belum resort case study report

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Application of Skylights in Villa Tanjung Wan to Achieve Significant

Energy Savings and Optimum Aesthetic Structural Value

NAME: POH WEI KEAT

STUDENT ID: 0303646

LECTURER: PN. NORHAYATI

SUBMISSION DATE: 12 JUN 2014

Application of Skylights in Villa Tanjung Wan to Achieve Significant Energy Savings

and Optimum Aesthetic Structural Value

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1

Application of Skylights in Villa Tanjung Wan to

Achieve Significant Energy Savings and Optimum

Aesthetic Structural Value

Table of Contents Page

Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Overview of Skylight Design in Villa Tanjung Wan .......................................... 4

2.1 Characteristics of Daylight .............................................................................. 5

3.0 Effectiveness of Skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan ............................................... 6

3.1 Application of Skylight Feature to Achieve Energy Efficiency ............................ 6-9

3.2 Application of Skylight Feature to Achieve Optimum Aesthetic Value ........... 10-12

3.3 Comparison between Application of Skylight Feature in Wind and Water Bar in

Vietnam ............................................................................................................. 10-12

4.0 Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan ....... 12-16

5.0 Importance of Energy Conservation to Environment ................................ 16-18

6.0 Conclusion ................................................................................................... 19

7.0 References .............................................................................................. 20-21

8.0 Appendix ................................................................................................. 22-23




Abstract

The main purpose of conducting studies on application of skylights in Villa

Tanjung Wan is to identify the effectiveness of skylight design in terms of energy

savings and aesthetic structural value and also to find out the importance of energy

conservation to nature environment. With skylight as the prime passive design feature

of Villa Tanjung Wan, the understanding of skylight throughout its functions, elements

and sustainability are being discovered. In order to provide wider variation of research,

articles and literature reviews based on severe sources regarding about skylights were

conducted. In assisting to verify the research, case study on Wind and Water Bar in

Vietnam was done. Wind and Water Bar is a bamboo structure located in the middle of

artificial lake with a skylight functions as ventilating interior hot air to outside on top of

the roof. Implementation of skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan promotes energy savings by

reducing the requirement for artificial lights as sunlight is use as primary source of light.

Skylights are also used for aesthetic enhancement purpose as it interplays between

light and shadow and bridge the indoors with the outdoors, providing amazing

landscape view. Consideration of skylight design installation in terms of size, slope

degree, location, and moisture control are the keys affecting its efficiency. Studies

showed that the greater the area of skylight, the lower the total power consumption,

thus greater savings of energy. The importance of energy conservation is not only to

save costs but also prevent non-renewable energy resources from exhausting and

reduce emission of harmful gas that will cause global warming. Hence, a proper

selected energy efficient skylight can contribute to energy saving and optimum

aesthetic structure value which help in conserving nature environment for a better

future. These important findings will eventually lead to better application of skylight

design in building for high efficiency and attractive purpose in the future.




1.0 Introduction

Being surrounded by the Tasik Temenggor and Royal Belum Forest which has

130 million history, Belum Rainforest Resort was built in year 2008 with combination of

new buildings and renovated elements with intention of providing visitors educational

experiences and knowledge of green nature environment. With underlying theme of

recycling, sustainability and energy efficiency, the villas there were built with

implementation of passive design features that fully utilize the rich resources available

in the site context.

Previous design features used in Belum Rainforest phase 1 and 2 include the

‘huruhara’ walls constructed out of recycled bricks salvaged from existing buildings on

site, sapling screens harvested from fast growing sustainable local timbers, ‘safari roof’

using ventilated air-gap as natural insulating layer and heat recovery systems for hot-

water from a/c units, tropical architecture of deep roof eaves and fenestrations which

encourage natural ventilation, landscaping scheme planted with indigenous trees and

plants and lastly a series of water features providing rest area, reflection and nature

appreciation (Lina, 2011). On the other hand, as for the new phase 3 (Figure 1) that

was built recently named Villa Tanjung Wan emphasize on the concept of openness

that uses large windows and skylight openings which improve the building overall

performances.

