Redefining Malaysian Terrace Residential Architecture by Introducing Passive Design Strategies

Redefining Malaysian Terrace Residential Architecture by Introducing Passive Design Strategies
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 0
Asian Architecture [ARC2213/2234]
PROJECT PART B: CASE STUDY PAPER
Redefining Malaysian Terrace Residential Architecture
by Introducing Passive Design Strategies
TEAM MEMBERS:
Evelin Devina (0322176)
Lim Joe Onn (0318679)
Louis De Rozario (0327136)
Ong Seng Peng (0319016)
Roy Yiek Chin Hieng (0317726)
Tristan Yu Tze Xien (0317729)
LECTURER:
Mr Koh Jing Hao
SUBMISSION DATE:
29 November 2016

Paper Title
Table of Contents Page
Abstract ........................................................................................................................2
List of Figures ...............................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................6
2.0 Typlology of Malaysian Residential Houses....................................................8
2.1 Terrace Houses...........................................................................................8
2.2 Style Variation...........................................................................................10
3.0 Current State and Issues of Malaysian Housing ................................................11
4.0 Assessment Criteria of Housing Design ............................................................15
5.0 Case Studies.....................................................................................................18
5.1 Rienzi House, Singapore...........................................................................18
5.2 Salinger House, Kajang.............................................................................21
6.0 Comparison of Case Studies and Typical Malaysian Residential Housing.........24
7.0 Potential Methods of Improving Malaysian Housing Design ..............................28
8.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................................30
9.0 References........................................................................................................31

Abstract
Malaysia’s national population have been steadily increasing. A higher population meant
that residential housing in Malaysia had reached greater demand than ever before,
posing a challenge to house designers and urban developers. Many of these residential
areas built had strong reference to houses in the West. However, these housing plans
were perceived as neglecting our local traditions, climate and context, cutting off
ourselves from our past architectural heritage, which is highly practical with application
of passive design elements.
As terrace houses are the most common typology of Malaysian residential houses, this
paper focuses on issues regarding terrace houses in Malaysia, acknowledging their
issues in terms of lack of passive design and sustainability. Thus, this paper suggests
methods that can be implemented to improve heat regulation, natural lighting and
relevance to local context.
A deeper analysis will be conducted on the two case study buildings (Rienzi House,
Singapore and Salinger House, Kajang), identifying fundamental strategies to improve
Malaysian terrace residential architecture in terms of heat regulation, natural lighting and
suiting its tropical context.

List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Singaporean architect Hock Beng Tan’s writing on the definition of tropical
architecture (source: Tropical architecture and interiors: Tradition-based design of
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, 1994 )
Figures 2.1 : Images of terrace houses in Malaysia (Image sources: islamicity.org,
malaysiahomereno.blogspot.org)
Figure 2.2 : Housing Stock of Malaysia (source: CEIC, 2007)
Figure 2.3: Example of a floor plan of a typical terrace house built in Malaysia (Image
source: http://www.blogged.my/pingbar-765839-parkfield-residences-tropicana-heights-
kajang-type-a1-.html)
Figure 2.4: A generic residential housing development in Malaysia (Image source:
http://www.funnymalaysia.net/this-guy-explains-why-living-in-malaysia-is-better-than-
living-in-germany/
Figure 2.5: Classification of two major styles of Malaysian residential houses
Figure 2.6: Houses derived from traditional housing styles (Image source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org)
Figure 2.7: Contemporary urban housing in Shah Alam (Image source:
http://www.propertyguru.com.my)
Figure 2.8: Table of two styles of housing
Figure 3.1: A traditional house in Malaysia (Image source: http://www.bareo-
isyss.com/index.php/living-young/409-asean_house.html)
Figure 3.2: A traditional house in Malaysia (Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/
pin/484137028665012573/)
Figure 3.3: Table of shortcomings of modern houses
Figure 3.4: Steps and pointing system to achieve GBI Formal Certification (source:
GBI.org)
Figure 3.5: Table of actions taken by GBI to tackle issues of unsustainable buildings in
relevance to our research
Figure 4.1: Site plan of Rienzi House in its neighbourhood
Figure 4.2: Example of a house that is renovated insensitively to its surrounding
context (Image source: Google Street View)

