Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Study of the design strategy and the building material used in
Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.













NAME : WONG JIA XIN

STUDENT ID : 1101G13277

TUTOR : MR. KOH

SUBMISSION DATE : 10 JUNE 2014
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 2

Study of the design strategy and the building material used
in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 to achieve thermal
comfort.

Table of Content Page

1. Introduction 4
2. Thermal Comfort 4
2.1 Factors influencing thermal comfort 4
2.2 Sustainable Thermal Comfort 5

3. Overview of building materials used in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 5
3.1 Insulation Materials used in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 7
3.2 Thermal Effects of Building Materials in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 10
3.3 Measurement of thermal performance in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 11
3.4 Roofing Materials 12

4. Building Strategy 13
4.1 Site location 13
4.1.2 Orientation 13
4.2 Design Feature 13
4.2.1 Vegetated roofing system 15
4.2.2 Natural Ventilation 16

5. Conclusion 18

6. References 19










Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to study the effects of thermal comfort in Belum Rainforest
Resort Phase 2 such as the building material used and the design strategy. The material
used in the resort were identified, and a series of research was conducted to understand the
capability to influence the thermal comfort in each type of material used in order to determine
the thermal comfort of the building. The study was carried out using findings extracted from
the site and further information extracted from various literature reviews. With the building
materials being one of the most important feature of the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2,
together with the design strategy of the resort, it is important that we learn about the purpose
and strategy behind the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2. Majority of the material used in
Belum Rainforest Phase 2 is concrete and timber. Concrete is known to act as a thermal
mass because it as a high heat capacity per unit volume which can slow down the
penetration of heat into the wall. While timber is known to have a low thermal conductivity
which allows the resistance of heat into the building. Furthermore, the building strategy is
also playing an important role. One of the building design strategy is by adding openings or
overhangs depending on the location of building. Openings allow natural ventilation into a
space, bringing in healthy air for the user and making the space thermally comfortable. While
overhangs help shade areas where direct sunlight is able to enter the interior space, this is
to reduce heat into the interior space, therefore, maintaining the comfortable interior
temperature. At the end of this study, the study will be evident for how important their role in
achieving thermal comfort in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2. Therefore, it is understood
that both of these elements of the building is essential in determining the thermal comfort of
the user of the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2.


Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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1.0 Introduction
The Belum Rainforest Resort is located in Pulau Banding, Perak. It is built at the 130
million year-old forest Belum- Temenggor Rainforest. The Belum Rainforest Resort if one of
Malaysia's first few ecotourism holiday destination. It is known for its famous architecture
with the combination of contemporary and traditional architectural design. With the selected
materials used and the building strategy of the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2, the resort
is able to achieve thermal comfort with its sustainable design.
This paper will study the design strategy and the building material used in Belum
Rainforest Resort Phase 2 in order to achieve thermal comfort by the responding questions:
1. What is thermal comfort?
2. What are the affects of the building materials used on thermal comfort?
3. How does the building materials help achieve thermal comfort?
3. What are the design strategy in Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 that addresses thermal
comfort?
2.0 Thermal comfort
The thermal comfort cannot be defined accurately. It solely depends on the user's
surrounding environment and the activity of the user. BS EN ISO 7730 defines thermal
comfort as that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal
environment. According to ASHRAE Standard 55, which defines thermal comfort in
commercial buildings, success means that a building meets the needs of 80% of occupants.
2.1 Factors influencing thermal comfort
Thermal comfort is very subjective and is influenced by several factors. Therefore, it
is divided into 2 main factors, environmental factors and personal factors. Environmental
factors are air temperature, radiant temperature, air velocity and humidity. While, personal
factors are clothing insulation and metabolic heat.
Air temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (C) or degrees Fahrenheit (F).
Radiant temperature is the heat radiating from a warm object, for example, the sun, ovens,
machinery etc. Air velocity is the speed of air moving across a user of a building. In indoor
environments, artificially heated still air causes people to feel stuffy. However, moving warm
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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air can increase heat loss through convection even without any change in temperature.
Humidity is the moisture level in the air. High humidity environments have a lot of vapour in
the air which prevents evaporation, causing it harder for temperature to cool in a hot
environment.
Clothing insulation very much affects the thermal comfort of a person. HSE states
that Wearing too much clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) may be a primary
cause of heat stress even if the environment is not considered warm or hot. The layers can
be removed when the environment temperature is high. The metabolic rate is the heat we
produce from our bodies via physical activity. The higher intensity of work we do, the more
heat we produce. The physical characteristics of a person such as their fitness level, age,
weight and gender should also be taken into consideration as this affects the metabolic rate
produced.
2.2 Sustainable Thermal Comfort
The definition of sustainable is to be capable of being maintained at a safety level
without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage. Thermal comfort
can be sustained by design heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet
the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human
Occupancy. To have a sustainable thermal comfort in a building is to have openings in semi-
closed or closed areas to allow air movement. Moreover, Saberi (2009) reported that
vegetated walls, permanently mounted exterior ceiling or water features can also help to
achieve this.

