Final building service (assignment)

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours) - Building Service 1

Group Assignment

Enhancement of Natural
Ventilation in High-Rise Buildings
Student Name

Student ID

Sia Yiik En

0315253

Teoh Tze Yoong

0314756

Sim Wen Yi

0308610

Lim Fang Shiuan

0310399

Lee Chee Ming

0308958

Wong Ha Shiong

0309640

Lecturer:

Ms. Mariatul Liza Meor Gheda

Date of Submission:

18th November, 2013

Enhancement of Natural Ventilation in High-Rise Buildings.

Abstract

The need to utilize natural ventilation to establish a healthy indoor environment and
satisfy users’ comfort has becomes growingly important in the building industry as it is
energy efficient and cost saving (Architectus, 2013), thus leading to the development of this
paper.

This report consists of the details of the characteristics of natural ventilation, its
significance to high-rise buildings in general as well as discussions about its boon and bane,
and some of the possible positive changes that could be done to further enhance its
performance in ventilating buildings. A case study about Ridzuan Condominium is carried out
to provide an extensive analysis and reveal more information about natural ventilation.
Several pictures obtained from the internet are used as reference and to illustrate how
certain natural ventilation strategies work. The results of this paper suggest that despite its
disadvantages, natural ventilation should be used in more future projects to ventilate a
building as the benefits it could bring are impressive.


Table of content
Chapter 1: Introduction………………………………………………………………….……….1-3
1.1. History of Natural Ventilation……………………………………………………………………3
Chapter 2: Theory …………………………………………………………………..…..……….. 4-8
2.1 The Principles of Natural Ventilation in a High-Rise Building……………………..…….…...4
2.2 Natural Ventilation Strategies………………………………………………………..………….5
2.3 The Purpose of Natural Ventilation………………………………………………...………….. 6
2.4 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Ventilation………………………………….7
2.5 Design Consideration in General………………………………………………………….…….8
Chapter 3: Case Study ………………………………………………………………….………9-18
3.1 Climate……………………………………………………………………………………………..9
3.2 Background……………………………………………………………………………………......9
3.3 Natural Ventilation Strategy……………………………………………………….………..10-16
3.3.1. Overall Ventilation in the Building …………………………………………......10-12
3.3.2. Ventilation in Residential Units………………………………………………....12-14
3.4 Analysis – Strengths………………………………………………………………………...14-15
3.5 Analysis – Considerations………………………………………..………………………...15-16
3.6 Recommendation and Possible Solutions……………………………………………......16-18
Chapter 4: Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….19
Chapter 5: Learning Outcomes……………………………………………………………...20-22
Bibliography…………………………………………………….…….......................................23-24
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………………...25


1.0 Introduction

Ventilation (mechanical or natural) is a process of changing air in an enclosed space.
Its general purpose is to maintain the air purify and prevent heat concentration. This report
will focus on the aspects of natural ventilation.

Figure 1: Natural Ventilation

Generally, mechanical ventilation is operated by using different devices white at the
other extreme, natural ventilation (passive ventilation) uses the flow of natural air and
pressure differences to cool and ventilate the building (Sustainability Workshop, 2011). It is
classified into stack ventilation and wind ventilation and its importance can be seen as it
provides more fresh air and removes excessive carbon dioxide to the building (Sustainability
Workshop, 2011). It requires almost zero installation and maintainenance costs.

Figure 2: Stack Ventilation

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Stack ventilation is a type of natural ventilation. According to Nick Baker (2013), stack
ventilation is where the air is driven through the building by vertical pressure differences
developed by the thermal buoyancy.When the outdoor temperature is lower than indoor, the
density difference between the warm air and the cold air causes the pressure difference
within the building as stated by Stabat, Caciolo & Marchio (2012). The hot air inside the
building will move to the top of the building and out through the openings (windows or
openings) while the cold air from outside will flow into the building from the bottom.

Figure 3: Wind Ventilation

Wind ventilation is a type of natural ventilation that uses the force of wind to pull air into
the building (Sustainability Workshop, 2011). It is easy and cheap as a form of passive
ventilation because windows (which is normally cheap) are commonly used for this type of
ventilation.