Figure 4.3: Cross-section diagram showing openings in Rienzi House
Figure 4.4: Table of Assessment Criteria of Housing Design
Figures 5.1: Images of Rienzi House’s front façade (Image source:
http://www.archdaily.com/776060/rienzi-a-d-lab)
Figure 5.2: Cross-section diagram showing movement and displacement of air in
Rienzi House’s interior
Figures 5.3: Images of Rienzi House’s air well (left) and roof garden (above) (Image
source: http://www.archdaily.com/776060/rienzi-a-d-lab)
Figure 5.4: Cross-section diagram of Rienzi House showing vegetation and flow of air
from the front to the back
Figures 5.5: Images of Rienzi House’s green roof and interior spaces (Image source:
Figures 5.6: Images of Rienzi House’s interior spaces (Image source:
Figure 5.7: Image of Salinger House (Image source:
http://msiaarch.blogspot.my/2012/02/salinger-residence.html/776060/rienzi-a-d-lab)
Figures 5.8: Images of Salinger House (Image source:
http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/salinger-residence)
Figures 5.9: Images of the interior of Salinger House (Image source:
Figures 5.10: Image of a wooden seat in Salinger House (left) and an axonometric
drawing of a wooden joint implemented in Salinger House (right) (Image source:
Figure 6.1: Image of the skyline of Rienzi House within its context (Image source:
Google Street View)
Figure 6.2: Table showing similarities between typical Malaysian terrace house, Rienzi
House and Salinger House
Figure 6.3: Table showing differences between typical Malaysian terrace house and
Rienzi House in heat regulation methods
Rienzi House in lighting methods
Salinger House in adaptation to tropical context

Figure 7.1: Table of potential methods of improving Malaysian housing design
Figures 7.2 : Images of House For Trees designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects which
implements locally available materials to suit its context (Image source:
http://saigoneer.com/saigon-development/2220-vietnamese-bamboo-house-design-
highlighted-at-international-architecture-awards)
Figure 7.3: Image of a house with an air well that serves lighting and ventilation
purposes (Image source: http://big5.southcn.com/gate/big5/home.southcn.com/h/2016-
03/01/content_143228484.htm)

1.0 Introduction
The Malaysian terraced house originated from the Malacca townhouses which date back
to the seventeenth century and the Chinese shop houses of the nineteenth century. The
architectural design of these townhouses was influenced by the Chinese and Dutch (Saji,
2012). Despite receiving influence from foreign soil, these older houses respond to our
local climatic conditions by executing passive design features such as air wells and five-
foot walkways.
As technology progresses and electricity made available to most households, people
start to neglect these features when designing houses. Heat accumulated within a
building is expected to be removed via air conditioners. The issue of houses with its
interior spaces devoid of light during daytime can be solved using electrical lighting,
creating an excuse for bad design. Together with the influence of Modernist architecture,
terrace houses in Malaysia became simpler by having its passive design features
removed. This is unsustainable as tons of greenhouse gases are released into the
atmosphere merely to keep our houses cool and bright. This is the result of blind copying
of foreign designs and inattention to our architectural heritage.
Sustainable architecture is defined as architecture managed in such a way as to employ
design techniques which minimize environmental degradation and make use of low-
impact materials and energy sources (Oxford, n.a.). 62% of Malaysian terrace houses
possess at least one air conditioner (Kubota, 2006), proving that Malaysian terrace
houses are unsustainable, lacking a conscious approach to energy conservation in the
design of the built environment.
Figure 1.1: Singaporean architect Hock Beng Tan’s writing on the definition of tropical
architecture (source: Tropical architecture and interiors: Tradition-based design of Indonesia,
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, 1994 )
“There is not and never has been a singular, definitive tropical architectural style.
Countries in the tropics, which comprise a wide belt around the middle of the earth do
not, of course, share a univalent cultural or social framework. Sandwiched between the
Pacific and Indian oceans, the Southeast /Asia region has from the earliest recorded
history developed its own identity through the practices of animism as well as continued
contact with other cultures” (Hock Beng Tan, 1994)

Typical characteristics for this region may be identified by the following:
 High Rainfall
 Flooding
 Violent electrical thunder storms
 High humidity
 Even temperatures
 Monsoon seasons
 Light winds and long periods of still air
 Bright sunshine and large cloud formation
 Overcast skies (Lim, 1998)
A building that fits its tropical context must take all the characteristics mentioned into
consideration when designed.
This paper investigates on the viability of Malaysian residential houses within its tropical
context in terms of its sustainability through techniques of heat regulation and natural
lighting by responding to the following questions:
1. What is the definition of tropical context?
2. What are the problems of the Malaysian terrace housing model in terms of heat
regulation and natural lighting?
3. How heat regulation can improve ventilation in Malaysian terrace residential
houses?
4. How natural lighting can improve the lack of light in Malaysian terrace residential
houses?
5. What materials should be implemented to suit the tropical context of Malaysian
terrace residential houses?

