Optimization of Natural Lighting Level in Umah Pitu Ruang in Gayo Highland, Indonesia

Abstract

Currently, traditional houses are starting to be difficult to find in Indonesia. One example is Umah Pitu Ruang (UPR) which is a traditional house located in the Gayo Highland, Aceh, Indonesia. In this study, two UPRs that have different orientations were evaluated. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the daylight received in the two UPRs complies with SNI 03-6575-2001 standards and to identify how the orientation and design of the two UPRs respond to the inclusion of natural lighting and optimize it. Data collection was carried out using quantitative methods obtained from observations, measurements, and simulations. This study found that the natural lighting that enters the two UPRs does not meet the SNI 03-6575-2001 standards. The study shows that UPR with north and south orientation has a larger amount of illuminance and Daylight Factor (DF) compared with those facing east and west. However, both of the houses have a very small amount of illuminance in the bedroom, due to the very limited access from the bedroom to the outside. The study also indicates that people in the old times used their houses more for resting, while the rest of the activities were carried out outside. Therefore, the house does not comply with providing sufficient daylight during the daytime.