Exploratory survey of recessed window façade shading in Johor Bahru Malaysia

The built environment is a major source of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially exacerbating the threats of climate change. With global rising temperatures, the energy requirements for cooling and ventilating buildings in tropical nations like Malaysia will soar geometrically. Scientists around the globe are exploring several technologies to address the challenges posed by building emissions and energy consumption. One of the main methods is the application of passive design strategies such as external façade shading or self-shading. Studies indicate one of the most practical self-shading technique is recessed window facades (RWF) which can easily integrate without reducing natural light and obscuring views. However, studies on the RWF are limited in literature particularly in Malaysia. This research aimed at carrying out an exploratory survey of recessed window façade (RWF) shading in selected buildings in Johor Bahru Malaysia. The RWF buildings characteristics namely; Window-Wall Ratio (WWR), Recessed Depth (RCD), Shading Ability (SHA), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Shading Coefficient (SC) will be examined. The results indicated that the values for solar heat gain and shading coefficient are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, the high shading ability of the buildings indicated that RWF might be responsible. Further studies are required to ascertain empirical correlations between the examined characteristics. This further study will potentially improve the design of more energy efficient, low emission and thermally comfortable buildings for the future

Environmental challenges to sustainable development in housing sector at Gaza strip

The purpose of this research study was to highlight the challenges of sustainable development in the housing sector in the Gaza Strip especially via comprehensive review of relevant literature. A systematic approach was adopted to review the relevant previous literature. A total of 47 research articles from renowned journals (Environmental Development, Energy and Buildings, Sustainable Development, Habitat International, International Journal of Sustainable Design, Journal of Journal of Housing and the Built Environment) were reviewed. The findings of systematic literature review of prior studies have revealed that sustainable development in the housing sector is prerequisite for socio economic development, better living, job creations and how sustainable development in the housing sector can contribute to environmental sustainability in the Gaza Strip especially. The study had considered studies only related to sustainable development in general and particular in the context of Gaza Strip. This research paper offers interesting implications for local housing authorities and construction industries by pointing out the challenges of sustainable development in the housing sector in the Gaza Strip

Investigating the effect of well geometry on the daylight performance in the adjoining spaces of vertical top-lit atrium buildings

This study investigated the impact of well geometry on the amount of daylight availability in the adjoining spaces around atria with vertical top-lit forms under overcast sky condition in Malaysia. The daylight levels in the central south office rooms were derived from scale model measurements, and predictions from the lighting simulation program Radiance in Integrated Environmental Solution . A comparison of measured data and simulations has validated Radiance simulations of atrium daylighting. The simulations show generally good agreement with physical model measurements. More simulated data of average daylight factor for a very wide range of atrium geometries are given. Findings of this research develop an atrium with optimum geometric proportions to create office spaces with enough potential for daylight utilisation. It demonstrates that a model of atrium with atrium's plan aspect ratio 1/3, atrium's section aspect ratio 1, and 3/8 atrium clerestory to atrium height is the most proper model of atrium for providing the sufficient daylight in the adjacent spaces of vertical top-lit atrium. This research will present a demonstration and general guide for the designers to predict daylighting performance of an atrium building in the tropical climate regions

Appraisal of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in healthcare facilities: a literature review

This study reviews the relevant literature to ascertain the extent to which IEQ performance evaluation in healthcare facilities have been carried out. The aim is to draw understanding and to identify areas that are yet to be considered or needs more attention. The performance assessment of IEQ is based on four parameters. However, these parameters of IEQ have not been validated as a measurement construct for the evaluation of IEQ performance in buildings. Combinations of subjective and objective assessment methods of IEQ is also limited in ascertaining the degree of variation or equality in their measurement of the same trait factors

Optimum glazing configurations for visual performance in algerian classrooms under mediterranean climate

Daylight quality and quantity in Algerian schools show serious problems in ensuring visual comfort of students and teachers. Some problems are due to window design, which leads to excessive amount of sunlight penetration into the classrooms. The consequences are glare and heat gain. This study investigates the effective glazing pattern for classroom to achieve optimum daylight performance and visual comfort in Algerian classrooms. Field measurements of typical classrooms were carried out in a selected school in Algeria during solstice summer (under clear sky condition) and solstice winter (under overcast sky condition). The data of outdoor daylight illuminance were used to validate Integrated Environment Solution Virtual Environment (IESVE) daylight simulation. This study used three different glazing types, namely, clear, tint and reflective glass with different glazing proportions, subsequently, seven patterns of glazing window design were used for an extensive simulation exercise. The results of the investigation from the site measurements show that the work plane illuminance was found to be beyond the range of 300 lux to 500 lux, which exceeded recommended value, except for the south-east orientation with clerestory typology, which were recorded at 2.98% of daylight factor, in contrast the daylight uniformity in tested classrooms is appropriate. Furthermore, the simulation revealed that combination of 75% clear glass and 25% reflective glass with 30% wall-to-window ratio has achieved 41.41% during winter and 47.82% during summer of Useful daylight illuminance. The use of different glazing configurations shows a significant improvement on daylight distribution and the reduction of glare comparing to the reference model. However, such improvement in the quality and quantity of daylighting was inadequate which arises the need of further enhancement

