APPLICATION OF SKYLIGHTS IN VILLA TANJUNG WAN TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS AND

OPTIMUM AESTHETIC STRUCTURAL VALUE

TITLE

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Main Question:How skylight design in Villa Tanjung Wan affect the energy efficiency and aesthetic structural value of the building?

Sub Questions:1. State the definition of passive architecture design and energy efficiency.

2. How does skylight feature help in maximizing the efficiency of the building and enhance the aesthetic value of the building?

3. What are the consideration when installing skylight design to increase its total efficiency?

4. Why is it important to conserve energy and how does it affect the nature environment?

QUESTIONS

Issues:1) To identify the effectiveness of skylight design in terms of achieving energy efficiency and

optimum structural value2) To find out the importance of energy conservation to nature environment

Background literature:Being situated at an environmentally sensitive area, Belum Resort was conceived as sustainable development with aim of providing convenience and green nature experiences. On going around with the green eco concept with theme of recycling, sustainability & energy efficiency, Villa Tanjung Wan fully utilize the rich resources available in the site by implementing design features.

ISSUE & OBJECTIVES

Objectives:1) Understanding of skylight through its functions and elements

2) Highlight on the achievement of building efficiency and optimum aesthetic with implementation of skylight design

3) Perceive the importance of energy conservation to nature environment

Previous research regarding on passive architecture design

Based on the research done by Lina Ooi alumni from RMIT University, Belum Rainforest Resort implement sustainable strategies such as: a. Feature ‘huruhara’ walls constructed out of recycled bricks salvaged from existing

buildings on siteb. ‘Sapling’ screens harvested from fast growing sustainable local timbers c. A ‘safari roof’ using a ventilated air-gap as a natural insulating layer and heat recovery

systems for hot-water from a/c units.d. A tropical architecture of deep roof eaves and fenestrations which encouraged natural

ventilation.e. Woven into the fabric of the site was a landscaping scheme planted with indigenous

trees and plantsf. A series of water features which provide areas for rest, reflection and nature

appreciation.

Why this is worth to research?Passive architecture design involves using surrounding environment which is free and also bring comfort to people. If application of passive architecture design does help in saving energy and operating cost and also enhance the beauty of the structure, buildings in Malaysia should all perform or emphasize these strategies for a more sustainable environment by maintain its structure aesthetic.

Figure 1: Villa Tanjung Wan in Phase 3

(Source: EMKAY, 2014)

Phase 3

“Though skylight are not automatically an energy improvement; they must be placed strategically and be shaded under sun to maximize energy savings.” (Goering, n.d.)

Site Plan of Belum Temengor Scale: NTS

CASE STUDY

N

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.

Definition of passive design strategy: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. (Source: Dictionary.com, 2014)

Definition of skylight:An opening in a roof or ceiling, fitted with glass, for admitting daylight.

(Source: Dictionary web, 2014)

Definition of energy efficiency:Energy conversion efficiency is the ratio between the useful output of an energy conversion

machine and the input, in energy terms.(Source: Dictionary.com, 2014)

1.0 DEFINITION

FINDINGS

(Photo by Scarlett Gan, 2014)

Figure 2: Uses 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 intentions whendesigning villas in Belum Rainforest.

Skylight is one of the feature in this Villa Tanjung Wanwhich make a major contribution to energy efficiency and comfort. (Figure 2)

Skylight is a design that fully utilize sunlight as primary source of light within the building. Therefore, the use of artificial light can be reduced therefore it save not only the electricity cost and also more environmental friendly.

2.0 APPLICATION OF SKYLIGHT FEATURE TO ACHIEVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Figure 4: Double pitched skylight(Source: United Arab Emirates University,2010)

Figure 6: Conventional Skylight(Source: Solar Track Web,2010)

The type of skylight used in Villa Tanjung Wan is double pitch shown in Figure 4.

In Figure 5 & 6, it shows the insulated glazing bar installed in to block UV sunlight and reduce, block or facilitate light transfer according to sun angles.

Figure 5: Details of pitched skylight(Source: Patent Glazing Company,2010)

Figure 7: Contrast between light and shadow

(Source: Belum Resort Web, 2014)

The natural light from skylight casted beautifully into the bathroom creating a contrast between light and shadow and also creates a smooth effect on the rough surface concrete as shown in Figure 7.

3.0 APPLICATION OF SKYLIGHT FEATURE TO ENHANCE AESTHETIC VALUE

Figure 8: Plants growing out from skylight roof(Source: Belum Resort Brochure, 2014)

The coverless skylight allows the tree to growthrough which creates a relationship between outdoor and indoor towards nature as shownin Figure 8.