2.0 Typology of Modern Malaysian Residential Houses
2.1 Terrace Houses
Based on Figure 2.2, the most common housing typology in Malaysia is terrace house
(40%), a medium-density type housing. The terrace house style in Malaysia is introduced
by the British colonizers when housing provisions were needed to sustain expanding
immigrant communities. Similar to British terrace house designs, the layout for the
Southeast Asian variations see living quarters on the top floor, with the kitchen at the
back. They are constructed in rows that are linked linearly, sharing common bearing
walls and can be in single or multiple stories. The design and planning of a terrace unit
are nearly monotonous due to the limitation of space and economic constraints. (Lee,
1987)
The extent of each row cannot exceed 96 meters according to fire department
regulations. Therefore, a maximum of 16 houses can be constructed in a row. The width
of the individual unit is more than 6 meter for high-cost housing and 4.3 meter for low-
Figures 2.1 : Images of terrace houses in Malaysia (Image
sources: islamicity.org, malaysiahomereno.blogspot.org)
Figure 2.2 : Housing Stock of Malaysia (source: CEIC, 2007)

cost housing. Normally, the built-up area of each unit is 130 to170 square meters. For
low cost houses, the minimum built-up area is 50 square meters (Saari, 1990)
As shown in Figure 2.4, terrace houses are typically located along a main road, arranged
in linear alignments alongside the smaller roads which branched out to another smaller
alley. Generally, the distances from the housing complex to expressways, schools and
shopping malls are within a short driving distance.
Modern Malaysian Residential Houses
Transformation of
Traditional Housing
Contemporary Urban
Housing
Figure 2.4: A generic residential housing development in Malaysia
(Image source: http://www.funnymalaysia.net/this-guy-explains-why-living-in-malaysia-is-better-
than-living-in-germany/
Figure 2.3: Example of a
floor plan of a typical
terrace house built in
Malaysia
(Image source:
http://www.blogged.my/pi
ngbar-765839-parkfield-
residences-tropicana-
heights-kajang-type-a1-
.html)
Figure 2.5: Classification of two major styles of Malaysian residential houses

2.2 Style Variation
In this report, we will be focusing one case study from each category. Specifically,
medium density terrace house from “Modern Urban Housing-type” and a house from
“transformation of traditional housing”.
Transformation
of Traditional
Housing
European colonists and new ethnic groups arrived in Malaysia,
bringing in their own housing styles which are then adapted to
local vernacular material and customized to tropical climatic
conditions. The example is the shop house that was brought in by
Chinese immigrants from southern China. Houses built by
colonists combined the Malay traditional timber house with the
characteristics of European villas. Some architects implemented
elements of traditional architecture into the buildings they
designed to create an authentic vernacular style. For instance,
these houses in Bukit Bintang. (Figure 2.6)
Contemporary
Urban Housing
Resulted from rapid economic and urbanization process after
independence, modern urbanization emphasized the maximum
utilization of land. To accommodate new social and economic
needs, these typologies were developed in the various forms of
medium and high-density housing within the new townships.
Walk-up flats, apartments, detached houses, semi-detached
houses and terrace houses were developed in the architectural
style of international functionalism. For instance, these residential
houses in Shah Alam. (Figure 2.7)
Figure 2.8: Table of two styles of housing
Figure 2.6: Houses derived from traditional
housing styles (Image source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org)
Figure 2.7: Contemporary urban housing in
Shah Alam (Image source:
http://www.propertyguru.com.my)

3.0 Current State and Issues of Malaysian Housing
3.1 Major Problems of Current Residential Houses
Terrace houses can generally be built on less land than an equivalent number of
detached or semi-detached homes. This makes them suitable for high density
developments or for developments that intend to limit urban sprawl. However, it makes
terrace houses less appealing to the public due to the perception that these houses are
cramped and restrained.
Lack of Natural Lighting
● Enclosed in between two houses of the same row
● Roof is usually enclosed hence no skylight penetration into the interior spaces
Lack of Ventilation
● Only two facades available for openings in the house
● Slow air exchange in the house, causing hot air to stay for a longer duration
within the building
Mimicking of Modern Western Houses That Are Unsuitable for Tropical Climates
 Focus on minimal appearance and aesthetics and short term economical profit
neglects passive design, resulting in unsustainable houses that over rely on
mechanical cooling and lighting systems
Figure 3.1: A traditional house in Malaysia
(Image source: http://www.bareo-
isyss.com/index.php/living-young/409-
asean_house.html)
Figure 3.2: A traditional house in Malaysia
(Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/
pin/484137028665012573/)

