CENTRE OF STUDIES FOR CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PERAK BRANCH
SERI ISKANDAR CAMPUS

BCT 483
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(Passive Design in Buildings)

SUPERVISED BY:
SIR NOOR AZAM BIN YAHAYA
PREPARED BY:
NOR ALIF HAKIMIE BIN CHE AHMAD 2021617884
NUR AIN SYAMIMI BINTI AZUWADI AZHAR 2021809538
NURUL FATHIHAH AIN BINTI ABDUL AZIZ 2021628024
SYAHIRATUL FILZAH BINTI ROSLAN 2021653232

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS.) CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

SEMESTER: MARCH – AUGUST 2022

GROUP: AP256 2A (GROUP 5)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Almighty for his
willingness to help us all. We would also like to record our thanks to Sir. Noor Azam Bin
Yahya for his assistance in completing this study. Also, we don’t forget to thank our
comrades-in-arms for their emotional support and all the advice they gave us. All solutions to
our project problems are simple and effective. We were able to complete our assignments on
time and on schedule. Finally, we would like to thank every member of this group for their
many help and great teammates. We were able to complete all the assigned tasks accurately
and precisely thanks to the cooperation of all.

The goal of this case study is to determine whether the flow of air and light through
the researcher's house is adequate. The researcher's home has a structure that allows for
adequate air or light flow. Every corner of the house, including the roof, coins, walls, and
floors, serves a purpose.
CONTENTS
No Content Page
i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ii TABLE OF CONTENT

iii LIST OF FIGURES

iv ABSTRACT

1.0 INTRODUCTION MALAYSIA CLIMATIC CONDITION

1.1 Introduction to Case Study Building
2.0 OBJECTIVES

3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Observation
3.2 Internet research
4.0 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Building design & surrounding area
4.1.1 roof
4.1.2 material used for wall
4.1.3 window
4.1.4 door
4.1.5 shading
4.1.6 orientation
4.1.7 landscaping
4.2 Problem related to thermal comfort
4.2.1 Calculation of natural lighting & ventilation related to
UBBL requirement
4.3 Passive design proposal to improve thermal comfort in the
case study building
4.3.1 ceramic roof tile
4.3.2 shading
4.3.3 landscape
4.3.4 white colour painted wall others
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.0 REFERENCES
 ABSTRACT

'PASSIVE DESIGN measures are critical considerations in building design for low
energy and environmental performance. The precedence of Passive Design measures
overactive Design measures in green and low energy building emphasises the importance of
Passive Design. PASSIVE DESIGN measures (primarily architectural in nature) seek to
incorporate features into a building that are intrinsically green and low energy in nature.
Active measures are design elements that necessitate 'active intervention' of building systems
(such as air conditioning, mechanical ventilation, lighting systems, and so on) to achieve
green and/or low energy performance. Current pressing needs for green design and low-
energy building, which are increasingly being driven by mandatory building codes. (e.g.,
recent revision to the UBBL incorporating parts of MS1525) requires knowledge of Passive
Design as in the skill set of the design architect.

We use the observation method and the internet to find materials and solutions to the
house problem. Although we want to find solutions and ways to improve the house, there are
several flaws. We also talked about the structural condition of the house, and whether it was
good and perfect or had flaws. Its purpose is to ensure that the house's occupants are
comfortable.
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIA CLIMATIC CONDITION

Peninsular and insular Malaysia are both located in the same tropical latitudes and are
influenced by similar airstreams. They have high temperatures and humidity, heavy rainfall,
and a climatic year that revolves around the monsoons in the northeast and southwest. The
climatic year is divided into four seasons: the northeast monsoon (November or December to
March), the first intermonsoonal period (March to April or May), the southwest monsoon
(May or June to September or early October), and the second intermonsoonal period (March
to April or May) (October to November). The two monsoons' onset and retreat are not clearly
defined.

