building science 1: project 1 g- tower

Building Science 1(ARC2413) | Case Study : Identifying Innovative Passive Design

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[G TOWER]a sustainable tower

Architect :BEP Akitek Sdn BhdThe Architectural Network

Project :GTower

Location :199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Client :Goldis Tower Sdn Bhd

Property Type :Office & Hotel

Date Completed:June 2006

Content Page


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No. Topic Pages

1 Introduction 3 - 5

2 Concept & Ideas 6

3 Sustainable Design 7 - 14

4 Temperature & Climate Data 15 - 17

5 Wind Direction Analysis 18 - 19

6 Sun Path Analysis 20 - 21

7 Passive Design – Building Orientation 22 - 26

8 Passive Design – Double Glazing Glass 27 - 29

9 Conclusion 30

10 Reference 31

IntroductionThe G Tower, is a new working concept incorporating an office space, a members-only

private club and a hotel called aptly, The G City Club Hotel, is the first fully certified green

building. Given the Green Mark Gold Rating by standards of the Singapore’s Building and

Construction Authority(BCA).

Being strategically located at the crossroads of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ampang in Kuala

Lumpur, this 30-storey building with a total land area of 2000m² encompasses a 180-room

5 star hotel, 112 CEO duplex office suites and a club was designed by BEP Akitek under

Goldis Tower and was completed in June 2009.


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Diagram 1.1 : G Tower Site Plan


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Diagram 1.2 : Lobby Green Feature Wall Diagram 1.3 : Entrance to Lower Ground

Concept & Ideas

G Tower is Malaysia’s first green and smart building which implemented the idea of

environment sustainability, RETHINK, REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.


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Concepts Application

Rethink Not restricted in the building only. Site orientation is considered

to reduce usage of energy.

Sustainable green building technologies and systems are added.

Reduce Reduce energy consumption:

-Usage of double glazed low-emission glass. (Allow maximum

light, minimum heat transmission)

Chilled water centralised air-conditioning chillers are used.

Low energy LED lighting which will reduce energy consumption

by 80-90%

Cleaning agents that are eco-friendly are used in the hotel.

Eco-friendly infinity pool on the rooftop is conditioned by salt

instead of chlorine. The pool is also heated by the heat waste

from the air-con units.

Reuse Harvest of rainwater in the water catchment areas to provide

enough water for the green roof and the vertical green walls.

Crawling plants on the façade wall and in the interior walls

helps purified air in a natural way.

Heat waste from air-con is also reuse for heating the water in

bathrooms.

Recycle The staffs in the hotel learned to separate recyclable waste.

The furnishing of the interior of hotel are made of recycled

materials.

Even the paint that is used is made of organic compound.

Table 1.1 : G Tower Concept


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Sustainable Design

The building has been certified by the Singapore Government’s Building and Construction

Authority with the GREEN MARK GOLD certification which acknowledges that G Tower has

incorporated the following Green Building Technologies (GBTs) to improve:

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency

Indoor environmental quality and environmental management

Green planting throughout the building to improve air quality

Energy efficient chilled water air-con centralized air conditioning

Low e-glass for lower heat transmission

Environmentally- friendly materials used throughout the building

Diagram 2.1 : Sustainability Process


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Energy Efficiency

To increase the overall energy efficiency, the air conditioning which consumes the largest

amount of energy has been replaced to operate at low system efficiency.

Motion and photo sensors have also been added which promote a reduction in energy

consumption from lighting in various facilities when not in use.

The use of greenery in landscaping, green roof can assist in alleviating urban heat islands

through shading and evaporative cooling.

Diagram 3.1 : Motion Sensors Process

Diagram 3.2 : G Tower Green Roof


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Water Efficiency

As an initiative to reduce water consumption, water efficient fittings were installed so that

facility staff can monitor daily water usage and detect any leakage occurring in the building.

Rain water harvesting system has also been implemented for irrigating the landscape and

vertical greening areas.

Piping of irrigation system runs along side the green walls and plantation in the building.

G-TOWER USAGE

Diagram 3.3 : Rainwater Harvesting Process

Diagram 3.4 : Vertical Greenery Irrigation Diagram 3.5 : Plantation Irrigation


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Project Management

An estimate of more than 30% of construction materials such as carpets, landscape draining

cells, external wood decking, and kitchen cabinets are of recycled contents as an

environmentally friendly approach.