Figure 1: Villa Tanjung Wan in Phase 3

(Source: EMKAY, 2014)




This paper will investigate on the effectiveness of skylight application in Villa

Tanjung Wan in terms of the achieving energy efficiency and optimum aesthetic

structural value and the importance energy conservation to nature environment by

responding to the following research questions:

Main Question:

How skylight design in Villa Tanjung Wan affect the energy efficiency and aesthetic

structural value of the building?

Sub Question(s):

1. State the definition of skylight and its characteristics.

2. How does skylight feature help in maximizing the efficiency and enhance the

aesthetic value of the building?

3. What are the factors affecting the effectiveness of skylight in the building?

4. What are the differences when compared to application of skylight in Wind and

Water Bar in Vietnam?

5. Why is it important to conserve energy and how does it affect the nature

environment?

2.0 Overview of Skylight Design

Thomas (2013, p.185) stated that passive architecture design can be defined as a

discipline or process that drives innovation on how a building designed able to

response to the site context permanently to achieve human comfort and sustainability.

It harvest free energy from the nature environment to provide heating, cooling,

ventilation and lighting which promote energy efficiency. Energy conversion efficiency

is the ratio between the useful output of an energy conversion machine and the input,

in energy terms (Dictionary.com, 2014). In other words, energy efficiency can be define

as less amount of energy required to provide same quality of product.

Skylight is one of the passive architecture design with an opening in roof or ceiling,

fitted with glass to allow penetration of light. Normally, the shape of the skylight follows

the slope of the roof. There are 3 main classes of skylights classified according to their




function include: ventilating skylight, fixed skylight and tubular skylight which are widely

used in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. Ventilating skylight can be

opened to promote air ventilation, fixed skylight only focus solely to admit light into the

building and tubular skylight is small skylight for hallways or small spaces. The one that

was used in Villa Tanjung Wan is double pitch ventilating skylight as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Double pitched skylight

(Source: United Arab Emirates University, 2010)

2.1 Characteristics of Daylight

The amount of light that a skylight can provide depends directly on the amount of

daylight available outside. Therefore climate condition plays important role in the

illumination of skylight. Sun is the point source of nature light and often referred as

“beam” light where it is highly directional. The intensity of sunlight constantly change

with time and also together with the color of the light from sunrise to sunset.

The brightness of cloudy skies largely depends on the thickness of the cloud. A

light ocean mist can be extremely bright, at 8,000 foot candles, while clouds on a

stormy day can almost blacken the sky. The daylight on a day with complete cloud

cover tends to create a very uniform lighting condition. Skylight from clear blue skies,

on the other hand, is surprisingly non-uniform where it is darkest at 90° opposite the

sun’s location, and brightest around the sun. It also has a “blue” cast to it, and is

characterized as a “cool” color temperature of up to 10,000°K. Light from cloudy skies

is warmer in color, a blend somewhere between sunlight and clear blue skies, at about

7,500°K (Heschong Mahone Group, 1998).




Figure 3: Daylight Differences

(Source: Heschong Mahone Group, 1998)

Daylight has many advantages over artificial light as it is completely free,

unlimited natural resource and does not pollute the nature environment. Sunlight

actually brings positive effect to human body as it helps our bodies to produce Vitamin

D. Vitamin D production in our bodies aids the production of serotonin, which helps in

regulating our moods, increasing positive feelings and energy levels. Therefore,

installation of skylight can increase the exposure of sunlight and indirectly assist in

production of Vitamin D and serotonin of human body (Rick, 2014).

3.0 Effectiveness of Skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan

According to EMKAY Group Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Haji Khalif bin Tan Sri

Datuk Haji Mustapha Kamal (2014), conserving environment and championing

sustainability are the objectives when designing villas in Belum Rainforest. Skylight is

one of the feature in this Villa Tanjung Wan which make major contribution to energy

efficiency and enhance aesthetic structural value of the building.

3.1 Application of Skylight Feature to Achieve Energy Efficiency

The Institute of Energy & Sustainable Development at Leicester’s De Montfort

University (2006) found out that application of skylight fully utilize sunlight as primary

source of light to increase the amenity of internal spaces and therefore reduce the

requirement of artificial light. As shown in Figure 4 and 5, the interior space of Villa

Tanjung Wan is naturally lit up using skylight and creates a warmth feeling when enter

the space. Without using artificial lights, the electrical cost and energy and also

maintenance fee can minimized and thus contribute to overall efficiency of the building.




