Proposed Roof System

Roof is the building component that receives most of the solar radiation and collects most of the rain water during sunny or rainy day.  Hence, our team came out with this proposed roof system to maximize the potential of self sustaining for Zone.Zone house.

Proposed Roof System

Figure 1: Proposed Green Roof System Diagram

(Source: Author)

Solar Water Heating

Figure 1a: Diagram showing the main components for the proposed SWH system

(Source: Author)

Figure 1b: Photo showing SWH system installed on the roof

(Source: http://www.24heatingcooling.com/files/images/swh_roof.jpg)

Water heating is one of the highest energy consuming electrical appliance in a house, due to the process of turning electrical energy into heat which requires huge amount of energy during transformation. Hence, we came out with a proposed SWH system on the roof top, so that we can use the solar heat to heat up the water and store in an insulated storage tank. With this system, we are using renewable energy and reduces the usage of carbon-generated power from the main grid. 

Solar Energy

Figure 1c: Diagram showing the Isolated Solar Power System main components

(Source: Author)

Figure 1c: Photo showing PV panels installed on the roof.

(Source:http://www.sustainableguernsey.info/)

Solar energy is free and clean, and it is supplied all year long in Malaysia. Based on this, our team decided to design an isolated solar power system for this project. The isolated solar power system include PV panels, Solar storage batteries and Inverter. 

Rainwater Harvesting

Figure 1e: Diagram showing the setup of non mechanical rainwater filtration system

(Source: Author)

Unlike conventional rainwater harvesting system in the market, our team decided to design a system that reduce the needs on mechanical components like pump. The proposed rainwater harvesting system is installed using natural elements like gravels, bio fabric filter and recycle plastic for waterproofing, the whole system relies on gravitational force for flowing of the water. The filtered rain water will be stored for irrigation of vegetation on heat barrier, flushing WC or car washing purposes. 

Home Aquaponics - Sustainable Food Production

As food prices are ever increasing, self-sufficiency in terms of food will help the urban poor save daily costs yet not lack in nutrition.

Aquaponics is a sustainable food production method where traditional aquaculture (fish cultivation) meets hydroponics (growing plants with mineral nutrient solutions). Compared to hydroponics and aeroponics, this method is the most energy and water efficient method to grow vegetables and fruits while also raising fish for human consumption. Aquaponics uses 90% less water than soil-based growing.

Figure 1: Picture depicts an example of an aquaponics farm. (Source: http://www.proaqua.com/aquaponics)

This method mainly relies on the symbiotic relationship between the plant and the fish. The principle of aquaponics is that the effluents accumulated in the water from the fish tank is lead to a hydroponics system where the waste is broken down by nitrogen-fixing bacteria at the root of the plants. It is then absorbed by the plants as vital nutrients. The water which is now filtered and cleansed is repumped to the fish tank and the closed-loop cycle continues.

Figure 2: The cycling of the water from the fish tank to the growing tray.
(Source: http://www.cityscapefarms.com/soillessfarming/)

As this method relies on natural processes, any addition of chemicals will endanger either the plant or the fish. For example, chemical fertilizers, if added, will be toxic to the fish and cause them to die. In this sense, it will require the home owners to practice healthy, organic growing.
(Source: http://www.aquaponic.com.au/aquaponics.htm)

In this system, a balance is required between the number of fishes in the tank, the size of the tank and the amount of plants grown. If a large tank is used with insufficient fishes reared in it, the plants will not receive enough nutrients to grow healthily. If too many fishes are reared, the plants will not be able to filter the water quickly enough and it might be too concentrated with effluent, thus becoming too toxic for the fishes. A good balance will ensure healthy growth of both the plants and the fishes.
(Source: http://aquaponics4you.com/articles/aquaponics-stocking-densities/)



The proposed aquaponics farm will be located next to the kitchen for the convenient retrieval of fresh produce. A variety of vegetables can be planted at the same time  (it doesn't matter since they do not compete for nutrients in this system) to encourage consumption of different types of vegetables which provide different phytonutrients beneficial to the human body.

Figure 3: A variety of plants can be grown at the same time (here, water from the tank flows through the gravel).
(Source: http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/08/new-aquaponics-project-could-be-solution-for-pacific-food-shortage/)

Material & Construction Method

Figure 1: Exploded axonometric showing prefabricated steel construction and Bio-based materials

(Source: Author)

Steel

The superstructure for Zone.Zone House is mainly formed by Steel I-beam. The frame of the building is designed with consideration based on prefabricated building systems. Steel I-beams are prominently used in prefabricated building; this is because steel I-beam is easy to configure and install during the construction progress. Steel have been recognized for its strength, durability, and functionality, hence it can last throughout the whole lifespan of Zone.Zone House. Steel is relatively easier to be recycled due to its unique magnetic properties, hence at the end of the building’s lifespan, these steel I-beams can be reused or recycled.