Although Malaysia has an equatorial climate, the narrowness and topographic

configuration of each portion—central mountainous cores with flat, flanking coastal plains—
allows maritime climatic influences to penetrate inland. The monsoons alter the climate even
more. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas to the exposed coasts of
southwestern Sarawak and northern and northeastern Sabah, and it occasionally causes
flooding in the peninsula's eastern part. The southwest monsoon primarily affects Sabah's
southwestern coastal belt, where flooding is common. Although neither peninsular nor insular
Malaysia are in the typhoon belt, their coasts are occasionally subject to the heavy rainstorms
associated with squalls.
2.0 OBJECTIVE

This report is developed based on a few objectives. They are as follow:

1. To observe the building design and surrounding area of the case study house. 
2. To identify problems related to thermal comfort inside the case study building.
3. To propose the passive design strategies that can improve the thermal comfort level of
the case study building.
3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Primary source of information

3.1.1 Interview

The interview instrument has 2 levels, formal and informal. This

interview method can use face -to -face, non -face -to -face and computer
assistance. The method used by the researcher is both face to face involving
homeowners and some residents in Kampung Tok Kamis, Pasir Putih,
Kelantan. The researcher conducted the interview session in a comfortable
environment, and the researcher also behaved as a good listener, even the
researcher asked the important questions clearly and accurately. The
researcher has listed several questions to answer the objectives of this study.

3.1.2 Observation

Conduct an observation on the environmental characteristic of the case

study building (The doors closed, and windows opened without application of
any active cooling or lighting appliances). Take photo enhance the
explanation.

3.1.2 Field Measurement

The data and information obtained were analysis in tabular form and
published into pie charts and formulas. Formula method was used with UBBL
formula and made analysis according to floor area, provided lighting,
provided, ventilation, 10% of lighting and 5% of ventilation.

3.2 Second source of information

3.2.1 Internet

We also conducted an internet search, which revealed that natural

ventilation is the movement of air between the outside and inside of a building.
Natural ventilation is caused by two natural forces: pressure differences created by the
wind around the building's wind-driven ventilation, and temperature differences
-'stack effect' ventilation.

4.2.2 Results

We have made preliminary preparations to strengthen our report as part of this

experiment. We conducted some observations and interviews with ten residents of this
white sand area of Kelantan, and we discovered that many people do not feel
comfortable living in houses without fans and air conditioning.

People who feel comfotable living in a

house without a fan and air conditioning
4

Agree
Disagree

14

Figure 1: People agree or disagree

The pie chart depicted the number of people who agreed to be comfortable
with no fan and air conditioner, which showed four people, while those who disagreed
were as many as fourteen people. This is because fans and even air conditioners are
essential for keeping us cool in hot weather. We will faint from the heat and lack of
oxygen if there is no fan or air conditioner.
 House has lots of natural light areas

8
Agree
Disagree
10

Figure 2: People agree or disagree

According to the pie chart, 12 people agreed with natural lighting

while 6 disagreed. This is since the house is situated in a large area that
receives a lot of sunlight during the day.

My house is hot wind ventilation area

Agree
Disagree

11

Figure 3: People agree or disagree

According to the pie chart, 7 people agreed with the hot wind
ventilation area, while 11 people disagreed. This is due to the low level of air
humidity in this area.
 My house uses high ceiling to reduce
heat
4

Agree
Disagree

14

Figure 4: People agree or disagree

The pie chart shows that only four people agreed with the house ceiling
condition. Those who did not agree with the condition of the 14-person house's
ceiling. This is because the chosen house has low ceilings.

My house uses a type of roof that

does not absorb the heat of sunlight
3

Agree
Disagree

15

Figure 6: People agree or disagree

The pie chart shows 15 people who agreed with the roof type and only 3
people who disagreed with the roof type. This is since this type of roof is made of a
heat-resistant clay brick. This improves the house's comfort level.
 My house uses wall made of heat
resistant material

7
Agree
Disagree

11

Figure 5: People agree or disagree

The pie chart depicts the number of people who agree with a heat-absorbing
wall of 7 people. whereas those who do not agree with material walls as much. 11
people. This is due to the house's use of a type of 'Batako' brick, which stores heat
better than clay bricks.

4.0 FINDING AND DISCUSSION

 4.1 BULDING DESING AND SURROUNDING AREA

This bungalow house is located near the village at lot 1198 Kampung Tok Kamis
16800 Pasir Putih Kelantan. The house is a single-story bungalow with two main doors and a
total of twelve windows. The house is surrounded by a not-too-thick forest and is not too far
from the neighbouring house.