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1.1 History of Natural Ventilation
In ancient time, natural elements bring many benefits to human being, for example
human uses fire to heat or cook, water as drink and earth as the sources of food. Wind is
also utilized to its full potential as well. In ancient
culture, wind is known as a bad thing as it is
would cause the diseases to spread (West, 2000).
In the year of Roman Empire, the wind has been
discussed in the first tome of architecture, called
“The Ten Books on Architecture”.

Figure 4: The Ten Books on
Architecture. (Vitruvius, 1960)
The creator of “The Ten Books” is an
architect named Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. According to Vitruvius (1960), there are four
different types of wind direction - north, south, east, and west. Wind blowing in between two
directions like North and East is called secondary wind. With the knowledge of this, Vitruvius
is able to plan the lay out of the city. The first element considered by him is the importance of
being able to control the cold, hot or humid air. Vitruvius thought of a great method for the lay
out of the cities, which is to lay the building oriental and
slightly off the axis to block the wind path and install an
opening on the opposite side to increase the air change.
(West, 2000) From his research, it is revealed that wind will
flow through any path and increase in speed while travelling
from a smaller space to a larger space. However, obstructions
on the wind path will result in the decreasing of the speed of
the wind (Vitruvius, 1960). Because of his finding, all the
houses had a cut down hole for the breezes air to flow it. In
order to achieve optimum indoor temperature, they would
cover up the openings if desired. These method are used to
make the indoor cooler, which are the early methods for
natural ventilation before it is further developed and utilized in
Figure 5: Marcus Vitruvius
Pollio. (Vitruve, 1547)

the daily lives.

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2.0 Theory
2.1 The Principles of Natural Ventilation in a High-Rise Building

The pressure difference across the openings of a building is a major influence on the
physical mechanisms for natural ventilation (Wood & Salib, 2013). It is affected by the flowing
of air, the differences of indoor and outdoor temperature, or a combination of both. Hence,
natural ventilation can be grouped into ‘wind-induced’ and ‘buoyancy-induced’ ventilations.

Roulet (2008) stated that wind-induced ventilation happens when a pressure
distribution is created around a building by wind as affected by the atmospheric pressure.
The differences of pressure drive air into and out of the building from the positive pressure
zone (along-wing direction) and the negative zone (opposite wind direction). He also stated
that the wind’s pressure is largely affected by wind direction, air velocity and building’s shape.

According to Civoni (1994), buoyancy-induced ventilation, which commonly known as
‘stack effect’ happens due to the differences of density caused by fluctuation in height and
temperature within a building. The pressure differences created by buoyancy are affected by
the stack height (between air intake and extract openings) and the air density difference as a
result of humidity and temperature of air. It is vital for the outdoor temperature to be lower
than the indoor temperature to make sure there is inflow of wind even in the absence of wind
to achieve buoyancy-induced ventilation. When the outdoor air pressure is lower than the
indoor pressure, air in the lower part of a building will be pulled inwards through the openings
by the under-pressure. The air is later heated by the building occupants and directed out
from the building’s over-pressured zone (different pressure gradient in the building caused by
the temperature difference). However, it should be noted that there is a ‘neutral plane’, where
the indoor and outdoor pressure are equal at a certain height of building. To achieve effective
buoyancy-induced ventilation, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor has to
be large enough, and the resistance to internal air movement has to be as small as possible.

Lastly, it should be noted that wind-induced and buoyancy-induced ventilation will
occur both separately or together. Thermal buoyancy will normally be a larger driving force
on a calm day with no wind, whereas the pressure difference created by wind will be the
larger one on a windy day.

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2.2 Natural Ventilation Strategies

The strategies of how air flows in and out of a building are discussed below.
According to Wood, A. & Salib, R. (2013), the different strategies used to ventilate high-rise
buildings can be categorized into three main groups: single-sided, cross- and stackventilation.

Single-sided ventilation is where fresh air from
the outside enters the room through the opening on the
same side it is extracted from (Architectus, 2013). This
is effective in ventilating a space if the depth is a
maximum 2.5 times of its height. For single-sided
ventilation, the driving force is wind coinciding with the
Figure 6: Single-sided ventilation.

temperature difference between the inflow air at ground

level and the outflow air at high level. If the ventilation openings are placed at different
elevations, buoyancy effect is able to aid single-sided ventilation.

