Natural Ventilation of Indoor Air Temperature: A Case Study of the Traditional Malay House in Penang

Abstract

Problem statement: It was the aim of the study to analyze the level of performance of natural air ventilation with a case study of the traditional Malay house in Penang, Malaysia. This study provided information on the architectural design in relation to natural air ventilation. It promoted passive design in contrast to most housing design which has poor natural air ventilation because the design was orientated to energy consumption that slightly more than one third of the electric energy was used for heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Approach: This analysis used quantitative method which measured temperature, humidity and wind speed of the traditional house. The result indicated the level of performance of cross air ventilation and stack effect. Results: The analysis showed that the traditional house has a design integrated with natural air ventilation system. The indoor house temperature and relative humidity had slightly lower than its outdoor area. However, the indoor area had lower wind speed level than the outdoor area. Conclusion: The study showed that maximum openings on the building walls created high air intakes outside the house to give poor performance of stack effect. The design had more emphasis to cross air ventilation.

Wall Cladding Effects and Occupants’ Perception of Indoor Temperature of Typical Student Apartments in Surabaya, Indonesia

“…An earlier study that indicated inhabitants with more individual access to control over their environment have a tendency to accept wider ranges of indoor temperatures [22] seemed not be the case in tropical climate. Although people living in tropical climate show higher thermal comfort level compared to Fanger's PMV15, the recorded indoor temperature in the range 28 °C-32 °C was regarded as warm [12]. In accordance with the occupant perception of the indoor temperature, they also stated AC initial time that required more than 10 minutes predominantly (72 % of those using AC during night time, Fig.…”

Climatic Design and Changing Social Needs in the Tropics: A Case Study in Kuching, Sarawak

“…Wall cladding and floor surfaces were made of spaced timber planks. This allowed substantial ventilation [4]. However, the interior tended to be dark as there was no glazing in the windows, only window shutters.…”

Traditional Values and their Adaptation in Social Housing Design: Towards a New Typology and Establishment of ‘Air House’ Standard in Malaysia

“…Hassan and Ramli (2010) conclude that the large number of windows and openings aided by ornamentation at the perimeter walls can contribute to the cross ventilation process (Figure 3). However, further analysis by the same authors (2010) reveals that large openings on Malay house walls create high air intakes outside to reduce the performance of the stack effect.…”