Figure 4: Application of Skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan Dining Room

(Source: Scarlett, 2014)

Figure 5: Light Casted into Space during Noon

(Source: Belum Resort Website, 2014)




As illustrated in Dr Peter Lyons’s (2004) investigation on skylight, a skylight can

admit more than 3 times as much light as a same size vertical window as shown in

Figure 6. This is because skylight point skyward where light levels are higher and more

constant over the course of the day. They are orientated in such a way as to spread the

light throughout the room rather than keeping it localized along the outside wall.

Therefore, higher levels of illumination from less square footage where significant

savings can be achieved.

Figure 6: Windows vs. Skylight

(Source: Tru-Lite Skylights Data Sheet, n.d.)

Solar heat gain can be controlled using glazing. Glazing in skylight can be

designed to reduce, block or facilitate light transfer according to sun angles as

illustrated in Figure 7. It is usually either plastic or glass glazing where plastic glazing is

cheaper and have greater impact resistance than other glazing materials. Acrylics and

polycarbonates are the most common used plastic glazing. On the other hand, Glass

glazing skylight is more durable than plastics and does not fade in color. Normally,

tempered glass will be used on the exterior side and a laminated pane on the interior

side to withstand high impact for safety reason as both keep glass from breaking into

sharp shards of glass.

Richard (2013) clarifies that diffuse glazing has a back-scattering effect on

incoming solar radiation which slightly reduces overall transmittance of visible light but

also reduces the solar heat load on the space below. The light evenly distributed over a




wide range of angles providing soft, smooth lighting. Translucent insulation and

weather bar can be installed between glazing layers to make the skylight more

thermally efficient as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 7: Conventional Skylight

(Source: Solar Track Web, 2010)

Figure 8: Details of Pitched Skylight

(Source: Patent Glazing Company, 2010)




3.2 Application of Skylight Feature to Achieve Optimum Aesthetic

Structural Value

In a novice point of view, passive design strategies may seems unrelated to the

aesthetic value of building structure. Nonetheless, Rick (2014) highlighted that skylight

can be intentionally design to provide incredible views of natural landscape, adding

aesthetic appeal to the building. As in Villa Tanjung Wan, the unique characteristics of

the building are being strengthen with use of skylight. The application of skylight

showcase the beauty of the contrast between light and shadow when the natural light

from skylight casted into the bathroom (Figure 9). The interplay between the black and

white colors further enhance the aesthetic beauty of the space, making it more

elegance in a sense that people will not feel reluctant when enter the bathroom.

Figure 9: Contrast between Light and Shadow





Skylight also enhance the appearance of the material used itself. As shown in

Figure 9, the light cast on the concrete material creates a smooth effect on the rough

surface concrete material that would improve human visual comfort level whereas in

Figure 10, the wood material table and the steel plate characteristics was being

strengthen out with smooth lighting casted on it, giving out a sense of natural feeling.

Figure 10: Effect of Daylight Casted on Material


In the north side of Villa Tanjung Wan, there is a coverless skylight that allows the

tree to grow through as shown in Figure 11 which bridges the connection between

indoors and outdoors, allowing interaction between human and nature. People can

have activities below the skylight or just sit and watch the birds fly over and glance up

on the starry sky at night. Skylight provide a relaxing ambiance, adding flexibility to

architecture design. “It is designed to work as one, Man and Nature. Sheer elegance

tastefully blended into its stunning surroundings” (EMKAY, 2014).




Figure 11: Skylight Opening Roof

(Source: Banding Island Website, 2014)

3.3 Comparison between Application of Skylight in Wind and Water

Bar in Vietnam

Wind and Water Bar (Figure 12) is located in an artificial lake in Thu Dau Mot

Town, Vietnam. It is made up with a bamboo structural arch system into a dome shape

with 10 meter high and 15 meter spanning across. The building uses natural wind

energy to cool down the lake water which promotes natural air ventilation. It gives a

luxurious feeling but at the same time remains gentle in its atmosphere. The bar

function for town meetings and other social activities.