3.2 Shortcomings of Modern Houses
Lack of Natural Ventilation Modern houses enclose boxes of spaces
with austere walls, making less room for
natural ventilation compared to
vernacular houses. Modern houses
completely rely on mechanical cooling
systems that contribute to the urban heat
island effect by releasing greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere, making them
harmful to the environment.
Lack of Natural Lighting Many modern houses opt for an
international approach which disregards
the vernacular site context. Houses built
in the modern style are usually sterile and
does not integrate well with the tropical
environment as they do not implement
passive design strategies to allow natural
sunlight into the building.
Unsuitable Materiality Modern houses typically use relatively
heavy materials such as concrete, steel
and masonry. These materials possess
high heat capacities and store plenty of
heat which are released during nighttime,
making houses hot within. Therefore, air
conditioning systems are installed to cool
down the rooms, increasing energy
demand, making the houses
unsustainable in the long run.
Figure 3.3: Table of shortcomings of modern houses

3.3 GBI as a Guideline for Sustainable Design
GBI (Green Building Index) residential tools evaluates sustainable features of residential
buildings. This tool puts more accentuate on Sustainable Site planning and management
followed by energy efficiency, allowing builders and house owner to consider the benefits
of saving energy and live a better quality of life (GBI.org, n.d.). It encourages building
designers to take sustainability into consideration to apply for a rating approved by GBI.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) set a new development which benefits residents.
Applicants will need to present their application form along with a copy of their latest
assessment bill, electricity bill, water bill and myKad. This could encourage people to
participate as they will receive rebates.
Steps to achieve GBI Formal Certification:
STEP 1
PART ITEMS MAXIMUM POINTS SCORE
1 ENERGY EFFICIENCY 23
2 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY 12
3 SUSTAINABLE SITE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT 37
4 MATERIALS & RESOURCES 10
5 WATER EFFICIENCY 12
6 INNOVATION 6
TOTAL SCORE 100
STEP 2
POINTS GBI RATING
86+ points Platinum
76 to 85 points Gold
66 to 75 points Silver
50 to 65 points Certified
achieve the
GBI FORMAL
CERTIFICATION
Figure 3.4: Steps and pointing system to achieve GBI Formal Certification
(source: GBI.org)

Actions Taken by GBI to Tackle Issues of Unsustainable Buildings
Lack of Ventilation ENERGY EFFICIENCY (EE):
Encourage using energy renewable
energy to cool down the space and Cross
ventilation method to allow circulation of
wind cools down the temperature of the
inside to reach human comfort
Lack of Natural Lighting INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(IEQ):
Encourage to allow optimum daylighting
into the building which allow less
electricity being used to produce much
less heat into the building
Irrelevance to Tropical Climatic
Requirements
MATERIAL AND RESOURCES (MR):
Advance the utilization of environment-
accommodating materials sourced from
practical sources and reusing. Execute
appropriate development squander
administration with capacity,
accumulation and re-utilization of
recyclables and development formwork
and squander.
Figure 3.5: Table of actions taken by GBI to tackle issues of unsustainable
buildings in relevance to our research

4.0 Assessment Criteria of Housing Design
Terrace housing offers the potential of expanding and modification based on the user’s
requirement. However, land available is limited and it will desynchronize the rows of
terraced houses. Despite modification, the houses are still heavily reliant on mechanical
means of cooling and lighting if without proper consideration of site context.
Failure to include social and cultural consideration, including privacy in the design
process is the main reason why housing units are being modified. A clear understanding
of design criteria for a regional contextual scheme should be done to ensure comfortable
and sustainable living of house occupants.
Building Orientation The building in the tropics should be
planned in a way that its main facade or its
main spaces turn away from direct sunlight
to minimize heat gain from the sun. Figure
XXX shows that the orientation of Rienzi
house is perpendicular to the sun path as
direct sunlight is undesirable. If exposure to
direct sunlight is inevitable, sufficient
shading devices must be installed on the
building to mitigate the direct sunlight and
allow users to adjust its shading and
maintain the temperature of its interior
spaces.
Materials Masonry and concrete are popular building
materials in Malaysia due to their relatively
low prices and ease of construction.
Buildings should be well insulated by
installing layers with high u-value such as
timber or fibre glass insulation. These are
implemented into the building envelope
such as the roof and the wall to ensure the
coolness of the building’s interior.
Figure 4.1: Site plan of
Rienzi House in its
neighbourhood