Experimental investigation of overall energy performance in Algerian office building integrated photovoltaic window under semi-arid climate

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) energy has now become one of the most significant renewable energy alternatives for providing natural daylight and clean energy. As such, this study was conducted for the first time in Algeria to experimentally evaluate the BIPV window energy and lighting energy savings of a typical office building under the semi-arid climate condition. Apart from using the Energy Plus and Integrated Environment Solution-Virtual environment (IES-VE) energy simulation tools in the experimental validation, the daylighting control method and the dynamic Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI) were also utilized to analyse the daylighting performance as well as the lighting energy of BIPV windows with different transparency levels at various cardinal orientations. The field measurements had revealed the overall energy model to be consistent and in good agreement with the EnergyPlus and the IESVE simulation models, where the tested PV module was found to have provided not only a 20% Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of uniformed daylight with low illuminance level, but also thermal comfort and a considerable amount of clean energy. The simulated results had demonstrated a substantial improvement in cooling energy and glare reduction of the PV modules as compared to the base-model, where the only BIPV window configuration was achieved good area of UDI 300-700 lux is facing the South orientation and 30% VLT. In conclusion, the application of the thin film BIPV windows with different transparency and orientation levels can thus be regarded as an effective solution for minimizing the lighting energy consumption through its energy production instead of daylighting utilization

Daylight optimization for green office building: a study of west facing window design and configuration

Window placement and shading device configuration plays an important role when designing with daylight. In the tropical context, windows-especially on the west façade, can create unwanted illumination and induce glare. Excessive interior lighting can cause discomfort and stress amongst the users while poorly lit areas can have physical and mental consequences. Thus, the openings are to be configured as such that the interior can be naturally-lit while providing the optimum lighting for the required activities. In order to design a naturally-lit green office building, an experiment was conducted to determine the best opening configuration of a north-west facing building. For this purpose, a study model was constructed with adjustable slot-in louvres on the western side. A lux meter was used to measure the illuminance of the interior for different configurations of windows which varied according to the spacing, position, material and number of louvres. The daylight factor was calculated and the findings were found to be consistent with other literature on this topic. The results were established for several configurations which could be incorporated into design according to the design requirements. Finally, the findings were adapted and adjusted with respect to the building context and surroundings in designing the shading device for a green office building

Low carbon emission through the use of BIPV windows in Algerian mid-rise buildings

Sustainable developments in the field of architecture are turning out to be increasingly vital which requires the utilization of renewable energy and the reduction of energy consumption in Algerian mid-rise buildings. However, Algeria energy utilization which is not sustainable has contributed to excess amount of CO2 emission. This study investigated the potential of using PV system in vertical façade (azimuth 90 °) and identifies the yield of photovoltaic in each orientation and tilt angle (horizontal, 30 °, 90 °). Through a series of simulations were perform in eight azimuth (and tilt angle from 0 ° to 90 °) throughout four season by using Polysun software in order to evaluate the optimum power output of 1.54 m2 of Mono-crystalline windows. This was carried out on a 7th floor office building of Tebessa University which contain, the area of the roof 242 m2, the area of whole facades 1,904 m2, whereas the surface of the opening (windows) 580 m2. The difference of energy output in mid-rise building (7 levels) between the Roof area and whole façade area was up to 3.6 times. Consequently, after calculation the total amount of energy output. It revealed that the energy output of BIPV windows is higher than BIPV on the roof; however the performance of the BIPV in the roof is much better than façade. In overall, the application the BIPV windows in mid-rise buildings under semi-Arid climate is favorable and convenient, increased the CO2 saving to 173.4 kWh/y, and reduce more than 200 kWh/y energy to supply the energy of buildings

Importance of a view window in rating green office buildings

The essence of a view window (VW) in an office building is not only to bring an optimal balance between daylight and electric light, but also for psychological and health purpose. VW does not only allow the admittance of light and views, but indirectly affects the productivity and psychological wellbeing of office occupants; it has a link to the sustainability in both conventional and green buildings. This paper defines the function of a view window as it relates to green office building. Through literature review and an experiment conducted in room 432-01 located at B11 Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The function of VW in a green office building is highlighted; and the findings show that a VW would enhance sustainability in an office setting and has a dimension greater than 750mm above a finish floor level and less or equal to 2300mm above a finish floor level and with a wall to window ratio (WWR) of 25% to 40%