecture
of native americans from
Brazil & Venezuela

16th-17th Schematic drawings of the traditional urban Brazilian vernacular


Hot humid, dry humid across the country



most of the rain falling in the summer (between December and April)
south of the Equator. The Amazon region is notoriously humid, with rainfall generally more than 2,000 mm



Temperatures in the cities of Belo Horizonte and Brasília are moderate,
usually between 15 and 30 °C



Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Salvador on the coast have warm climates, with
average temperatures of each month ranging from 23 to 27 °C



The cities of São Paulo, Curitiba, Florianópolis and Porto Alegre have a
subtropical climate similar to that of southern United States, and temperatures can fall below freezing in winter

A typical jungle hut in Brazilian Amazonia, made of
straw and supported stilt.

Environmental
response theories
2.7 Vernacular approaches

Due to the colonization, Brazil is
linked with Portuguese-imported
models of urban 16th century
houses. The windows and doors
use symmetrical arrangement of
arched openings of almost standardized 1m width. Triple arched
arrangement is favored among
locals. Since the ceilings are high,
openings are stretched longer
thus reveal high-narrow openings. With time, variations of
simple design evolved.

House built in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the 1950s.

House built in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in the 1950s

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE:

THAILAND



Hot and humid, with small seasonal changes throughout the year.



Hot summer months from March to June – high sun angle, high tem-

2
Environmental
response theories

perature, and moderate south wind


Rainy season from July to October – lower temperature, high humidi-

2.7 Vernacular approaches

ty


The rainy season is dominated by the southwest monsoon; the rainfall
in most Thailand is at its heaviest. Sometimes will lead to flood.



Central Thailand has been flooded almost every year for centuries.



Winter month from November to February – lowest sun angle, moderate temperature



Average temperature for a year range from 21°C to 35°C



relative humidity varies from 45 to 95%



The elevated floor also use for day time activities – people experienced
a cool surface temperature at ground level.



The elevated floor also protected from the pests and preys.



The elevated floor prevents the wood structure of the house from directly contact with the dampness floor.



The natural material used as construction materials allow the building to cool down faster.



Natural materials such as grass, thatch, and straw have been used for roofs, which consider as the

The use of bamboo as their floor provides gap which are good for ventilation as it allow the wind that pass through the elevated floor cool the
interior of the building.





Heavy material such as brick masonry and concrete are not used as they
absorb heat, will cause the house to get too warm. Therefore, light

best insulation at that time.


The steep pitch roof – to drain off the heavy rain.



The high roof with vents in the gable will help in ventilate the interior part of the building.



The small side roof or the overhang is design to protect the walls and window from rain and solar
radiation.

material like wood will be suitable.


Houses are randomly arranged. There is no clear geometric lay out and



Raised above flood waters, Thai houses are cool downstairs with the strong
the upstairs will be cool at night.

afternoon sun while

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE:

INDONESIA

2
Environmental
response theories
2.7 Vernacular approaches

 Large roof eaves for effective

sunshading
Rumah BATAK TOBA

Rumah TONGKONAN

 Ventilated roof space helps to

cool the house
 Attap roofing of low thermal ca-

pacity
 Ventilation through roof joint
 Stilted house catches winds of

high velocity
 Fully operable windows allow

ventilation at body level



Building orientation is facing north-south due to influences by Hindu
cosmology



Deflects the dominant orientation of the Sun



Curving and narrow paths between houses provide traffic lane for air
flow and occupants



Lightweight construction using low thermal capacity materials keep
house cool



Open interior spaces with minimal partitions allow good ventilation

A special study to be made on Malay Houses and how the design response to the
environment with focus on natural ventilation.
1.1 Characteristic
Roof








Wood carve

Ventilated roof space helps to cool the
house.



Wood carved panel in Malay house not only for the

2
Environmental
response theories
2. 8 Malay House

purpose of decoration but also act as ventilation devices.

Large roof eaves for effective sun shading
and natural ventilation.



There is 4 type of roof shape used in traditional Malay house.

For example,
A) Lubang angin which is wind holes locate at the higher
level of partition.

The most common roof used is Bumbung
panjang, a long gable roof.
a) Simple gable roof, supported by kingposts.
b) Simple funnel shape, use of ventilation
grilles at its gable ends (tebar layar)
and the use of ventilation joints allow good
ventilation of the roof, space which cools
the house effectively.

B) Kepala pintu which means door head or timber panel above
door.

Big Open Interior Space
 Open

interior spaces with minimal partitions
allow good ventilation in the house.

C) Kepala tingkap which is window head, timber panel above
window.

Window design

Stilted Footing Design

 Fully

open able windows allow ventilation
at body level.



Stilted house catches winds of higher velocity.



Make use of land that might be not suitable for
housing.



Prevent dampness of the wood.