Carpet with recycled contents

Landscape draining cells

External wood decking

Kitchen cabinets with recycled content


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The Bridge Bar is the crucial part of the building’s commitment to being green. The managementof G Tower wanted to show that even a carefree drinking joint could also echo green themes byusing materials with recycled contents to decorate the interior and atmosphere of the bar.

1. Wine bottles that are built-in into the bar asdecoration.

2. Abundantly use of cengal wood.

3. Refurbished furniture. 4. Usage of eco woods fabricated with ricehusk for outdoor decking.

5. Recyclable carpets. 6. LED lights.


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Provisions for Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO²) monitoring systems which

BMS to circulate air inside the building to provide better indoor air quality. The use of low

VOC paint helps prevents from getting exposed to chemical particles.

Indoor Environment Quality Implementation:

1. Providing Carbon Monoxide monitoring systems at basement car parks.

• To ensure toxic fumes are removed regularly

2. Carbon Dioxide sensors are available at all AHUs

3. Fluorescent luminaries’ c/w high frequency ballast

4. Use of VOC paint and wallpaper

5. Provision for Refrigerant leak detection system

Indoor Environmental Quality & Protection


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The Bridge Bar

The Element Gym

An eco-friendly gym which incorporate the principles of green-living in its fitness regime.

Ensconced in the 28th Floor of G Tower Building the

feeling of a private home pervades the stylishly

décor of a Bridge Bar. The outlet showcases and

profile something as frivolous as a drinking outlet

could echo a commitment to ‘going green’ both in

theme and décor.

Heated infinity pool with salted water

Slat chlorinators are used in this swimming pool to minimize the usage of chemicals

Thus, this will improve the water quality and good environmental impact

Eco- Friendly Infinity Pool

Sustainable Design Features


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DOUBLE GLAZING TO REDUCE HEAT TRANSFER

Sustainable Design System


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Malaysia is located in the equatorial region and has a tropical rainforest climate which is

causes it to remain hot and humid throughout the year. It experiences two types of climates

which are rainy season (mid- November to March) and dry season (May to September).

However, the temperature in Malaysia varies a little from season to season since it is close to

the equator.

The average annual temperature of Malaysia ranges between 24°C to 33°C. During the rainy

season, the average rainfall throughout the year is 217.5mm and November is the highest

rainfall month. The humidity in Malaysia is very high. The relative humidity varies from a low

80% in January to a high of 85% in October. For the average daily sunshine hours in Malaysia,

the daily sunshine hours is about eight hours in the dry season and range from six to seven

hours throughout the rainy season.

Temperature & Climate Data


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0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average High Temperature(°C)

Average Low Temperature(°C)

Average Temperature (°C) - Kuala Lumpur

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86


Average Humidity (%)

Average Humidity (%) - Kuala Lumpur


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0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


Average Daily SunshineHours

Average Daily Sunshine Hours - Kuala Lumpur

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350


Average Rainfall (mm)

Average Rain Days

Average Rainfall (mm) - Kuala Lumpur


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Wind Direction Analysis

Northeast Monsoon (November –March)


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Southwest Monsoon (May –September)


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Sun Path Analysis

Diagram 4.1 : 9am

Diagram 4.2 12pm


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Diagram 4.3 : 4pm

Diagram 4.4 : 6pm


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Passive Design

The orientation of the building is important to maintain the buildings indoor temperature

within the thermal comfort range. According to ASHRAE Standard, the thermal comfort range

Is set at around 24 to 26 Degree Celsius. In order to achieve thermal comfort, there are

several criteria that should be noted.

The orientation of building plays important role in manipulating indoor temperature. The

front façade of G Tower is defined by the site and main road access. According to the map

above, the main entrance of G-Tower is supposed to face to south-east direction. However,

the building orientation has been adjusted to east of northeast by adding a path to allow the

car access.

Diagram 5.1 : Building Orientation on Site

N


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The front façade of G Tower is subtracted as shown in diagram below to minimize the

total amount of morning sunlight penetrate into the building. While simultaneously it

also provides shadings to the users and achieve thermal comfort.