Cross-ventilation relies on the air
movement across two sides of a building (from
the windward to the leeward side) due to the
differences of pressure between openings in the
two sides (Givoni, 1994). In order to make crossventilation more effective, the depth of the room

Figure 7: Cross-ventilation.

must not be more than 5 times of its height.
Similar with single-sided ventilation, the buoyancy effect can also aid cross-ventilation when
the spaces are facing tall open space (atrium).

Jalayerian (2012) stated that stack-ventilation is the
inflow of fresh air into the building and outflow at an
elevated level as a result of the occurrence of density,
pressure and temperature differences within a building. It is
often used in buildings with chimney, central atrium or
elevated part.
Figure 8: Stack ventilation.

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2.3 The Purpose of Natural Ventilation

As mentioned before, natural ventilation is the process of air changing caused by
pressure differences between the enclosed space and the surrounding (Nick Baker, 2013).
The inflow and outflow of air through the openings in a building is an excellent alternative to
mechanical ventilation as it would provide several notable advantages, such as improving
energy performance of a building and establish hazard-free air quality. Furthermore, the use
of natural ventilation is also proving a boon for people with raising concerns about the cost
effectiveness and environmental consequences as the almost zero energy consumption of
natural ventilation is able to reduce the initial cost, operational and maintenance cost of a
building. (Green Building Tech, 2007)

Natural ventilation is also vital in improving human comfort. According to Wood &
Salib (2013), there are 3 ways in which it is able to do so, such as by cooling the building
fabric, indoor air, and building occupants (through evaporation and convection – also known
as physiological cooling). The physiological cooling effect of natural ventilation can be
achieved with fast air movement over the skin (1 to 2 m/s) which increases the sweat
evaporation rate and significantly reduces the occupant when the skin perspires. In addition,
natural ventilation is able to lessen noise and health problems, thus creating an environment
with much healthier and more comfortable standards (Kukadia, V. & Hall, D., 2011).

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2.4 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Ventilation in High-Rise Buildings

Natural ventilation occurs when there are pressure or temperature differences
between the building and its surrounding to provide ventilation and space cooling (Royal
Institute of British Architects, 2013).

The process of changing air in a high-rise building using natural ventilation doesn’t
rely on any mechanical system, but it is influenced by the number and characteristics of
opening in the building. Generally, a high-rise building with good natural ventilation system is
able to save significant costs and energy compared to one which uses mechanical ventilation
system as more operating costs, maintenance cost or repair costs are required to ensure the
system is functional. In addition, less energy is consumed for natural ventilation, hence it is
environmental-friendly as well (Heaters Wholesale Limited, 2013).

However, natural ventilation brings some disadvantages as well. As mentioned above,
since the ventilation occurs naturally when there are temperature differences between the
interior and exterior of the building, it is relatively difficult to anticipate or even manipulate the
rate of ventilation in a building to desired level that could provide a comfortable environment
for the occupants (Royal Institute of British Architects, 2013). This means the building might
face the risks of under-ventilation on hot summer days or over-ventilation on cold days.

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2.5 Design Consideration in General
Natural ventilation occurs due to the unbalance pressure in the building and the
airflow around the building (Medhi, 2012). Ventilation effect is influenced by the building
design, and is minimized even if there is just a small blockage in the path of the air flow. A
good ventilation system can be identified if it meets the requirements below: It is energy
efficient, cost effective and able to establish hazard free air quality while satisfying user
comfort.
To ensure maximum air flow, more opening should be installed on the lower floors
and the top few floors of the building. Besides that, there should be a space big enough for
the air flow to reach the top of the building from the lower levels, such as stairwell and
ductwork. Etherige (2012) stated that natural ventilation system in high-rise building is
concerned with changeable and unreliable factors such as the behavior of occupant and
weather so these two factors must be taken into account to improve the performance of
natural ventilation as well.
According to Etherige (2012), the design of the natural ventilation system in high-rise
building should be divided into 5 stages, the first stage is assess the feasibility of the plan.
This involves considering about the technical difficulties that are related to the system. Stage
2 is to choose a suitable strategy to drive fresh air into the high-rise building. Stage 3 if the
process is envelope design. Designer or engineer must work together to allow the interior
space to have the optimum air velocity between 0.15m/s and 0.5 m/s. The size of the
openings and the location of the openings must be considered as well. Stage 4 is to make
sure the airflow rates and temperatures are appropriate to make sure the conditions of the
environment is safe and comfortable to the occupants. Stage 5 involves evaluating and
instructing the controls of the system.
Some of the factors that will affect the natural ventilation in high-rise building are
partition walls, humans are furniture (Baird, 2004). As a result, obstacles must be removed to
achieve maximum air flow. Small openings on the partition walls near the ceiling will improve
the movement of air as air with higher temperature will rises and exits through the small
openings. The stairwell of the building must be as wide as possible so more vertical airflow to
the top of the building can be induced. Windows should be used for more effective crossventilation as well. It is advisable to have windows of equal or suitable sizes installed along
the perimeter of the high-rise building so that the air ventilation can be more efficient.