There is hole acting as skylight with diameter of 1.5m on the top of the roof

shown in Figure 13. There is a slight difference between the shape and the function of

the skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan and the Wind and Water Bar. Wind and Water Bar

skylight is dome shape where it is used for evacuation of hot air from the enclosed

interior space to outside. Stack ventilation occurs here to push out the hot air to outside

and inviting cool air to enter to cool down the interior spaces. It is a sign of a new

architectural element where the landscape and the building merge harmony together

with the surrounding residential area and the nature.




Figure 12: Wind and Water Bar

(Source: Archdaily, 2012)

Figure 13: Application of Skylight in the Rooftop

(Source: Archdaily, 201




4.0 Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Skylight in Villa

Tanjung Wan

Energy star ratings and “U-value”, or ultra violet rating are the consideration

when selecting a proper skylight (Rick, 2014). Dr Peter Lyons (2004) mentioned that

there is an energy-rated skylight products called Window Energy Rating Scheme for

Skylights (WERSfs) which includes the ratings of U-value and Solar Heat Gain

Coefficient (SHGC) as well as a star rating system from 0 to 10 that ranks the

performance of each product when heating and cooling and the potential in providing

natural lighting as illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 14: Energy Star Ratings

(Source: Energystar.gov, n.d.)

Although energy-efficient skylight was used, it still unable achieve its maximum

energy performance without proper installation. Therefore there are a few factor that

affect the effectiveness of skylight in Villa Tanjung Wan in terms of size, location, slope

and moisture control. First of all is the size of the skylight. As rule of thumb, the size of

the skylight should never be more than 5% of the floor area in rooms with many

windows and no more than 15% of the room's total floor area for spaces with few

windows (Energy.gov, 2012).

The location of the skylight also plays important role in maximizing its efficiency.

David Johnston (2013), internationally recognized green building expert claims that

though skylight are not automatically an energy improvement; they must be placed

strategically and be shaded under sun to maximize energy savings. The orientation of

Villa Tanjung Wan were place where longest façade facing north and south and




skylights were place in north area surrounded by tall trees as shown in Figure 15. In

warm climates, skylights are best place on the north and south facing roof to reduce

direct passive heat from sunlight.

Figure 15: North façade of Villa Tanjung Wan Surrounded by Tall Trees

(Source: Banding Island Website, 2014)

Besides, the slope level of the skylight is also crucial factor affecting the

effectiveness of skylight. As a general rule of thumb, it is good to achieve a slope equal

to geographical latitude plus 5 to 15 degrees. A flat orientated skylight on a flat roof will

intercept only little sunlight as the sun projects in low position in early morning and at

the end of the day. However, a skylight with slope level can intercept substantially more

sunlight at these critical low angles, increasing the illumination delivered below by 5 to

10 percent at the start and end of the day illustrated in Figure 16.




Figure 16: Sun Penetration on Flat vs. Sloped Roof


In addition, ceiling height and spacing between skylights also factors affecting

the efficiency of skylight. Skylights should space at a distance between 1.0 and 1.5

times the ceiling height in general rule of thumb shown in Figure 17. This assumes a

highly diffusing glazing and generally produces acceptable uniformity in distribution of

light. In relation to the proportion of the room and the height of the ceiling, there is a

probability that the skylight might cause glare to the occupant. The lower the ceiling,

the more likely that the skylights will be within the occupant’s sight view as illustrated in

Figure 18. A high ceiling keeps skylights out of line of view, reducing the effort for glare

control and protect the visual comfort of human (Heschong Mahone Group, 1998).




Figure 17: Spacing Rule of Thumb


Figure 18: Visual Comfort Effect of High versus Low Ceilings





Last but not least, moisture control is also a factor that would affect the

efficiency of skylight. It is essential to carefully maintain and seal the integrity of the

roof and the skylight casement to ensure air tight, solid fit. According to Energy.gov

(2012), it is wise to apply a layer of sheet waterproofing over the flanges of skylight or

install a watertight curb that helps to repel water away.