4.0 SKYLIGHT DESIGN CONSIDERATION AND INSTALLATION

SIZE SELECTION:Skylight size 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.

LOCATION:In warm climates, place skylights on the north and south facing roof to reduce direct passive heat.

SLOPESlope is also a crucial consideration for skylights. As a general rule of thumb, it is good to achieve a slope equal to geographical latitude plus 5 to 15 degrees.

MOISTURE CONTROL• Mounting the skylight above the roof surface• Installing a curb (a raised, watertight lip that helps to deflect water

away from the skylight) and flashing• Thoroughly sealing joints

Figure 9: Recommended arrangement of skylight

(Source: Belleskylight,n.d.)

Bill Hawker from National Association of RooflightManufacturers (2006) proved that:

• The greater the skylight area, the less artificial light is required and the lower the total power consumption

• The higher the illumination level, the greater the lighting system’s power consumption and 𝐶𝑂2 emissions.

Figure 3: Effect of skylight area on total efficiency(Source: RCI Inc Web,2006)

5.0 IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY CONSERVATION AND ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT

• Prevent running out of non-renewable energy resources• Saving in money.• Maintain the quality of life• Provide useful educational and cultural information important in the study of science, local

history, conservation and nature studies• Reduce emission of CO2 that can cause global warming and green house effect• Prevent the extinction of rare flora and fauna such as hornbill and rafflesia (Figure 8 & 9)• Offer substantial economic benefits to our country.

Figure 9: Hornbill in Belum Rainforest(Source: Simedarby.com, 2014)

Figure 10: Rafflesia in Belum Rainforest(Source: EcoTourismHub.com, 2014)

IMPORTANCE

CONCLUSION

Hence, skylights achieve both of these criteria, energy efficiency and optimum aesthetic structural value which will help in conserving nature environment for a better future. It is a personal fascinating scenario that there are many advantages gained by just implementing simple design strategy in a building.

Purpose STUDY ON APPLICATION OF SKYLIGHT IN VILLA TANJUNG WAN AS WAY TO ACHIEVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND OPTIMUM AESTHETIC STRUCTURAL VALUE

Objectives Understanding of skylight through its function and elements

Highlight on the achievement of building efficiency and optimum aesthetic withimplementation of skylight design

Perceive the importance of energy conservation to nature environment

Research Question What is the definition ofskylight and its characteristic used in the building

How does skylight feature help in maximizing the efficiency of the building and enhance the aesthetic value of the building?

Why is it important to conserve energy and how does it affect the nature environment?

Analysis & Findings Skylight is an opening in a roof or ceiling, fitted with glass, for admitting daylight.

The type of skylight used in Villa Tanjung Wan is double pitch with insulated glazing bar installed in to block UV sunlight and reduce, block or facilitate light transfer according to sun angles.

Increasing the skylight area reduces the need for artificial light, cuts the energy requirement of the building, and reduces CO2 emissions.

Aesthetic enhancement such as interplaying between light and shadow and bridge the indoors with the outdoors, providing

amazing landscape view.

• Prevent running out of non-renewable energy resources

• Saving in money.• Maintain the quality of life• Provide useful educational and

cultural information important in the study of science, local history, conservation and nature studies

• Reduce emission of CO2 that can cause global warming and green house effect

• Prevent the extinction of rare flora and fauna such as hornbill and rafflesia

• Offer substantial economic benefits to our country.

Conclusion Hence, a proper selected energy efficient skylight can contribute to energy efficiency and optimum aesthetic value which will help in conserving nature environment for a better future. It is a personal fascinating scenario that there are many advantages gained by just implementing simple design strategy in a building.

REFERENCES

Lina, O. (2011). World Architecture, Belum Rainforest Resort, 257, 63-67. Retrieved from http://www.c-arch.com.my/data/uploads/pub-world-architecture-belum.pdf

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

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 http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/skylights

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 http://www.rci-online.org/interface/2006-03-hawker.pdf

Solar Tracking Skylights (n.d.). Internal Light Levels. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from solar-track.com website: http://www.solar-track.com/tech2.html

passive design strategy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/passivedesignstrategy

Pence, M. (2010). Why Save Natural Areas? [Website] Retrieved from http://www.in.gov/dnr/naturepreserve/4740.htm

skylight. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/skylight

Whalley, R. (2014). Five Benefits Skylights Can Offer Your Home. [Website] Retrieved from http://www.oldwest.ca/blog/five-benefits-skylights-can-offer-your-home