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3.0 Case study
3.1 Climate
The tropical climate of Malaysia is always hot and humid, with temperature
consistently hovering around 31 degree Celcius and heavy rains occurring at any time of
year (Climate Zone, 2004). In addition, the copious rainfall is always brief and quick.
Throughout the year, the humidity level is relatively high albeit the warm climate of the
country.

3.2 Background

Figure 9: Ridzuan Condominium.

Ridzuan Condominium is a 27-storeys high residential building located in Bandar
Sunway, Selangor. The building is rectangular in plan and its long axis is drawn on the
northwest-southeast direction. In the building, the service core, consists of staircases and
elevators, is used to enhance its natural ventilation features and help maintaining good air
quality within the building; The staircases are placed at the southwest façade of the building,
with large openings right beside them, while 4 elevators are placed at the northeast side.
Several balconies can be found on each floor of the building as well. Besides that, the center
of the building comprises of 4 atria, with 2 of each on the northwest side and another 2 on
the southeast, forming a huge central void for natural ventilation by stack effect.

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3.3 Natural Ventilation Strategy
The rate of air flow in and out of a naturally ventilated building like Ridzuan
Condominium and the distribution of pressure difference throughout the structure are
dependent on the building design, which is affected by both wind forces and stack effect
(Givoni, 1994). This section examines and analyzes the natural ventilation strategy of the
building.

3.3.1 Overall Ventilation in the Building

Ventilation of air in the building is
driven by cross-ventilation through the
accessible windows along the
perimeter of the building. Furthermore,
wind at the top of the building is able
to create suction to assist the filtration
of air.

Figure 10: Picture from Japan Sustainable Building Database
(2008) used to show the section view of Ridzuan Condominium.

i) Openings for Ventilation
As mentioned earlier, Malaysia has a hot humid climate throughout the year. Natural
ventilation is still one of the most effective ways to keep a high-rise building like Ridzuan
Condominium comfortably cool and dry, meeting all users’ needs and expectations.

Figure 11: Left – Balconies ; Middle – Porches ; Right – Openings beside staircases.

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Along the perimeter of the building, there are
large openings on the southwest side and accessible
windows on the northeast façade of the building for
the inflow and outflow of air. Wind-driven forces are
utilized to drive air across each floor plate by crossventilation on a floor-by-floor basis. The openings
(mainly consist of windows and balconies) located on
northeast and southwest elevations, cause crossventilation in the upwind direction. They are
accessible (balcony doors for balconies) and can be
manipulated by the occupants to control the
exchange rate of air and distribution of natural
ventilation within the space (Roulet, 2008). These
ventilation openings are used to reduce noise from
Figure 12 : Openings besides the staircases.

outdoor, as well as providing a pathway for the
ventilation needed to maintain adequate air quality.

ii) Central Void for Stack Effect

Figure 13: Natural Ventilation (stack effect) in high-rise buildings (termite model) used to illustrate the stack effect
in Ridzuan Condominium (Baird, 2004).

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The central void of Ridzuan Condominium consists of 4 similar size ‘atria’. Clean air is
brought in through the open area at the ground floor’s lobby and the mid-height of the
building with the aid of cross-ventilation and stack effect. The air is exhausted to the atria due
to the lower pressure region in the center. The air is drawn towards the negatively
pressurized corridors within the building, and finally driven upwards when air velocity induces
negative pressure at the top of the building.