Wood – Polylactic Acid Composite

Wood – polylactic acid composite is a combination of wood fiber and bio-plastic. Wood fiber can be harvested from recycled wood or industry timber residue, while the bio-plastic or known as polylactic acid is extracted from biomass, such as oil palm tree trunk and rice husk. Both sources of material for this composite timber are from  natural resources, which fits the concept of sustainable material. Composite timber have good workability and advantages in water resistance and is low maintenance. Similar to plastic, composite timber can be molded into desired shapes, which can reduce the possibilities of material wastage. This composite timber will be used for Zone.Zone House’s floor decking and wall panel, where all of these panels are prefabricated into modular units for the ease of transportation, installation, alteration, and material management.

Fly Ash Concrete

Fly ash concrete wall is used for the internal partition wall in Zone.Zone House, due to the high thermal mass properties of concrete. The high thermal mass helps in slowing down the heat gain process, and keep the internal spaces remain in its thermal comfort level. Concrete is commonly used in most of local construction due to its availability and is abundant in the local material industry. Fly ash concrete is a combination of fly ash, cement, aggregate and water. Fly ash is a residue from burning industry. Previously it was not used but released to the environment instead. Fly ash is now used as a replacement of cement in a certain percentage, and by doing this, indirectly the amount of fly ash that is released into the environment can be reduced.

Tempered Glass

It is the main element for double glazing glass window. The glass pane is separated by a gap of air in between, where this gap acts as a filter to reduce heat transfer across the building envelop. This allows natural light to penetrate but as for the heat it isn’t transmitted into the internal spaces. Glass is a highly recyclable material, and by the end of the building lifespan, the glass panes from the windows can be reused or recycled into various glass product. By doing this, it helps to conserve raw materials, reduce energy needed to produce new glassware and minimize the use of landfill.

Polylactic Acid Plastic

Polylactic Acid Plastic or known as PLA, is a type of plastic created by using bio based resources, such as corn starch. It is a sustainable material which has the advantages of normal plastic, such as durability, waterproof characteristics and can be molded in any shapes and desired forms. The suggested PLA in our Zone.Zone House is based on local found biomass such as oil palm tree trunk and rice husk, where both raw material is abundant in Malaysia. PLA will be the main material for our planter box modular unit. This is because of its light weight and weather-resistant properties which is advantages. PLA is very clean to recycle as well, as it turns back to its original monomer after recycling without producing any harmful byproducts.

Vegetation on Heat Barrier

A research was done to search for multiple species of plant to be incorporated into the heat barrier.

In the Core & Barrier concept, these plants reduce heat gained and act as heat barrier. They also perform different functions, such as reducing noise, purifying air, aesthetic purpose etc.

Studies have shown that plants can reduce the reverberation time by absorbing, reflecting or diffracting background noise and thus creating a more comfortable environment for the occupants.

Different plants are located at specific parts of the façade to respond to the site and sun. The plants chosen were also chosen for their low maintenance requirements such as infrequent watering required and size, where the plant does not grow too quickly where it will not burden the house owners to perform regular trimmings or re-rooting.

 

 

 

 

Chinese evergreen plant: Located at façade facing the road to reduce noise and filter toxic gases such as carbon monoxide from vehicles, ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde.

 

It can grow in filtered light and light shade and only requires moderate watering.

 

Dwarf snake plant: Located at the façade near to the bedroom as it has a unique characteristic where it releases oxygen at night instead of during the day and thus aids in sleeping.

It also filters the air from chemicals such as formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia. Snake plant is known as one of the NASA top ten best indoor air-cleaning plants. It can take a wide range of conditions and is very low maintenance as light watering is required.

 

 

Peace lily: Placed at the façade near the work place as it is able to filter benzene in cigarette smoke- it also filters out formaldehyde found in paint. Also known as one of the NASA top ten best indoor air-cleaning plants. Low maintenance, require watering once a week. Noise reducing properties makes it an excellent plant for the barrier.

 

 

 

 

 

Lemonbalm and peppermint: Chosen to be planted at the heat barrier near the kitchen as it is edible.