3.0 Overview of the building materials used in Belum Rainforest
Resort Phase 2
The Belum Rainforest Resort is designed with the intentions of achieving an eco-
friendly getaway for nature-lovers and holiday-goers. The contemporary and traditional
design of Phase 2 is divided into 2 types, Deluxe Suite and Traditional Chalet.

The Deluxe Suite is a lavish modern setting with concrete as the main material. The
walls and floors of the Deluxe Suite are all constructed using concrete. The pathway leading
the visitors to the rooms are paved with cement.
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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Figure 1: View of Deluxe Suite (Source: Ng, 2014)

As shown in Figure 1, the entrance of the Deluxe Suite has a rammed earth wall
placed opposite the entrance door for additional privacy to the user. The rammed earth wall
is a wall using raw materials and is non-toxic, non-polluting and non-combustible. It is a
sustainable building material that is durable, low maintenance and environmentally sound
material.

Figure 2: View of Traditional Chalet (Source: Ng, 2014)

The Traditional Chalet is the recreation of a traditional 'kampung' house in a
contemporary setting. It is designed to bring in the experience of traditional elements into our
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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modern day. The Traditional Chalet shown in Figure 2 is constructed mostly using timber.
Timber is a natural building material and it is easy to work with. In order to make timber from
wood, very little energy is need as the embodied energy in timber is one of the lowest.
Moreover, timber provides aesthetic value to a building. The variation of timber is wide and
timber can be selected according to a building's needs, such as heat isolation in order to
improve thermal comfort.

Figure 3: View of timber and glass window panel (Source: Ling, 2014)

As shown in Figure 3, the Traditional Chalet's front facade is constructed with a
timber framed glass sliding door. The glass panels of the glass door offers view of the lake.
As the sliding door is located at the balcony, viewing to the lake, the sliding door is able to
bring in the nature from the outdoors inside the chalet. The glass panels of the sliding door
also allows the natural light into the interior space, allowing the building to be energy
efficient. The sliding door is environmentally friendly as it is made from wood. In addition,
installing sliding door to a space is an addition of aesthetic value. This practical design is
lustrous and effortless that harmonises the outdoor and the indoor while providing a good
view.
3.1 Insulation Materials
As concrete is widely used in the Deluxe Suite of Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2
as shown in Figure 5, the concrete wall acts as a thermal mass. This causes the heat to take
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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a longer time to penetrate the thick wall. As the temperature get higher during the day, the
sunlight warms the wall. The absorbed heat will then be given out gradually when the
temperature get lower during the night shown in Figure 4.


Figure 4: Heat is absorbed during the day, and given out at night. (Source: YourHome, 2013)

The dense concrete have a higher heat capacity per unit volume which provides a
high thermal mass. According to GreenBuildingAdvisor (2013) researchers have found that
hot-climate homes with high-mass exterior walls require less energy for air conditioning than
low-mass wood-framed homes with similar levels of wall insulation.

Figure 5: The construction progress of Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 (Source: Lily, 2012)
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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The use of heavy weight material like concrete, which has a large thermal capacity,
would delay the time when the heat is transferred into the building by up to 6 hours, resulting
in a reduction of peak internal temperatures by 3-4 C. Although steel also has a high density,
it is not used in as much as quantity as concrete, and also its thermal capacity is about half
that of concrete. For thermal storage to perform effectively, the materials with high thermal
mass should be visible to a large area within the room. This usually means the soffit of the
concrete slab. To increase the surface area of the soffit, corrugated forms of concrete
construction are sometimes used.


Figure 6: Rammed earth wall found at the Deluxe Suite (Source: Author)

The thickness and density of the rammed earth wall (Figure 6) can also reduce
unpleasant noises, as well as provide insulation. The rammed wall acts as a added
protection layer at the front of the Deluxe Suite. This slows down the transfer of heat
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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Figure 7: Timber is seen being widely used in the Traditional Chalet (Source: Author)