3.3.2 Ventilation in Residential Units
i) Placement of Openings with Reference to Winds and Wing Wall
The relationship between air velocities at different spots in the building is not
distinctive (Givoni, 1994). In Ridzuan Condominium, the air movement concentrates in a flow
from windward to the leeward openings, with the rest of the room’s space left minimally
affected and flowing at a much lower velocity. This is good for natural ventilation to maintain
good indoor air quality. According to Wood & Salib (2013), this occurs when the wind
perpendicular to the inlet opening is moving at maximized velocity while the outlet is bigger
and placed in the line of air flow.

In addition, according Givoni (1994), the perpendicular placing of opening to the
prevailing wind direction also creates the biggest pressure differential between the walls
located at the leeward and the windward sides. Nonetheless, it is different in reality as the
most ideal angles for the building exposed to the winds are actually ranged from 30 to 60o
from the normal.

Figure 14: Effects of different angle on indoor air speed. Data from Givoni (1994).

This could provide superior ventilation efficiency in separate rooms and in the
residence, hence the addition of wing walls to the building. However, when the inlet and
outlet are not in line with each other, the direction of air movement will be altered and that
causes a turbulent flow in the whole room, reducing the general airflow but improves the
average distribution of air velocities.

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A wing wall is a structural projection (usually a
smaller wall) built on a building’s exterior that is joined
to a larger structure or wall, extending to the eaves as
described by Electro Industries (2013). As shown in
figure, a wing wall is added windward of the first
window, which creates a relatively higher pressure to
drive air into the building while the one placed leeward
of the second window to create suction in front of it to
Figure 15: Wing walls.

draw air out. This is because a pressure gradient is

formed along the walls (windward higher while leeward lower). Air moves through the upwind
window into the building and is withdrawn from it through the downwind openings. This will
not be the same if the oblique wind is exactly perpendicular to the exposed building since
there will be no pressure differential at all, thus decreasing the ventilation rate of the indoor
space.

Figure 16: Top - Indoor Speed without Wing Wall. Bottom - Effect of wing wall on indoor air speed.(Givoni, 1994)

ii) Geometrical Arrangement of the Building
Geometrical arrangement, including the balconies extended outward or set inward
has significant impact on the spreading of pressure along the different sides of the building
as well as the choices for providing openings that would greatly affect the efficiency of cross
ventilation in the building (Givoni, 1994). In general term, building like Ridzuan Condominium
that is more ‘spread out’ and has an irregular shape will increase the possibility for cross
ventilation in an indoor space.

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Figure 17: Balcony for natural ventilation.

There’s one balcony in every separate unit in the building. This expands the ratio of
external walls (with openings) to floor area and provides more chances to draw wind in from
various directions and increases the efficiency of both direct and independent ventilation to
the rooms in the particular unit (Wood & Salib, 2013). In this regard, the open areas are
mostly equipped with accessible windows or screen doors as well. According to Kukadia &
Hall (2011), this opens up options to either reducing heat loss or improving ventilation for the
adjoining rooms; Opened screen door or windows would supply fresh air from outside for
ventilation while closed ones would result in less heat loss from the indoor space seeing that
the façade is more ‘even’ (shape is less irregular).
iii) Fly Screen
As previously mentioned, fly screens are used in the building. In fact, they are very
commonly used in hot region like Malaysia despite its potential to decrease the airflow rate.
However, their function as a protection from insects is extraordinarily useful. Besides that, if it
is positioned in front of the balconies, such interference could be greatly minimized while
allowing it to function without fault (Givoni, 1994).

3.4 Analysis - Strengths:
1. The building is naturally ventilated all the time without any aid from mechanical ventilators
such as fan or air-conditioner. This is rather rare and needs zero energy to keep the building
well ventilated and establish hazard-free indoor air quality.

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2, The stack effect in the central atria drives air in and out of the building through crossventilation and decreases the need to rely on wind-induced ventilation. This is because the 4
atria will help to pull air from the perimeter of the building upwards and outwards (through the
top).

3. The atria provide daylight at the center of the building.

4. According to the design of the building, vertical ventilation elements and facilities like
staircases are places along the edge at the southwest direction, right beside large openings
as shown in figure. This provides pliability for the flow of air inside the building, thus
improving internal air ventilation.

5. Occupants are able to access the windows placed at the northeast side of the building.
This allows a higher degree of control over the ventilation rate in the building, as well as
satisfying every user’s comfort.