Figure 7: House of Case study

The land surface in the house is flat and not hilly, and there are also villagers engaged
in farming activities due to the fertile land. Although the second story is offset from the first,
and windows appear at each top of the gable, windows and doors are spaced regularly
throughout. All windows are suspended twice in steel, which is not native to the house, but
the openings where it sits are the same shape and size as expected in a home of this age. So
far, the base, sides, and windows are all visible.
4.1.1 BUILDING ORIENTATION
 The practise of facing a building to maximise certain aspects of its surroundings, such
as street appeal, capturing a scenic view, drainage considerations, and so on. With rising
energy costs, it's more important than ever for builders to design buildings to take advantage
of the Sun's free energy. Orienting a new home to take advantage of the warmth of the Sun
will increase the home's appeal and marketability for developers and builders. It will improve
indoor comfort and lower energy bills for homeowners.

Figure 8: Building orientation

Thus, building orientation, along with daylighting and thermal mass, are critical
passive solar construction considerations that can be incorporated into almost any new home
design.

Figure 9: Building orientation

The building's orientation should be set so that sunlight enters all parts of the structure
through doors, windows, and ventilators. Various germs are born in rooms where no sunlight
enters. These germs then cause a variety of diseases.

The direction of the road or street also has a significant impact on orientation. If a plot is
located between two paths, the building's front view should be to the side of the major path.
The surroundings should also be considered when building orientation. It also includes the
method of construction and the neighbours' ways of life.

4.1.2 BUILDING MATERIAL

 Building materials are materials used in the construction industry. Many
naturally occurring materials, including clay, rocks, sand, wood, and even twigs and
leaves, have been used to build structures. Aside from naturally occurring materials,
many man-made products, some more and some less synthetic, are in use. Building
materials manufacturing is a well-established industry in many countries, and their
use is typically segmented into specific specialty trades such as carpentry, insulation,
plumbing, and roofing work. They construct habitats and structures, including homes.

4.3.1 Type of building material

4.3.1.1 Fired bricks and clay blocks

Bricks are made in the same way as mud bricks, but without the fibrous binder such
as straw, and are fired ("burned") after they have air-dried to permanently harden them. Kiln
fired clay bricks are a type of ceramic. Fired bricks can be solid or hollow to help with drying
and to make them lighter and easier to transport. The individual bricks are mortared together
to form courses. Building walls, arches, and other architectural elements using successive
courses. Fired brick walls are typically much thinner than cob/adobe walls while maintaining
the same vertical strength. They require more energy to produce but are lighter and easier to
transport and store than stone blocks. The Romans made extensive use of fired bricks of the
shape and type now known as Roman bricks. Brick construction became popular in the mid-
18th and 19th centuries. This was due to lower costs associated with increases in brick
manufacturing and fire-safety in ever-increasingly crowded cities. In the late twentieth
century, cinder block supplemented or replaced fired bricks, frequently being used for the
inner parts of masonry walls and by themselves. Clay or terracotta structural clay tiles (clay
blocks) are typically perforated with holes.
4.3.2Cement composites

Cement bonded composites are pre-cast building components made from hydrated
cement paste that binds wood, particles, or fibres. As binders, various fiberous materials such
as paper, fibreglass, and carbon-fiber have been used. Wood and natural fibres contain a
variety of soluble organic compounds such as carbohydrates, glycosides, and phenolics.
These compounds are known to slow the setting of cement. As a result, before using a wood
to make cement bonded composites, its compatibility with cement must be determined.
Wood-cement compatibility is defined as the ratio of a parameter related to a wood-cement
composite's property to that of a neat cement paste. The degree of compatibility is frequently
expressed as a percentage. Methods based on different properties, such as hydration
characteristics, strength, interfacial bond, and morphology, are used to determine wood-
cement compatibility.

4.3.3 Concrete

Concrete is a composite building material composed of aggregate and a binder such as

cement. Portland cement concrete is the most common type of concrete, consisting of mineral
aggregate (usually gravel and sand), Portland cement, and water. After mixing, the cement
hydrates and hardens into a stone-like substance. This is the material referred to by the term
"concrete" in its broadest sense. Because concrete has a low tensile strength, it is generally
reinforced with steel rods or bars for any size construction (known as rebars). Reinforced
concrete is the name given to this strengthened concrete. A vibrator is used to eliminate any
air that has been entrained when the liquid concrete mix is poured around the ironwork in
order to minimise any air bubbles that would weaken the structure. Because of its durability,
formability, and ease of transport, concrete has become the most popular building material in
the modern era. Recent innovations, such as insulating concrete forms, combine concrete
forming with other construction steps (installation of insulation). All materials must be taken
in the proportions specified by standards.