The front façade has replaced with

vertical garden. Vertical garden has similar

function as green roof. It undergoes

photosynthesis, which required sunlight,

and releases oxygen to cooler the

surrounding temperature. Hence, the

heat energy does not transfer into the

interior spaces of G Tower.

Diagram 5.3 : Vertical Greenery on Front Facade

Diagram 5.2 : Geometry Subtraction


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The front façade of G Tower has a

reduced surface area compare to other

elevations. As the higher the surface

area of an elevation, the more sunlight

is allow to penetrate into the building,

causing indoor temperature to rise. As

the G Tower is located in the city, only

limited area can be used for plantation

as sun shading and to reduce the

temperature. Hence, the subtracted

design of the façade.

Diagram 5.5 : Front View of Facade

Diagram 5.4 : Sun Ray on North-East Facade


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Sunlight radiation is most received on North East Façade from 10 am to 1pm

Differential in pressure of clouds causes clear skies by late evening after 2pm onwards

According to the ecotect diagram, the most sun radiation received is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In

order to avoid the raise of temperature in the building, several design moderation were taken

to reduce the amount of sun radiation being received.


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To ensure the glass would not result in too much heat transfer, the building was oriented so

the greater expanses of glass are to the north and south, and are less affected by solar

radiation than the east and west elevations.

The east facade, which receives the most direct sunlight, has a reduced of glass surface area,

but the stepped design of the building ensures indirect sunlight can still penetrate the

interior.

In addition, the entire building is double glazed.

The use of energy-efficient lighting is a key factor which is related to the building’s

orientation.

The building is equipped with motion sensors, so lighting is only used where needed. So,

there are photo sensors that take into account the amount of natural light coming into the

space

The lighting levels are automatically adjusted due to the natural sunlight received to ensure

no energy is wasted.

Hence, this building was designed to provide estimated annual energy savings of 5.2 million

kilowatts.

More openings at North and South

direction

Glass reduced at the East and West

direction

Orientation Summary


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Heat flow occurs when there is a difference in temperature between the interior and exterior of

G Tower. The greater the difference between the outside and inside temperature, the greater

the heat flow, especially through windows using ordinary single glazing. In Malaysia, which

usually has a hot weather needs to consider glazing technologies that dramatically improve the

insulation performance of the window and improve its energy efficiency performance. Low E

glass and Insulated Glazing referred to double glazing that can be used individually or combined

to provide outstanding insulation performance.

Source: http://www.trulyconservatoryrepairs.com/conservatory-upgrades/roof-frame-glass/

In G Tower, double glazed glass is where it assists in keeping air conditioned spaces cooler for

longer time, cutting down on energy bills and improving comfort.

Double glazed glass consists of two panes of glass with a gap in the middle which enable

sunlight to be reflected back to the surroundings. The two pieces of glass and an insulated

frame are sealed together as one unit. The gap in the middle is usually a vacuum and sealed

tight.

Diagram 6.1 : Double Glazing Cross-Section

Insulated Glazing(reduce heat transfer)

Cool Air(long wave radiation reflected the cold air back

into the interior)

http://www.trulyconservatoryrepairs.com/conservatory-upgrades/roof-frame-glass/


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The main facades of the G Tower consist of glass, there is a large area of the exterior will be

shined with direct sunlight. The cons to this is that glazed façade allows solar radiation to go

through the glass facades into the building and then trap the heat energy indoor causing the

interior to be heated up.

G Tower uses low-e glasses for the glass facades because the solar rays passes through the

glasses as short wave (radiation) and goes through the glass to be absorbed by the interior of

the building. Most of the longer wave heat energy is reflected back into the surrounding by the

low-e glass filtering out most of the heat wave and reduce the increased of heat indoors.

The combination of both of low-e glass and insulated glazing can ensure a better heat insulation

for the building improving the thermal comfort of G Tower. The glass can reduce heat loss up to

50% of the heat radiation that passes through the double glazed glass. The double layers of glass

helps to reduce noises from the external too. This type of glass increases security and protection

for building because there are double layers which means double protection.

Nowadays a certain amount of Argon gas, which is a naturally occurring inert gas, is inserted

between the panes of glass. Argon gas has a density higher than the surrounding air and this

reduce heat energy to be transmitted into the interior spaces. The gas acts as a barrier

reducing heat loss as well as heat absorption in the building.