6. Wing walls along the upwind axes are used to channel air inside the building. It is one of
the most important elements of the natural ventilation building as it allows fresh air to move
into the interior at a relatively higher velocity and ventilate the building.

3.5 Analysis – Considerations:
In this section, the concern for in different cases or high-rise buildings if similar strategies are
adopted are explored and discussed.

1. As mentioned earlier, the ventilation concept of Ridzuan Condominium relies heavily on
the wind forces. If windows are closed, low air change rate at about 1 ac/h would result in
minimal temperature difference. The ceiling height of each floor is too low for the stack effect
alone to achieve cooling effect. At the other end, in the situation where the airflow rates are
too high (between 6.3 and 28 ac/h), it would create a mess within the building, such as
papers or rubbish moving or flying around. The key to resolve this problem is to leave the
windows partially opened, establishing a space of moderate airflow rates. However, the
absence of a central computer-controlled BMS system would greatly defer the related design
to achieve its target efficiency. Although the windows are accessible, it is improbable to
anticipate that all occupants to manipulate such openings to their optimum usefulness, for
example, closing windows and switching on fans instead of using those windows for natural
ventilation.

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2. Monsoon’s excess rainfall under tropical conditions is likely to have a major negative
impact.

3. The atria in the center of the building, as well as the balconies that project outwards of the
building provide break-out spaces for natural ventilation (space for the air to escape to).

3.6 Recommendation and Possible Solutions
With reference to the case study presented in the previous pages, some of the
recommendations for the natural ventilation of such high-rise building are developed and
elaborated in this section.
1. Local Climate:

Figure 18: Reserach about local climate must be carried out.

Local Climate should be studied thoroughly and analyzed from different perspectives,
without much reliant on the published data, which could be too general and not accurate
enough for the study. The impacts of the collected data on wind velocities, humidity and
temperatures should be explored and supported with field observations. In hot humid climate
like Malaysia, the uncertainties caused by condensation should be considered and taken into
account whenever relevant. The disruption of air-borne particles, such as sand and dust
should be noted as well because they can be a huge problem for the natural ventilation in
high-rise building, lowering the efficiency of the said system and reducing air change rate
within the building. In lower levels, pest management is important, especially in Malaysia so
natural ventilation must be utilized to keep the air well ventilated and free of pests.

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2. Planning and Geographical Configuration:

Figure 19: Geographical configuration of building is important.

Tall buildings should be designed with narrow plan depths to aid the movement of air
across the interior part and improving the ventilation rate in the building. For better ventilation,
open-plan spaces (balconies) should be located on the periphery of the building while service
rooms such as pipe rooms or rubbish disposal rooms should be located towards the center.
Alternatively, the location of the spaces could be devised in a way to allow for more crossventilation to keep the airflow rates high enough for good air quality. The position of service
facilities, such as water pipes should be refrained from blocking the movement of air across
the interior. In addition, the stack effect in vertical circulation elements such as staircases
and escalator voids should be used to their full potential. The arrangement of the interior
design is vital to the ventilation strategy as well because the partition walls and furniture will
affect the efficiency of ventilation.
3. Related Sustainable Strategies:

Figure 20: Good natural ventilation improves energy efficiency.

It is important to consider the reduction of overall heat loads, which could be the key
to good natural ventilation effect. Before any action towards a strategy is carried out, issues
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connected to less energy consumption and quicker response to climate should be studies as
well, for example, daylighting, shading and thermal mass.

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4.0 Conclusion
The main objective of this paper was to form a better understanding on natural
ventilation and explore the possibilities of how it could enhance the ventilation of a high-rise
building.
In order to achieve the targeted goal of this thesis, Ridzuan Condominium was
chosen as the subject of the case study. The building design and its relation to the different
features of natural ventilation of this building were carefully examined and investigated.
Further analysis suggests that natural ventilation is able to benefit the specific building in
numerous ways. Two of the apparent examples are shown on the air exchange rate in the
building, as constant clean air is obtained from outside to establish healthy and natural
indoor environment with reduced capital, maintenance and operating costs. Besides that, the
influence of openings, wing walls, central voids and geometrical configuration of the building
on the performance of natural ventilation were scrutinized. It was also the intention of this
paper to consider the possibility to improve natural ventilation of the building by suggesting
few recommendations.
Every target set forth at the start of this report was achieved and it is to the hope of
the group that this could serve as a good presentation on the knowledge related to natural
ventilation as well as our findings of its enhancement to high-rise building.