As shown in Figure 7, the traditional chalet is built mainly using timber. Timber can
be seen being used on the roof, walls and flooring. As compared with other materials, timber
has low thermal conductivity, this improves the building envelope with high resistance to
heat flow which benefits the overall thermal comfort of the building. Timber has a
considerable volumetric heat capacity, this reduces the building energy use and improve
thermal comfort as the thermal mass absorbs and stores heat from the indoors and only
releasing it later. Another quality of timber is its capability to absorb moisture. This reduce
fluctuations in indoor relative humidity resulting in improved thermal comfort, perceived air
quality and occupant health.
The sliding door used at the facade of the Traditional Chalet acts as a weather and
sound barrier. It provides thermal insulation as it is made from wood. The glass panels of the
sliding door are glazed and this reduces harmful UV rays and heat penetration which helps
with the thermal comfort. The sliding doors are energy efficient as it prevents energy loss.
3.2 Thermal Effects of Building Materials
Thermal effects are caused by the distribution of internal energy in a building
material. The building material will assume to its equilibrium. The materials are usually
categorised into 4 types: metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. Wood and concrete
are under the category of composites. Polymers are more sensitive to temperature
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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compared to metals. Yet, polymers now are declared as handicap as they have low
softening temperature. Composites are the most natural materials.
3.3 Measurement of thermal performance in Belum Rainforest
Resort Phase 2
Energy and carbon savings can be made by improving the thermal performance of
the building. By effectively insulating the building, carbon emissions is reduced up to 80%.
The effectiveness of the building element is determined by the building thermal performance.
The rate of heat escaping from the inside of a building to the outside is described as thermal
transmittance. That is the U-value used to measure the rate of heat transfer. The lower the
U-value, the more thermally efficient a material is which helps improves the thermal comfort
of the user.

MPA (2009) stated that part L of the Building Regulations and its associated
compliance tools (SAP & SBEM) account for thermal mass using k-values (kJ/m2K), which
provide a gauge of thermal capacity per square meter of floor or wall.

To know the effectiveness of a building material, it is to measure the length of time to
get heat in and out of the material and the rate of heat flow at its surface. The effectiveness
of the materials helps the productivity and sustainability of society by energy savings.

3.4 Roofing Materials
The function of a roof is to enclose the space to protect the space from weather. A
well built roof offers protection for the building and prevents deterioration.
The roof used in the Deluxe Suite Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort is a flat roof. It
is constructed using reinforce concrete (RCC). Gopi (2010) stated that the construction on
flat roof is similar to the construction of floors except that the top surface is protected against
rainwater. The construction and maintenance of the flat roof is simpler and the space can be
used as a terrace, it also provides an enhanced architectural appearance to the building. By
using the spaces on top of the flat roof, it possesses better insulating properties. However, a
flat roof cannot be used for long spans without using columns and beams.
Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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Figure 8: Couple roof is used in Traditional Chalet (Source: Ng, 2014)

The roof used in the Traditional Chalet is a couple roof (Figure 8). It is constructed
using timber as wood is easily available in abundance. Due to its pointed top, the roof space
cannot be used for other purposes (Figure 9). However, it is efficient at draining the
rainwater off the roof. The couple roof can also have added insulation in order to achieve
thermal comfort.

Figure 9: Couple roof (Source: FAS, n.d.)


Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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4.0 Building Strategy
Building design strategy is the method of design and construction that effectively
achieves a requirement, such as thermal comfort. The building design strategy is a long term
plan with intentions to achieve the aim of the building.

4.1 Site location
The importance of site planning is the relationship of the site and the building itself.
The continuity of the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 building design is reflected onto the
site. It is important to take advantage of natural ventilation and prevailing wind patterns.
Issues such as solar access is addressed during the process of site selection.
4.1.2 Orientation
Building orientation is the direction of the building is facing. When done effectively,
this will provide the building with passive thermal and visual comfort. The purpose to rotate
the building is to minimize energy loads and maximise free energy from the sun and wind.
As the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 is located at the hilly side of the island, it is
essential that the orientation of the building takes advantage of the site conditions, such as
prevailing winds.

4.2 Design Feature
Adding an overhang provides shade. A shaded surface has a modified radiation
incident. Overhangs are used to block unwanted direct sunlight from entering openings.

Figure 10: Shows the overhang installed in a building (Source: Overhang help, n.d.)

Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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An overhang (Figure 10) can block up to 90% of the heat just by shading a building
and its outdoor spaces. This improves thermal comfort and saves energy. The glass and
timber sliding doors located at the Traditional Chalet are also shaded by its couple roof
which prevents unnecessary heat gain as glass usually have large source of heat
entering a space.

Figure 11: Diagram showing wind entering into a space through the openings (Source:
YourHome, 2013)

Openings offer maximum daylight use. Openings also provide ventilation as shown in
Figure 11. This 2 characteristics of openings contributes to thermal comfort of the user.

Figure 12: Tree acting as shading device (Source: YourHome, 2013)

Landscaping is also an important feature. The maximise use of existing trees (Figure
12) and other vegetation to shade buildings, walkways or open areas is able to reduce heat
in the surrounding area.
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Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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4.2.1 Vegetated roofing system

Figure 12: View of Roof Garden (Source: Hoo, 2014)

Figure 12 shows the roofing space is converted into a space for growing plants. The
vegetated roofing system provides greater performance and roof insulation. As the green
roof act as a barrier on top of the building, the plants that are exposed to sunlight then
carry out photosynthesis and evapotranspiration which reduces the amount of solar
energy absorbed by the roof membrane.