Building envelope It is evident that the building envelope’s
design will leave long-lasting effects on the
neighbourhood contextually and visually. It
shows the house’s response to its
surrounding context and a sharp contrast
can be easily noticed from its exterior. The
design of the renovated house should
harmonise with the surrounding
neighbourhood to maintain the character
and ambience of its surrounding area.
Renovation without proper consideration
desynchronizes a row of terrace houses and
makes it messy. As terrace houses are
connected physically, there are more
constraints if renovation is to be done. The
nature of terrace houses is collective as they
are linked with one another. Hence, they
should be treated as one entity.
Openings Openings such as windows are vital in
terrace houses to provide aesthetical and
functional purposes. These allow visual
interaction and exchange of air in and out of
the building, giving inhabitants comfort by
creating constant air flow and a visual
extension. Uniformed Buildings By-Laws
(UBBL) Part III, 39 mentioned that windows
should have at least more than 10% of the
overall floor area and the openings should
have at least more than 5% of the overall for
a residential house.
Figure 4.2: Example of a house that is
renovated insensitively to its
surrounding context (Image source:
Google Street View)
Figure 4.3: Cross-section diagram
showing openings in Rienzi House

Spatial Layout
Shared spaces such as living room and
dining area should receive enough sunlight
and ventilation to ensure power efficiency.
The internal space should not block the
winds from the openings. Further
renovations of the house should consider
this factor before proceeding.
Figure 4.4: Table of assessment criteria of housing design

5.0 Case Studies
5.1 Case Study 1: Rienzi House, Singapore
Rienzi House is a three-storey terrace house located in Bedok, Singapore. The house
designers managed to generate a sensation of openness and limitless space within a
lush green environment on a small 1400 square feet inter-terrace site, while still fulfilling
the accommodating requirements of a family. Architects at A D Lab managed to create
generous spaces within a narrow volume nestled between densely packed houses, and
provide well-ventilated daylit rooms featuring lots of greenery (Grozdanic, 2015).
Heat Regulation Methods
Rienzi House responds to Singapore’s tropical hot and humid climate by maximizing air
flow through its interior. This is achieved by having an air well that serves as a wind
conduit, which is inspired by traditional terrace colonial shophouses. The air well at the
Figures 5.1: Images of Rienzi House’s front façade (Image source:
Figure 5.2: Cross-section diagram
showing movement and
displacement of air in Rienzi
House’s interior

centre channels hot air out of the building, encouraging cooler air in. The Venturi effect
is applied as air comes in from larger openings but escapes via a small opening,
speeding up air discharge.
Green vegetation is abundant in the residence’s design, shading the building and
preventing it from absorbing too much heat from the sun. Leafy, green streets and
irrigated open space areas were much cooler than built up areas without green
infrastructure (Phys.org, 2013). No partition walls divide the space thus allowing free flow
of air from the front to the back of the building. Transparent roller shutters are hidden in
the ceiling and only comes down when it rains, allowing prevailing winds to flow through
the house.
Figures 5.3: Images of Rienzi House’s air well
(left) and roof garden (above) (Image source:
http://www.archdaily.com/776060/rienzi-a-d-
lab)
Figure 5.4: Cross-section
diagram of Rienzi House
showing vegetation and flow
of air from the front to the
back

Huge openings are dominant on the front and back facades, catching prevailing winds
efficiently to cool down its interior. Asides, green roofs are utilized, lowering the overall
U-value and insulating the building from direct heat gain from sunlight.
Natural Lighting Methods
Openings and windows are present on front and rear facades, allowing natural light to
enter the building, thus minimizing the use of artificial lighting during daytime. An air well
in the core of the house serves two functions: releasing heat out, letting light in. Its
presence counters the issue of insufficient sunlight in terrace houses and enhances
fenestration by reducing usage of artificial lighting.
Figures 5.5: Images of Rienzi House’s green roof and interior spaces
(Image source: http://www.archdaily.com/776060/rienzi-a-d-lab)
Figures 5.6: Images of Rienzi House’s interior spaces (Image source:

5.2: Case Study 2: Salinger House, Kajang
The Salinger House, located south of Kuala Lumpur, is built in a traditional Malay way,
yet is contemporary as it interprets rather than imitates Malay architecture and culture.
The plan is formed by two adjoining equilateral triangles, the larger for indoor living, the
other a prow-like veranda (AKDN.org, n.d.)
Adaptation to Tropical Context
The Salinger House was designed with sustainable ecological considerations. The
house is placed on a high elevation to reduce water run-off through the building during
the monsoon rains. As afternoon showers are frequent in our tropical climate, pitched
roofs direct rainwater away from the building. Gutters are absent, allowing tall shady
trees to grow in proximity to the house, as well as preventing clogging in discharge pipes
which may cause stagnant water for breeding mosquitoes to thrive. Asides, it is oriented
Figure 5.7: Image of
Salinger House
(Image source:
http://msiaarch.blogspot.m
y/2012/02/salinger-
residence.html/776060/rie
nzi-a-d-lab)
Figures 5.8: Images of Salinger House
(Image source: http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/salinger-residence)