Both have fragrances that repel mosquitoes, and are easy to grow and maintain. Lemonbalm is especially tolerant of bad conditions and it is not affected much by pests and disease.

Work from Home

The Quality of Life Survey 1998 measured the satisfaction level of Kuala Lumpur’s residents with respect to a number of specific facilities and services. More than 40 percent of Kuala Lumpur residents faced difficulty in getting to their work place on time owing to traffic congestion.


A more recent perception survey carried out by the Economic Planning Unit confirmed the above findings. It further revealed a high level of dissatisfaction in respect of accessibility to cultural and recreational facility.

(Source: DBKL)

 Figure 1: Visualization of workplace connecting to garden room

(Source: Author)

Based on the finding above, we proposed the idea of ''working from home'' to save fuel consumption on private transportation and time in urban lifestyle. For example, the number of day spent in the employer office would be reduced and replaced by ''working from home''. This idea is further strengthened by current trend in Malaysia. Few years before, private sectors reduced 6 working days (Monday - Saturday) to 5 days (Monday - Friday). We believe, in the future, the working days at office would be lesser than current working days.

Besides that, we also propose the workplace in Zone.Zone House to be connected to recreational facility, we call it the ''garden room''. 

The workplace is located in the Core as adults would be spending their time in this place to do their work. While, ''garden room'' functions as Buffer zone with planting box (heat barrier) to provide heat protection to the work place. Natural daylighting is important to a working environment, thus, fenestration is introduced on north-facing facade of the workplace. 

In addition, the greenery in garden room provides pleasant visual in the workplace, creating good working environment. The family can conduct their recreational activity in garden room. 

Core & Buffer Zones

Figure 1a: Diagram showing buffer zones protect core spaces from eastern and western sunlight
(Source: Author)

Figure 1b:Diagram showing spatial configuration based on Core & Buffer Zones System
(Source: Author)

Figure 1c: Sectional digram showing arrangement of Families spaces based on Core & Buffer Zones System
(Source: Author)

Cross Ventilation & Stack Effect in Core Spaces

In an urban environment, wind velocity is very low due to the presence of tall buildings around the site. Stack effect would only work with optimum performance in tall building, with at least 10-floors height. 

How to induce wind and promote natural ventilation within the dwelling in the urban environment? The answer is stack effect with DC exhaust fan (as mentioned in previous post, Pushing the Green Boundary). 

Figure 2a: Sectional diagram showing stack effect induced by DC exhaust fan powered by solar panels.

(Source: Author)

Figure 2b: Sectional diagram showing cross-ventilation and stacking effect driven by DC exhaust fan located at the top of the Core.

(Source: Author)

A narrow plan is developed to encourage cross ventilation. Ventilation is important as air movement causes high evaporation rate of sweat on our body skin surface, producing cooling effect in the hot-humid climate in Malaysia. Each bedroom is incorporated with two windows, placed adjacent to each other to bring in wind-flow. Casement windows are used to catch wind flowing through the dwelling.  

Figure 3: Narrow plan to encourage cross ventilation

(Source: Author)

Core as Community Spaces

Core spaces are the spaces where the family spend most of their time in and protected by buffer zones to achieve thermal comfort. 

Figure 4a: Core spaces for visual interaction between buffer zones to promote community sense in the house

(Source: Author)

 Figure 4b: Mezzanine floors allow visual interaction of family spaces in the core while preserving the sense of privacy between both families.

(Source: Author)

 Figure 4b: Greenery such as tree and plants on heat barrier are always present in sight to promote good indoor environmental quality

(Source: Author)

Pushing the Green Boundary

Figure 1: Bubble diagram is used to explore ideas from GBI

(Source: Author)

Green Building Index as starting point. Mind mapping was created as a guideline on how to achieve a sustainable design.

Rain Water Harvesting System 

Figure 2: Diagram showing the usage of water collected from rainwater harvesting system

(Source: Author)

In order to reduce water usage from the water supply company, rainwater harvesting is one of the best solution. The diagram above shows a straight forward rainwater harvesting, while our team is trying to design a less mechanical-dependent system so that less energy is used. For example, a non mechanical pump filtration system can be included and only depends on gravitational force to flow the water. With these, more energy can be conserved for other usage.

Solar Chimney

Figure 3: Diagram showing components in solar chimney design

(Source: Author)

The roof of a building is the part where the most solar radiation hits and most heat gain is transferred into the building. Putting a solar chimney into the design can promote internal ventilation of the dwelling. A conventional solar chimney is good enough to reduce humidity and encourage thermal comfort for the internal space of a building, but our team thinks that the potential boundary of solar chimney doesn't stops here. Solar chimney can be combined with semi transparent photo voltaic panel for powering DC exhaust fan and producing renewable energy, this hybrid concept is just one of the approach our team is looking into it.