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5.0 Learning Outcomes

Sia Yiik En 0315253
The report was the results of an extensive research about natural ventilation and its
impacts or benefits it could bring to a high-rise building. After finishing this report, I have
learnt about the general knowledge of natural ventilation- that it’s either wind-induced or
affected by thermal buoyancy- and also how a high-rise building is able to utilize its
characteristics to maintain a healthy interior air quality. I have also learnt about the
importance of teamwork as. It enables our group to share ideas and responsibilities to
complete the paper efficiently.

Sim Wen Yi 0308610
For building services 1, our lecturer have assigned a research project for us so that
we will have a better understanding of the topics involve in building services. In a group of
5~6 people, we were required to carry out our own research study based on the given topic
such as ventilation system, telecommunication, storm water system, cold water supply and
hot water supply supported by at least one case study. For our group, we were given the
topic ‘Enhancement of Natural Ventilation in High-rise Building.’ Throughout this research
project, I have a better understanding in natural ventilation. There is more than one natural
ventilation system that can be use in a building and it has to be included as an important
factor that will affect the comfortableness of occupants in the building. Besides, although
nowadays human are more rely on mechanical ventilation to achieve high standard of air
quality, but natural ventilation in a building cannot be replace. Natural ventilation in a building
cannot be avoided whether we design it or not. Natural ventilation system brings a lot of
benefits for us, but also some disadvantages than cannot be avoided.
After doing this assignment, I am able to identify the application, system, installation,
process, benefits and problems of such topic. We are also able to explain the relevant
information that related to the selected case study which is the Ridzuan Condominium in
Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Teoh Tze Yoong 0314756
Throughout this assignment, I learned how to do work as a team, we have to
separate our work enable us to finish it in time. Besides that, I also learned that there is a
different between citing a website and a book, I never know that last time.
I am impress with all the physic and calculation that involve in this topic which is
natural ventilation in high-rise building and also amaze to know how natural ventilation
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improve from time to time, from ancient until now. I also understand the theory on how the
natural ventilation works in high-rise building. In addition, I have the knowledge on how the
design affect the services and also the things we need to consider when applying natural
ventilation like the position of the window.
By finishing this group assignment I appreciate every single thing about natural
ventilation and the person who invented it.

Lim Fang Shiuan 0310399
This project is a study on building services system with the selected topic such as
ventilation system, telecommunication, storm water system, cold water supply and hot water
supply. We are required to carry out own research study based on given topic supported by
at least one case study. In a group of 5 students, we have chosen a topic which is
‘Enhancement of Natural Ventilation in High-Rise Residential Buildings Using Stack System.’
After completing this project, I have extended and refined knowledge relating to the
building services technology and the management system. I also developed an
understanding of course materials and the current application in construction industry. While
doing my research study, I have obtained higher-order intellectual skills including evaluating
skills and critical thinking skills. I am now able to understand and explain relevant information
related to the selected case study. In order to support the documentation, I have learned to
identify the application, system, installation, process, benefits, problems and anything
relevant to stack system.

Lee Chee Ming 0308958
In this assignment, we are required to from a group of 5 people to do a further
research on a selected topic given by our lecturer. We are given ‘Enhancement of Natural
Ventilation in High-Rise Residential Building’ as our research topic.
After through this assignment, it has improved my knowledge and information about
ventilation. After through the research, I realize that there are few types of ventilation such as
natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, stack ventilation and wind ventilation. I can now
easily describe the theory of different types of ventilation and how the types of ventilation
work in the high-rise building. In addition, I also understand how the design may affect the
ventilation inside the building and some of the services may also affect the ventilation.
Wong Ha Shiong 0309640
In this project, we are supposed to form a group and write a report on enhancement
of natural ventilation in high rise building. We are required to do research on the topic along
with a case study.
21


With this assignment, I learned more about natural ventilation and how natural
ventilation has evolved to the current stage from ancient times. I also learned more on how to
achieve natural ventilation such as the design of a building which can affect ventilation. I also
learned how it benefits our environment such as it cut down the usage of energy which is
very critical in the modern construction environment where sustainability plays a significant
role. I also learned how to better research and acquire the information that I need for the
assignment and back up my report with real and factual information acquired from a case
study.