Diagram 6.2 : Double Glazing Process


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Advantages of Energy Efficient Glass

Energy Saving ,decreasing air-conditioning cost

Improve the energy efficiency of G Tower, reduce monthly bills and decrease the size of carbon

footprint while G Tower can reduce the usage of air conditioners.

Interior Comfort

Low-e glass is essential for rooms or buildings with a high proportion of windows or glass doors,

such as the office block of G-Tower which require lots of natural lighting especially for the office

block. The use of low-e glazing helps to retain the interior temperature which is much lower

than the exterior, allowing users to comfortably use the space daily.

Sound Reduction

Double glazing reduces sound transmission and can help reduce unwanted noise. 75% ambient

noise reduction compared to single pane windows. This is important for G Tower is an office-

hotel which requires a quiet space for workers and customers.

Draught-proof

Draught-proofing is one of the most cost effective and least intrusive ways of improving the

comfort of occupants and reducing energy used for cooling with little or no change to a

building’s appearance. It has the added benefit of helping to reduce noise and keeping out dust.

It can also reduce air leakage in windows by between 33% and 50% significantly reducing the

energy requirement needed for cooling the room. This will ensure the interior space of G Tower

will maintain at the same temperature.

60% better heat insulation compared to single pane windows

G-Tower used the most energy-efficient glass for double glazing which is the low emissivity glass.

It often has an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide, normally on one of the internal panes next

to the gap. This lets in light and heat but cuts the amount of heat that can get out. There is gas

between the gaps for heat insulation. The whole window is assessed on its efficiency at retaining

heat.

Conclusion

Being the first green building to receive Gold class on the BCA Green Mark in Malaysia,

the G Tower certainly deserves its title and upholds it as well with its multiple green

features aiming towards a more eco friendly building in the center of the concrete jungle.

As a green buildings looks to ways for innovatively reduce the carbon footprint and

minimize the impact on the planet. G Tower was designed for environmental efficiency.

With advance motion sensor, energy efficient, water usage monitoring system, and a

rainwater harvesting technology, the G Tower stands as a highly intelligent yet eco-

friendly building that simultaneously provides the comfort and security that is demanded

from an A++ hotel.

The G Tower was designed and position purposely with site specific specifications. The

front façade being composed mostly of double glazed glass to maintain the cool

temperature and keeping the heat out of the interior while still allowing sunlight to

brighten the interior.

The building has also been orientated with its front façade facing east by north-east.

Fitted with vertical greenery and a subtracted surface area elevation, the G Tower aims to

minimize the sun radiation received in the early morning since its north and south

surfaces are less affected by the solar radiation has maintained its full elevation.

The G Tower is truly outstanding example of a modern day sustainable building that has

its focus set on the five essential pillars of green construction : energy, efficiency, water

efficiency, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality and innovation in

green features.


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Reference http://www.goldis.com/media/doc/Architecture%20Malaysia%20G%20Tower%20a%20S

ustainable%20Tower.pdf

http://gtowerhotel.com/green.php?content=green

http://www.metroglasstech.co.nz/products/double-glazing/thermal-insulation.aspx

http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/3701/5/2._chap_1_-_6.pdf

http://www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk/live/content_pdfs/890.pdf

http://gtower.com.my/pdf/archieve/Trends%20Magazine.pdf

http://www.rebeccasaw.com/gtower-hotel-kl-its-green-its-a-grade-a-office-building-its-

has-msc-status/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLVkCMVXMKI/UILP9bqY8BI/AAAAAAAABAU/2-

vVckHpCwQ/s1600/2.JPG

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38887489@N07/5104545212/



http://www.goldis.com/media/doc/Architecture Malaysia G Tower a Sustainable Tower.pdf

http://gtowerhotel.com/green.php?content=green

http://www.metroglasstech.co.nz/products/double-glazing/thermal-insulation.aspx

http://gtower.com.my/pdf/archieve/Trends Magazine.pdf

http://www.rebeccasaw.com/gtower-hotel-kl-its-green-its-a-grade-a-office-building-its-has-msc-status/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLVkCMVXMKI/UILP9bqY8BI/AAAAAAAABAU/2-vVckHpCwQ/s1600/2.JPG




building science 1: project 1 g- tower

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