Heat Barrier

Figure 1: Sketches showing different details and mechanism to be incorporated into heat barrier design

(source: Author)

Heat barrier is the first protective layer against heat. Not only does it minimizes the heat gained by buffer spaces, it also functions as fenestration to allow natural ventilation as the Zone.Zone House focuses on passive solar design.

Figure 2: Sketches showing planting box as heat barrier

(Source: Author)

Why not incorporate plants into the heat barrier design? Plants absorb light and carry out photosynthesis, providing oxygen for the internal living environment, while shading the buffer zones from direct sunlight. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) can be improved at the same time, as these plants are present in sight at every inch within the Zone.Zone House. They filter  air flowing into the internal living spaces and reduce noise produced by the street in urban environment.The idea of vertical farming on heat barrier is being explored as well. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the proposed site located at the end lot, this ''plant-filled'' heat barrier on the facade promote green building design to the public or passer-by at Jalan Raja Chulan.  

Figure 3: Sketches showing facade design with shading device and vertical farming planting boxes.

(Source: Author)

Proposed Site

Figure 1: Location map showing proposed site (marked red) in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur.

(Source: Google Map)

The proposed site is located in an urban environment, within the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur. It sits at a dormant site beside the busy road of Jalan Raja Chulan. Located closely to Dang Wangi LRT station and Bukit Nanas Monorail station, the residents would only require 8 minutes of walk to the nearest public transport station, thus indirectly reducing the usage of personal transportation which increases carbon footprint in the city. In addition, the nearest town bus station is located at a 5 minutes walking distance from the site. This would promote a neighborhood with pedestrian-scale.

Economy

Due to the location (Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur), the cost of land is very high and not affordable to our target community - the middle-range working class who work in the city - as the property prices in Kuala Lumpur has reach unsustainable levels. 

Table 1: Increase in property prices, reaching unsustainable levels

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my/red/property-bubble-fact-or-fantasy-1.143376)

In the next 20 or 30 years, Kuala Lumpur might be experiencing property bubble similar to our neighboring country, Singapore. Now, A new home loan is introduced in Singapore that allows home owner to stretch his home mortgage to 50 years, as requested by the people. This means if a couple, say, marries at 30 years old, they will be servicing their housing loan until the age of 80.

On the other hand, in Japan, the only way to afford a home with sky-high prices is to apply for two generation loan.

(Source: http://therealsingapore.com/content/half-century-property-loan-–-financial-irresponsibility-and-disaster)

(Source: http://www.gvpedia.com)

Therefore, we propose the idea of a dwelling shared by two families (or two generations) to reduce the financial burden of each family. Indirectly, this would create a small community within a house and foster the bond between families.

  

Concept & Idea Development - Zone.Zone House

The design of ''Zone.Zone House'' is inspired by Malay traditional houses and traditional shophouses.

Based on these two Malaysian dwelling designs, both share the similar spatial configuration, in which the core spaces are always protected from intense heat by buffer space. For example, both dwellings have a veranda area that shades and protects internal spaces where the families spend most of their time. 

Figure 1: Veranda protecting the Rumah Ibu in Malay traditional house.

(Source: http://whassan.blogspot.com/2010/07/warisan-resort-kuala-berang-terengganu.html)

Figure 2: A five-foot way protecting internal spaces in traditional shophouses.
(source: http://davidderrick.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/loggia-arcade-and-shophouse/)

The Concept

Then, a concept of ''Core & Buffer'' is developed. It is a simple, but efficient way to protect living spaces from intense heat in hot-humid climate, in which the buffer spaces with heat barrier protect the core spaces. Basically, the heat would need to penetrate two protective layers before it reaches the core.

Diagram showing ''Core & Buffer'' concept.

(source: Author)

Characteristics

Heat Barrier

• Lightweight
• Permeable - allow natural ventilation & daylighting
• Provide shade to buffer spaces

Buffer spaces

• Prevent excessive heat from penetrating into core spaces
• Private spaces: Bedroom, toilet, services, utility
• Less frequently used by the family
• Similar function with veranda in traditional dwelling design.

Core spaces

• Spaces with thermal comfort
• Has high thermal mass (act as heat sink) - absorb heat that penetrate through buffer spaces
• Social spaces: Living room, dining room, common area
• Used frequently by the family

Conception