to capture prevailing winds to ensure good ventilation and exchange of air, making the
internal environment of the house comfortable for inhabitants.
The house was built completely by expert traditional Malay carpenters with minimal
usage of machines, minimizing carbon footprint during its construction. Craftsmanship
and effort adds value to the intangible aspects of the house as it promotes the cultural
identity of its local community. The house is mostly built with chengal, a timber highly
resistant to water and termites. Its post-and-beam timber structure elevates the whole
structure on stilts, decreasing its impact on the land, thus achieving the design principle
of ‘living lightly on the earth’. This exposes more soil that otherwise be sealed under
brutal concrete, creating more space for green plants to thrive and eventually blends the
building with its tropical surroundings.
Tropical architecture allows a symbiotic relationship between man-made elements and
nature, a cerebral relationship laced with emotions and memories (Tan, 2000). It is the
opposite of being austere and confined, providing the opportunity for the invisible
‘structure’ of nature to be stylized and framed, a retreat from the insensitive concrete
jungle. The organic expression of the roof forms, louvers and other parts of architecture
Figures 5.9: Images of the interior of Salinger House

are achieved through the details of Salinger House’s design. The mysticism of
transparency, layering of forms, light, shade, structural texture accentuates the visual
surrealism of space (Tan, 2000), blurring distinction between space, distance and time.
For instance, weaving of lattice screens, delineation of the flooring and exploding of the
walls. These plays of forms within the Salinger House adds transparency, depth and
surrealism to its ambience. Shading devices intimate coolness and serve as a visual
magnet on one’s sensitivities in contrast to the scorching heat of the surroundings.
This building demonstrates that advanced technology and energy-depleting services can
be renounced if sufficient craft and creativity are deployed, and that the deeper meaning
of a vernacular architectural tradition can be combined with the surroundings of
contemporary everyday life (AKDN.org, n.d.).
Figures 5.10: Image of a wooden seat in Salinger House (left) and an axonometric
drawing of a wooden joint implemented in Salinger House (right)

6.0 Comparison of Case Studies and Typical Malaysian
Residential Housing
6.1 Similarities
Skyline
Conventional terrace houses are built in two to three stories in
height, creating a straight skyline. In a complex row, the exterior
designs of the houses are to be maintained the same, or at the
very least when it was built. For an elite housing community,
changing the exterior is usually prohibited. However, in certain
areas such as a low-budget complex (for instance, the residential
estate Rienzi House is in), it is permitted.
Climatic
Context
Both Malaysia and Singapore experience the same type of
climate, hot and humid. In such tropical climate, the building
designs aim to capture maximum daylight into the space without
bringing in solar heat and to allow optimum ventilation to remove
hot air in its interior spaces. All year long, the temperature of the
region will be mostly hot without major fluctuations, even during
the raining season. Therefore, to achieve human comfort, any
technology or designs used on the building mainly focus on
lowering the temperature of its interior.
Figure 6.2: Table showing similarities between typical Malaysian
terrace house, Rienzi House and Salinger House
Figure 6.1: Image of the skyline of Rienzi House
within its context
(Image source: Google Street View)

6.2 Differences in Heat Regulation Methods
Being in a hot and humid tropical region, buildings should regulate the heat coming and
getting out of the space has a very important role to ensure the comfort of the residents.
Typical Malaysian Terrace House Rienzi House
The spacing is divided into two, the frontal
exterior and the rest of the area at the
back are the interior spaces. Therefore,
there is a clear segregation between
exterior and interior spaces.
Thus, the interior of the house is usually
stuffier, especially at the center of the
house since openings are only present at
the front and back, but not the center.
Electrical equipment such as fans and air
conditioners are installed extensively to
decrease indoor temperature, hence
consuming cost and energy, releasing
huge amounts of greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere.
Hardscape is left bare without much
vegetation, thus absorbing and storing
heat from the sun.
The exterior at Rienzi house is brought
inside to integrate with its interior in the
form of a central courtyard. The
greeneries within the house filters the air
and cools down the interior.
Stack ventilation is implemented.
Different-levelled spaces allow heat to
regulate between the spaces, increasing
air ventilation. The central air well guides
hot air up and removed from the building.
The void left behind after the escape of
hot air creates space for cool air to come
in, maintaining the temperature of the
interior spaces.
The presence of water features cool down
the house as they carry heat away during
evaporation.
Figure 6.3: Table showing differences between typical Malaysian
terrace house and Rienzi House in heat regulation methods