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Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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4.2.2 Natural Ventilation
Natural Ventilation is caused by prevailing wind that exchanges air between the
interior and the outside of a building.

Figure 13: Floor plan of Deluxe Suite (Source: Belum Rainforest Resort, 2014)

As shown in Figure 13, the entrance of the Deluxe Suite is facing West, which is
facing the lake. Therefore, natural ventilation is present as prevailing wind can enter the
Deluxe Suite through the openings and provide natural ventilation.


Figure 14: Floor plan of Traditional Chalet (Source: Belum Rainforest Resort, 2014)

Entrance
N
N
Balcony
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Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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As shown in Figure 14, the balcony of the Traditional Chalet is facing West. The
sliding doors are located between the interior and the balcony space. The prevailing wind
is able to enter the interior and provide natural ventilation as long as the openings of the
Traditional Chalet is not closed.

Using the forces of wind and buoyancy, the air can move naturally through the
entrance of the Deluxe Suite and the balcony of the Traditional Chalet. It is important to
have natural ventilation into a space to improve interior air quality. This helps maintain a
comfortable thermal environment. The reduced use of mechanical heating and cooling
saves energy and reduces green house gas emissions. A natural ventilated space
provides user with a healthy and comfortable environment.



Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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5.0 Conclusion
After this study, it is concluded that the usage of the building materials and the
building design strategy in the Belum Rainforest Phase 2 tremendously contributes to the
thermal comfort of the user. The materials used were carefully selected with the intention of
fulfilling the eco-tourism concept and this has also made the building sustainable.
Furthermore, the building strategy of Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 is cautiously planned
to minimise environmental impact but maximise user experience. By successfully achieving
this 2 architectural components, the Belum Rainforest Resort Phase 2 is thermally
comfortable.

Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
Phase 2 to achieve thermal comfort.
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6.0 References
Couple roof [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2014 from
http://designadvisor.mit.edu/Design/help/overhang.html

English Heritage. (n.d.). ASSESSING THERMAL PERFORMANCE. Retrieved June 8, 2014,
from http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/research/buildings/energy-
efficiency/thermal-performance-of-traditional-walls/

GreenBuildingAdvisor. (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/all-about-thermal-mass

HSE. (n. d.). Six basic factors. Retrieved from
http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/factors.htm#airtemp

Martinez. (2014). THERMAL EFFECTS ON MATERIALS. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from
http://webserver.dmt.upm.es/~isidoro/ot1/Thermal%20effects%20on%20materials.pdf

MPA. (2009). Thermal mass. Retrieved June 7, 2014, from
http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/performance_and_benefits/thermal_m
ass.aspx

NZ Wood. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2014, from http://nzwood.gpub.co.nz/learning-
centre/timber-performance/thermal/timber-performance-thermal/

Rammed Earth Construction. (2014.). Benefits of building in rammed earth. Retrieved from
http://www.rammedearthconstructions.com.au/

REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. (2005). Wooden
Houses of Anatoli. Retrieved from http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,35285/wood-as-a-building-
material-its-benefits-and-disadvanta-.html

Saberi, O. (2009). Thermal Comfort & Green Buildings. Retrieved from "Green Retrofit"
Conference: http://www.sesam-
uae.com/greenbuilding/presantation/10.%20Dr.%20Ommid%20Saberi,%20WSP.pdf

[Untitled photograph of shading]. (2013). Shading. Retrieved from June 9, 2014, from
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading
[Untitled photograph of day and night thermal mass]. (2013). Thermal Mass. Retrieved from
June 9, 2014, from http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/thermal-mass
[Untitled photograph of Deluxe Suite]. (2014) Retrieved June 10, 2014, from
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152305886520798&set=oa.143776238646934
5&type=3&theater

[Untitled photograph of concrete construction]. (2012). Retrieved June 1, 2014, from
http://anythinglily.blogspot.com/2012/11/belum-rainforest-resort-part-1-resort.html

Study of the design strategy and the building material used in Belum Rainforest Resort
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[Untitled photograph of roof garden]. (2014). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152071859643111&set=oa.143767155314509
5&type=3&theater

[Untitled photograph of overhang diagram]. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2014 from
http://designadvisor.mit.edu/Design/help/overhang.html

[Untitled photograph of Traditional Chalet]. (2014). Retrieved June 9, 2014 from
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=848244391858194&set=oa.1437775289801388
&type=3&theater

[Ground Floor plan of Deluxe Suite]. (2014). Retrieved from June 9, 2014 from
http://www.belumresort.com/index.html

[Floor plan of Traditional Chalet]. (2014). Retrieved from June 9, 2014 from
http://www.belumresort.com/index.html

[Untitled photograph of tree as shade]. (2013). Shading. Retrieved from June 9, 2014, from
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading