THE BUILDING ENVELOPE: PASSIVE LOW ENERGY APPROACH IN THE TROPICAL SOUTHEAST ASIAN CLIMATE

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the application of various passive low energy approaches in building envelope design for the region. And through establishing the possibilities and studying the precedents, point towards the future directions of passive low energy (building envelope) design in the region. Chapter 1 researches on the general environmental and ecological issues were carried out to provide the background for understanding the formulation of the topic. A study is then made to look into the definition of sustainable architecture, and its development over the years. In Chapter 2, the scope of passive low energy design is further defined. The fundamental strategies: daylighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, energy generation, water harvesting and appropriate use of materials are studied to explain the processes involved. In Chapter 3, the relevant region of study, Tropical Southeast Asia is then investigated through the study of the resources and demands of the climate, together with reference to historical precedents. Chapter 4 focuses on the building envelope, where a descriptive research is made to study how various passive low energy design approaches of site planning, architectural form and layout, material selection, vegetation and facade treatment and devices, influences the building envelope design and in turn contribute towards passive low energy design. Application onto the regional context In the concluding Chapter 5, new materials and techniques, and the future possibilities in design provides an outlook on the future direction of passive low energy design.