4.3.4 Glass
Glassmaking is both an art form and an industrial process or material. Clear windows
have been used to cover small openings in buildings since the invention of glass. Glass panes
gave humans the ability to let light into rooms while keeping inclement weather outside.Glass
is typically made from sand and silicate mixtures in a very hot fire stove known as a kiln, and
it is very brittle. Additives are frequently included in the mixture used to produce glass with
different colour shades or characteristics (such as bulletproof glass or lightbulbs). The use of
glass in architectural structures has grown in popularity in modern culture. Glass "curtain
walls" can be used to cover an entire building's facade or to span over a wide roof structure in
a "space frame." These applications, however, necessitate the use of a frame to hold sections
of glass together, as glass is too brittle to span such large areas without the use of an overly
large kiln.

4.4 DIRECTION OF SUN

Surroundings are the area around a given physical or geographical point or place. The
exact definition depends on the field. Surroundings can also be used in geography (when it is
more precisely known as vicinity, or vicinage) and mathematics, as well as philosophy, with
the literal or metaphorically extended definition.
In thermodynamics, the term (and its synonym, environment) is used in a more
restricted sense, meaning everything outside the thermodynamic system. Often, the
simplifying assumptions are that energy and matter may move freely within the surroundings,
and that the surroundings have a uniform composition.

4.4.1 Sunrise and Sunset in Malaysia

Times for sunrise and sunset in Malaysia won't differ much all over the year. The
reason is the only fair proximity to the equator. So, in summer the sun moves slightly to the
north and in the winter slightly back to south, but without much change in the distance. E.g.,
in the Nordic countries of Europe, the difference is much more extreme. With up to
approximately 12:20 hours the longest days happen to be in June. In December a night in
Kuala Lumpur lasts almost 13 hours.In these days the sun in Kuala Lumpur rises at 7:02. The
Sunset can currently be watched at about 19:22 hr in the early evening.
 Table 1: weather schedule in malaysia

The time of sunrise and sunset is determined not only by the distance from the equator
and the path of the sun. As one moves away from the equator, the sun's path to the horizon
becomes more oblique. As a result, the length of a sunset varies. Kuala Lumpur is situated on
the third degree of northern latitude, close to the equator. While a sunset can last nearly an
hour in the northern United States or central Europe, it only lasts an average of 23 minutes in
Malaysia. Malaysia is so close to the equator that the temperature difference between June
and December is minimal.

4.5 GROUND SURFACE

Figure 14: Ground surface

The ground surface is made of hard soil. The owner built this house on a hard ground
surface because it was the most suitable ground surface for the house's construction. Indeed,
most of the land used to construct dwellings is hard soil. Hard land (rice land), for example is
typically used to build a house on agricultural or garden land. This land is ideal for building a
house because it is hard and stable, and the location of the house will be neat and stable.
4.7 VEGETATIONION

Figure 13: vegetationion

Based on my observations, the house appears to be overgrown with green plants. It is

close to a shady forest and not overly dense. Furthermore, the housing area is close to oil
palm plantations and mills. Rain and heat are uncommon during the season, according to
weather observations in the area. This indicates that the area is moist and not particularly hot.
It is appropriate for farming residents.
5.0 DETAIL OF BUILDING
5.1 Type of Window

Figure 16: Casement Window

The owner of this home has a side hung window. This window measures 1205 mm
tall by 1200 mm wide. It has four mirrors and is easy to use. Casement windows come in a
variety of styles, sizes, and materials. It looks great when combined with a larger window
installation, such as a bay, bow, or French window. Window blinds are among the most
energy-efficient window treatments. When closed, the sash forms an airtight seal on the
window frame, making it difficult for air to enter. Because of the side opening, slides are the
best option for ventilation. Because the casement window has a single sash, it also provides
an unobstructed view.
 5.3 Type of Wall

.
Figure 17: Concret walls

Concert walls are used as home walls by homeowners. Concrete walls are a long-
lasting, resilient, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient alternative to other building
materials. Because of its durability, operating costs, energy consumption, and any repairs
required after a disaster are minimal. Concrete's insurance costs have also been shown to be
significantly lower than those of other materials. Furthermore, because concrete requires less
maintenance than other materials, it is less expensive in the long run.

5.4 Type of Ceiling

Figure 18: Conventional Ceiling

 This homeowner has a Conventional Ceiling installed. This ceiling is used because it
is inexpensive and economical. This ceiling has a standard drywall finish and is made of a
less expensive material, necessitating simple installation. Conventional ceilings are regular
and flat, typically 8 to 9 feet high, and can accommodate any size of standard building
material. Although more accessible, a low ceiling can make the room feel closed. Raising the
ceiling a few feet can significantly increase space and even the resale value of a building.