6.3Differences in Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is highly recommended as it lights up interior space using minimum
energy. On an average, Malaysia receives about 6 hours of sunshine per day (MET,
2016). This proves that Malaysia is abundant with sunlight, more than enough if we can
use it effectively.
Terrace houses are in rows, eliminating the chance for any openings at the side of the
building because it is attached to another house. The space left is only the front and back
facades.
Typical Malaysian Terrace House Rienzi House
Light mostly comes in from windows and
openings at the front and back facades,
but the lack of large overhangs allows
heat to enter the house together with
sunlight. This forces residents to use
coverings such as curtains to prevent
such discomfort, albeit darkening interior
space. Rigid facades only allow light into
the rooms at certain times of the day due
to their permanent positions. Therefore,
artificial light is applied indoors.
The central area of the house may have
lights switched on most of the time
because natural light barely reaches the
center of the house.
A transparent roofing is installed above
the central courtyard, allowing daylight to
enter the core of the house. Green
vegetation shades the spaces of the
house, decreasing heat gain of the
house from solar light.
The usage of water features and white
walls reflect sunlight into the building
without transmitting heat. Thus, the light
that penetrates through the spaces are
not direct sunlight, but daylight which
doesn’t bring in as much heat, ensuring
visual and temperature comforts of
inhabitants.
terrace house and Rienzi House in lighting methods

6.4Difference in Adaptation to Tropical Context
Situated in tropical zones, it is essential for Malaysian residential houses to suit its
context by responding to its climatic requirements. This offers optimum comfort to its
inhabitants. Also, the adaptation to its tropical context brings out the vernacular identity
of its regional architecture. By resonating with its natural environment, cultural
characteristics as well as increasing its effectiveness in countering issues that are
present within its environment, good functional architecture is synthesized.
Typical Malaysian Terrace House Salinger House
Materials used are commonly hard-
surface materials. Some house designs
use dark colours as finishing which emits
visual elegance but entraps heat due to
high heat absorption quality, which is
unfavourable in the tropical context.
Reinforced concrete and masonry are
commonly used due to high availability
and economic concerns.
The current housing models are usually
easily constructed with single-layer
materials with simple and direct functions
This is because the tropical climate does
not bring extreme changes in temperature
or loads and the same strategies can work
all year long. Houses are insensitive to
surroundings by having solid concrete
walls segregating exterior and interior
spaces, cutting off residents from much
interaction with the surrounding
environment.
Wood that are regional and available in
our country is selected as the main
construction material, which also
corresponds to traditional village houses
which plays a role in our country’s tropical
architecture heritage.
Referring vernacular housing models, the
house stands on stilts which decreases
impact on the ground below and liberates
the land for more spaces for lush tropical
vegetation.
Distinction between exterior and interior is
blurred by embracing visual interaction
between spaces and allowing high
amounts of openings for functional
purposes, yet still maintaining the cosy
and protective atmosphere of a shelter
with clever arrangement of spaces and
lattice screens. Ambience of interior is
dependent on surrounding time and
weather.
terrace house and Salinger House in adaptation to tropical context

7.0 Potential Methods of Improving Malaysian Housing Design
Heat Regulation Rooftop terraces create spaces for extra greenery such as grass
bed that can cool the area down by preventing users from being
exposed to direct sunlight heat. Plants with thicker and denser
coverage of leaves are to be planted around the house for better
shading effect and thermal performance.
Unnecessary dividing walls are to be removed to minimize
obstacles and maximize wind flor. Positions of windows or
openings to be higher at one end and lower on another to allow
stack ventilation.
Larger windows with huge overhangs to be installed to increase
exchange of air in and out of the building and provide optimum
shade during hotter times of the day.
Lightweight materials are to be used as they do not store much
heat and release heat quickly.
Natural Lighting Air wells should be designed and function as sky lighting to
illuminate the darker central parts of the terrace house.
Larger windows with shading devices and clerestory windows to
allow more light into the building.
Adaptation to
Tropical Context
Houses should have spaces designated for plant growth to
nurture local biodiversity and celebrate abundance and diversity
of nature in the tropics. This manifests the house’s character as a
tropical retreat.
Construction materials that are lightweight, locally available and
possess lower u-values are to be selected. This contributes in
landing a smaller footprint on the site of the house.
Figure 7.1: Table of potential methods of improving Malaysian housing design