5.0 Importance of Energy Conservation to Environment

The usage of natural resources is increasing nowadays and human depend on

energy for virtually everything in our lives. Energy does not just make lives more

comfortable and also it is imperative for survival. Without proper conservation methods,

the non-renewable energy resources will exhaust one day. In cutting down the use of

electrical energy by replacing artificial lights with skylight, lots of money could be saved

from electrical bill and at the same time minimize the impact to the nature environment.

The Institute of Energy & Sustainable Development at Leicester’s De Montfort

University (2006) has conduct research on the effect of skylight area on carbon dioxide

emissions due to artificial lighting system as shown in Figure 19. The research

considered the thermal effects and the illumination effects of the artificial lights required

separately, then quantified each of these effects to establish the overall effect of

skylight area on total energy use and the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions. The end

of the result proves that the greater the skylight area, the less artificial light is required

and the lower the total power consumption. The higher the illumination level of the

artificial, the greater the lighting system’s power consumption and carbon dioxide

emissions. Therefore, increasing skylight area reduce the need of artificial light, cuts

the energy requirement of the building and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.




Figure 19: Effect of Skylight Area on Total Efficiency

(Source: RCI, Inc. Website, 2006)

Carbon dioxide is harmful gas that cause greenhouse effect. It is naturally

present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth’s carbon cycle. The uses of artificial light

that require electrical energy which generated from the combustion fossil fuels emit

large amount of carbon dioxide. The continuously emission of greenhouse gases in the

next few years might cause global warming and destroy the nature environment,

resulting in extinction of rare flora and fauna. Figure 20 & 21 shows the rare species of

flora and fauna found in Belum Rainforest that might extinct soon if actions were not

taken to solve the problem.




Figure 20: Hornbill in Belum Rainforest

(Source: Simedarby.com, 2014)

Figure 21: Rafflesia in Belum Rainforest

(Source: EcoTourismHub.com, 2014)

Nature environment is important to living things as it maintain the quality of life

and act as recreation area for human. It also provide useful educational and cultural

information in the study field of science, local history, conservation and nature studies.

Nature environment is also the source of substantial economic supplies to a country.

Hence, it is important to conserve energy in order to protect the nature environment.




6.0 Conclusion

The application of skylight design has successfully inherited and adapted the

passive design of Villa Tanjung Wan into the contemporary architecture, while at the

same time achieving effectiveness of energy efficiency and optimum aesthetic

structural value. Unlike buildings in the old times that focus only on its functionality,

building nowadays emphasize on various elements like sustainability, efficiency,

aesthetic value and function. Energy conservation is important to reduce the negative

impact to nature environment to provide a more comfortable and better quality of living

condition which should be started before it is too late. Implementation of skylight can

help to conserve energy as it reduce the electrical energy requirement of the building

and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. In conclusion, a proper selected energy

efficient skylight can contribute to energy saving and optimum aesthetic structure value

which help in conserving nature environment for a better future. These important

findings will eventually lead to better application of skylight design in building for high

efficiency and attractive purpose in the future.




7.0 References

Belum Eco Resort Sdn Bhd. (2014). Belum Rainforest Resort. Retrieved May 27, 2014,

from Belumresort.com website,

http://www.belumresort.com/media_gallery.html

Connelly, P. (2012). Skylights. [Website] Retrieved from

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EMKAY. (2014). Belum Rainforest Villas. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from

Bandingisland.com website,

http://www.bandingisland.com/e_belumrainforestvillas.php

Hawker, B. (2006). Skylights Save Energy. [Website] Retrieved from

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http://www.solar-track.com/tech2.html

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skylight. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from

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Vo Trong Nghia Architects. (2013). Wind and Water Bar. Retrieved June 12, 2014,

from votrongnghia.com website:

http://votrongnghia.com/projects/wnw-bar/

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Lina, O. (2011). World Architecture, Belum Rainforest Resort, 257, 63-67.

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Torres, J. (2013). The Greenest Home: Superinsulated and Passive House Design.

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http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sky%20light

http://votrongnghia.com/projects/wnw-bar/

http://www.oldwest.ca/blog/five-benefits-skylights-can-offer-your-home






8.0 Appendix

belum resort case study report

Documents