5.5 Type of Roof

Figure 19: Concrete roof tiles

Concrete roof tiles are used by homeowners. Concrete tiles are simple and
straightforward to create. When you consider the long lifespan of concrete tile roofs, the
pricing advantages become even more apparent. Tornadoes, hurricanes, winds of up to 125
miles per hour, and even earthquakes can cause damage to clay and concrete roof tiles.

5.5 Type of Door

Figure 20: wood door 2 panel

 The homeowner instals 600 mm x 1200 mm wooden doors per panel. This door is
used in the house's living room and at the back of the house. In each room of the house, the
same wooden doors with only one panel are used.

Requirement of lighting and ventilation by UBBL:

Type of Floor Area Provided Provided 5% of 10% of
Area (SqM) lighting ventilation lighting ventilation
Living Area 13.32 3.36 3.92 0.66 1.33

Master 12.22 6.72 4.48 0.61 1.22

bedroom

Bedroom 1 7.50 3.36 2.8 0.37 0.72

Bedroom 2 7.50 3.36 2.8 0.37 0.72

Kitchen 4.98 2.8 1.96 0.24 0.5

Bathroom 2.42 1.68 1.96 0.12 0.24

1/2
6.0 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
According to the observations, the house has several shortcomings in terms of natural
ventilation, outside light, and the height of the house ceiling. Because of the poor ventilation
in the house, the occupants will be less comfortable with the situation. A lack of windows
also prevents air from entering the house, making the conditions inside hot and the air unfresh
for the occupants. During the summer months, natural ventilation can provide free cooling
and reduce energy consumption in your home. Natural ventilation designs are typically
considered during the home design phase.

6.1 Lack of a house

6.1.1 Imperfect ventilation

- Because the house has a limited ventilation system, such as a small number of
windows, the occupants suffer because they do not receive fresh air from outside. The
house will feel hot and warm because the outside air cannot enter, and the hot air
cannot escape.

6.1.2 Poor lighting

- The house appears to have fewer windows. The house receives little natural lighting
due to its lack of windows. The house uses a lot of light, which causes it to feel hot
and warm quickly. It inadvertently consumes an excessive amount of electrical
energy, which is referred to as electricity waste.

6.1.3 Hit by the sun directly

- In summer, the sun energy is anyway too strong and keeping the sun out is probably a
good idea. Similarly, if a room has way too much sunlight and you tend to feel
restless there all the time, you need to tone down the energy. Use curtains and drapes
as a solution.
7.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The use of outdoor air for natural ventilation, in conjunction with natural cooling
techniques and the use of daylight, has been an essential element of architecture since ancient
times and up until the early twentieth century (ASHRAE, 2007b). Initially, it appeared that
full mechanical heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems could solve all the practical
problems of natural ventilation for year-round control of indoor environmental conditions.
Mechanical ventilation, on the other hand, necessitates careful design, strict equipment
maintenance, the adoption of stringent standards, and design guidelines that consider all
aspects of indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. The same can be said of high-
tech natural ventilation. Natural ventilation is not without issues, particularly for facilities in
cold-weather countries.

More research is needed to develop low-cost, dependable ventilation systems for

rooms that encourage rather than prevent air flow while still allowing for internal temperature
control. As a result, both natural and mechanical ventilation systems can be equally effective
for infection control. Natural ventilation, on the other hand, works only when natural forces,
such as winds or breezes, are present, and when the inlet and exhaust apertures are kept open.
The difficulties involved in properly installing and maintaining a mechanical ventilation
system, on the other hand, may result in a high concentration of infectious droplet nuclei and,
as a result, an increased risk of disease transmission.

The approach and design of a natural ventilation system will differ depending on the
type of building and local climate. The amount of ventilation, however, is critically
dependent on the careful design of the interior space, as well as the size and placement of
openings in the building. Natural ventilation should be maximised in existing health-care
facilities where possible before considering other ventilation systems. However, this is
contingent on favourable climatic conditions.
 Natural ventilation is becoming increasingly difficult in modern times because of
widespread air pollution. Unclean air sources include vehicle fumes, factories, and open
burning. Therefore, we need to upgrade to high-tech ventilation. It can aid in the filtration of
indoor air. The technology used is environmentally friendly and has no negative impact on
nature.

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