Figures 7.2 : Images of House For Trees designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects which
implements locally available materials to suit its context
(Image source: http://saigoneer.com/saigon-development/2220-vietnamese-bamboo-house-
design-highlighted-at-international-architecture-awards)
Figure 7.3: Image of a house
with an air well that serves
lighting and ventilation
purposes
(Image source:
http://big5.southcn.com/gate/bi
g5/home.southcn.com/h/2016-
03/01/content_143228484.htm)

8.0 Conclusion
There are many factors involved when designing terrace residential houses in tropical
places but they tend to be neglected as issues are assumed to be overcome using
mechanical means. Buildings last very long and can create huge impacts to society and
environment. Thus, they should not be taken lightly. Malaysians should be aware of the
importance of vernacular and passive design and should not look down or forget about
our own traditional architectural heritage. Pragmatic components implemented in
traditional houses are to be revived in residential houses instead of mere copying of
western housing models which disregards the local context. This sets a new direction for
local architecture to provide Malaysians better, sustainable living conditions and a sense
of belonging in the urban environment they dwell in.

9.0 References
Websites
Adlab.com. (2015). House at Rienzi Street. Retrieved September 13, 2016 from
http://www.a-dlab.com/house-at-rienzi-street/#read-more
AKDN.org (n.d.) Salinger Residence. Retrieved October 23, 2016 from
http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/salinger-residence
Allinson, P. (n.d.) Identity in Malaysian architecture. Retrieved September 13, 2016, from
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/demdesign/page6.html
Archdaily.com. (2015, October 28). Rienzi / A D Lab. Retrieved September 13, 2016,
from http://www.archdaily.com/776060/rienzi-a-d-lab
Caandesign.com. (n.d.) Rienzi home in Singapore by A D Lab. Retrieved September 13,
2016, from http://www.caandesign.com/rienzi-home-in-singapore-by-a-d-lab/
Domusweb.it. (2016, August 26). Garden home at Rienzi. Retrieved September 13,
2016, from
http://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2016/08/26/garden_home_at_rienzi_ad_
lab.html
Greenbuildingindex Sdn. Bhd. (2016). GBI Assessment Process. Retrieved September
19, 2016 from http://new.greenbuildingindex.org/how/assessment
Grozdanic, L. (2015, December 11). Terraced Rienzi House in Urban Singapore is so
green it feels like the country. Retrieved September 13, 2016, from
http://inhabitat.com/terraced-rienzi-house-in-singapore-is-so-green-it-feels-like-
the-country/
Hussein, A. (2008, August 25). The Trouble With Terraced Housing. Retrieved October
24, 2016 from http://www.designofhomes.co.uk/011-the-trouble-with-terraced-
housing.html
Lim, J. (n.d.) The Salinger House. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from
http://www.jimmylimdesign.com/portfolio/aga-khan/

MET. (2016). General Climate of Malaysia. Retrieved 11 October 2016 from
http://www.met.gov.my/en/web/metmalaysia/education/climate/generalclimateof
malaysia?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_zMn7KdXJhAGe&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state
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1&p_p_col_pos=1&p_p_col_count=2&_56_INSTANCE_zMn7KdXJhAGe_page=
3
Phys.org. (2013, February 19). Plants Help Lower Temperatures. Retrieved 12 October
2016 from http://phys.org/news/2013-02-temperatures.html#jCp
Books and Journals
Goad, P., Pieris, A., & Bingham-Hall, P. (2005). New Directions in Tropical Asian
Architecture. Tokyo, Japan: Tuttle Publishing
Halliday, S. (2008). Sustainable construction (1st
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Hock, Beng Tan. (1994). Tropical Architecture and Interiors: Tradition-based design of
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand. Singapore: Page One Pub.
Ju, S. R., & Saari, O. (2010, April 20). A Typology of Modern Housing in Malaysia.
International Journal of Human Ecology 11 (2010, June), 109-119.
Kubota, T. (2006, November 21). Usage of Air-Conditioners and Windows in Residential
Areas in Johor Baru City: Planning Methods of Coastal Residential Areas in
Consideration of Wind Flow. The 7th
International Seminar on Sustainable
Environment and Architecture, Makassar, Indonesia.
Kubota, T., Jeong, S. W., Toe, D. H. C., & Ossen, D. R. (2011). Energy Consumption
and Air-Conditioning Usage in Residential Buildings of Malaysia. Journal of
International Development and Cooperation, 17 (3), 61-69.
Lee, B. T. (1987), “New Towns in Malaysia: Development and Planning Policies”,
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Lim, J. (2010, October 20). Innovative Use of Technology in Tropical Architecture
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Nurdalila, S. (2012, May 1). A review of Malaysian terraced house design and the
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