22


Bibliography
Architectus (2013) Natural Ventilation – Sustainability Articles – Architectus,
http://www.architectus.com.au/sustainability/articles/natural-ventilation [13 Oct 2013].

Baird, G. (2004) Ant Hill, The Architectural Expression of Environmental Control Systems,
Taylor & Francis, UK.

Climate Zone (2004) Climate - Malaysia, http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/malaysia/ [17
Oct 2013]

Givoni, B. (1994) Passive and Low Energy Cooling of Buildings, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
Canada.

Green Building Tech HK (2007) Green Building Tech - Natural Ventilation,
http://gbtech.emsd.gov.hk/english/utilize/natural.html [25 Oct 2013].

Heaters Wholesale Limited, England (2013) Advantages of Natural Ventilation Systems,
http://www.heaterswholesale.co.uk/news/ventilation/advantages-natural-ventilationsystems.html [20 October 2013]

Jalayerian, M. (2012) ESD. In Understanding High-Rise Building Stack,
http://www.esdcurrent.com/2012/07/20/understanding-high-rise-building-stack-effect/ [6 Oct
2013]

Japan Sustainable Building Database (2008) Natural Ventilation System of High-Rise
Building with Central Void, Nissan Global Headquarters,
http://www.ibec.or.jp/jsbd/AS/tech.htm [Accessed 6 Nov 2013]

Kukadia, V. & Hall, D. (2011) Ventilation for Healthy Buildings: Reducing the Impact of Urban
Air Pollution, IHS BRE Press, Watford.

Nick Baker (2013) In Natural ventilation: stack ventilation, RIBA
http://www.architecture.com/SustainabilityHub/Designstrategies/Air/1-2-1-2Naturalventilation-stackventilation.aspx [October 17,2013 ]

Pollio, V. & Morgan, M.H. (1960) Vitruvius: The Ten Books on Architecture, Dover
Publications, New York.
23


Royal Institute of British Architects (2013) Natural ventilation: stack ventilation,
http://www.architecture.com/SustainabilityHub/Designstrategies/Air/1-2-1-2Naturalventilation-stackventilation.aspx [16 October 2013]
Roulet, C.A. (2008) Ventilation and Airflow in Buildings, Earthscan, UK.

Stabat,P.P, Caciolo,M.M, & Marchio, D.D. (2012) Progress on single-sided ventilation
techniques for buildings. Advances In Building Energy Research, 6(2), 212-241.
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.taylors.edu.my/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=01ec2f966394-4752-87e2-daf17003d82d%40sessionmgr198&vid=2&hid=121 [November 6, 2013]

Sustainability Workshop Autodesk (2011). Natural Ventilation,
http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/natural-ventilation [November 6, 2011]

Vitruve & Martin, J. (1547) Architecture, Ou Art De Bien Bastir De Marc Vitruve Pollion: ,...
Mis De Latin En Françoys Par Jan Martin,... Pour Le Roy Très Chrestien Henry I. Paris: J.
Gazeau.

West, A. W. (2000) An Exploration of the Natural Ventilation Strategies at the World Trade
Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Amsterdam.
Wood, A. & Salib, R. (2013) Natural Ventilation in High-Rise Office Buildings, Routledge,
Oxon.

24


Appendix

8 August 2013

To Whom It May Concern:
RE: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION
This is to certify that the following students are enrolled in the Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)
programme at the School of Architecture, Building and Design, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus:
No.

Student Name

Student ID No.

1

Sia Yiik En

0315253

2

Teoh Tze Yoong

0314756

3

Sim Wen Yi

0308610

4

Lim Fang Shiuan

0310399

5

Lee Chee Ming

0308958

5

Wong Ha Shiong

0309640

The students are gathering information for the subject Building Services 1 (QSB1714). In order for the students
to have in-depth understanding of the subject, they are given assignments and projects that require them to do
case studies/research.
We would be very grateful if you could provide them your guidance, assistance and necessary permission in
acquiring the information as required for their case studies/research. We ensure you that the information gathered
is strictly for academic purpose only.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Thank you.

25

Final building service (assignment)

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