Cool air flow through the space between wooden
floor planks.

Wooden wall

Plan Layout of Traditional Malay house
Material Used


Attap Roof (a thatch made from nipah and other palm trees found in the local
natural vegetation) or low thermal capacity gives good ventilation against heat.



Low window located at serambi guntung allow for
ventilation and good views.



Selang is a path way use to link kitchen and rumah
ibu (core of the house) where it also allowing good

1.1.1 Wood Benefits
1.Thermal
 Change in size and volume (temperature changes).
 Expansion causes decrease in the strength of materials.
2. Acoustic Properties
 Good for sound isolation and sound absorption.
 Prevents echo and noise by absorbing sound (concert
3. Electrical Properties
 Good in electrical insulator
4. Mechanical Properties
 High strength
5. Aesthetic Properties
 As a decorative material
6. Oxidation Properties
 Wood will not rust like metal
7. Working Properties
 Easy to repair and maintain

1.2 Construction Detail

halls)



Use local materials. (Wood ,Bamboo & Atap)



Timber used as main structure. (Beam & Column)



Bamboo used as wall and thatched roof.



Post and lintel structures in construction.

Construction details showing enhanced ventilation of
the roof space


Air which has passed through a double roof space
should not be allowed to enter the living zone (e.g.
discharged towards a verandah), as this air will be
much hotter than the normal outdoor air.

Placement of ceiling horizontally or along the roof slope

1.1.2 Three main issues of wooden
construction
1. Water damage
 Wood is naturally a very porous material.
 It has lots of tiny holes, so, in the presence of water it can suck of water like a sponge.
 The moisture can cause the wood to swell.
 This cycle of expanding and shrinking can weaken the wood and cause it to crack.
2. Household pests
 Unwanted invaders into your home like termites and rodents can destroy your wood.
 Termites feed on wood and sometimes it‘s hard to know that they are there until it‘s too late.
 Mice can gnaw on and claw at wood surfaces.
3. Mold and mildew
 Mold will grow almost anywhere, if enough moisture, enough food (wood, concrete, other
organic matter), enough air and moderate temperatures are present.
 This can lead to serious respiratory problems, especially in children, asthmatics or
frail
individuals.
1.1.3. Minimizing the Problems of Wood:






Careful selection of wood
Drying
Remedial treatment
Coating
Treating with wood preservatives

1.3 Comparison between Traditional Malay House and Modern
House
Building
Material

Traditional Malay House

Modern House

Comment

Lightweight Construction (Release
heat easier)

High thermal capacity Construction
(Store heat easier)

-Wood

-Brick tiles

-Attap

-Concrete

Attap doesn‘t
survive as long as
roof tiles and need
to change
regularly.

-Bamboo

Layout

Randomly arranged

Rigid patterns

Ventilation
of Roof
Space

Ventilated by the provision of venti- Ridge roof ventilation, air enter the
lation joints and panel in the roof
attic and flow out through exhaust
construction.
vents.

Not workable in
city area because
this will occupy a
lot of land space.
Modern roof
ventilation have
cooperate with
other material such
as baffles to
enhance the
ventilation effect.

Cross Ventilation Elongated open plan

More complicated space

Minimal interior partition

Wind velocity
Gradient

High wind velocity at higher
level

Partition could
block the
incoming wind. For
modern house plan
privacy is more
concern. Different
space to fulfil different need of the
occupant.

2. Akmani Legian / TWS Partners-Located at Legian, Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Low wind velocity

Rustic wood

is used to act as a threshold.

Kerawang bricks
Create

Orientation

East-west

Jigsaw puzzle

are local material and ventilation brick, where is used in the building.

an open space and allow for wind and natural light to pass through.

Building orientation
could affect the sun
and wind receive by
building.
But due to cost and
time, nowadays developer are not concern about the
building orientation.

3.


MEGTW Building-Locate at Putrajaya
Plenty window is built around the building.

1.4 Application : Readapt of Malay house on ventilation into modern building
1.

Punch hole and eggs-Crete type of window is used, to act
as a solar shading device.

The Deck House by Choo Gim Wah Architect-Pahang Malaysia.


Tall ceiling height



Aluminum louver located at the highest part



 Atrium

is located at the center of the building and void up
to 5 level.
th

of the building allow stack ventilation, where hot air
could escape from there.


Fully open able windows, allow ventilation at body level.



The atrium design with solar chimney where allow stack effect to occur.



Hot air is flow out the building through the air vent in solar chimney.



These have readapt the stack effect occurs in Malay house.

Conclusion
Large

roof eaves for sun shading.

Timber



There is pro and cons in Malay house design.



Might not suitable for nowadays house design due to global warming and economic issue.



Some of the characteristic have to readapt with modern design to get optimum ventilation
function.

is used as the floor finish of the living