Asian Architecture

Project 1: Case Study Paper

Case Study: Sekeping Serendah
Prepared by: Ng Wei Ying 0316366

Research Title: Passive Design Strategies

Addressed to Local Climate to Reduce Heat
Gain in the Sheds of Sekeping Serendah.

Research Questions

Question 1: What is the natural factor encountered by applying the

concept of "Oneness with Nature" to the sheds of
Sekeping Serendah?
Question 2: What is Passive Architecture Design and the
significance of adopting such strategies on a building?
Question 3: What are the vital features and strategies adopted on
the sheds in Sekeping Serendah to overcome the
natural factor listed?
Question 4: How does the choice of local materials selected
addressed to the problem encountered?
Question 5: How does the building orientation and design
contribute to thermal comfort of the sheds in terms of
user experience?

Sekeping Serendah Forest Retreat

Research focuses on 3 types of shed found on site.

Timber Shed 1
Glass Shed 1
Mud Shed 1

Different passive design approach to resolve heat gain issues

on each of the sheds.

Passive Design Strategies

Design based upon local climate considerations

Attempts to regulate thermal comfort within the building
Maximises and promote passive ventilation
3 major strategies: building design, orientation and
materials adopted

Building Design
Open plan design (all sheds)
Infusion of vernacular architecture
elements. (Buildings raised on
stilts, large overhang, verandah)
(timber and glass shed)
Floating roof design (mud shed)

Typical layout plan of the Glass Shed

 Cross ventilation is
facilitated via
openings on all sides
of the wall
Excellent air and air
exchange during day
and night time.

Building Placement and Orientation

Strategically placed under dense
canopy of the forest
Avoid direct sunlight exposure
(lighting via diffused light)
Glass facade of the glass sheds
and terrace are orientated away
from East and West direction.
Louvers are intergrated into the
shed design.

Choice of Materials
Major materials used: Glass, timber & Mud
The relationship between these materials
are evaluated
Glass shed: Glass and Steel
Mud: Mud and Glass
Timber: Timber and Brick

Glass Shed: Glass and Steel

Glass

Steel

Thermal
Conductivity

Low

High

Thermal Mass

Low

Low

Thermal Effusivity

High

High

Mud Shed: Mud and Glass

Mud

Glass

Thermal
Conductivity

Low

Low

Thermal Mass

High

Low

Thermal Effusivity

Low

High

Timber Shed: Timber and Brick

Timber

Brick

Thermal
Conductivity

Low

Low

Thermal Mass

Low

High

Thermal Effusivity

Low

Low

Conclusion
Unique blend of passive design strategies
are adressed to the heat gain issue of
Sekeping Serendah Sheds while retaining
transparency in design.
Genius loci of site is able to experienced
by the users.

References
Hamme, R. (2010). Blending Architecture with Nature:
The Old Man in the Mountain.Retrieved from
http://doc.rwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.chi?article=1052&cont
ext=archthese
Cross ventilation image retrieved from
https://ssb2012alg4nr.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/diagr
am.jpg