A comparative analysis between traditional malay house and terraced house in energy conservation

Abstract

Malaysia’s population has been steadily increasing thus resulting in higher demand in residential housing. Modern housing design perceived as neglecting our local traditions, climate and context, cutting ourselves off from our past architectural heritage, which was highly practical with applications of passive design elements. The traditional Malay houses were exceptionally well designed to suit the warm and humid Malaysian climate and for the multifunctional use of space compared to terraced houses. This research aims to compare the energy conservation between traditional Malay house and terraced house from thermal comfort and lighting perspective. It studies on traditional Malay house (TMH) specifically ‘Rumah Bumbung Panjang’ as representative of climate response building. In contrast, the modern terraced house (TH) was represented by modern building that use artificial and mechanical lighting and ventilation to achieve thermal and lighting comfort. This research bases on data collected using a multifunction anemometer that includes illuminance levels, temperature and relative humidity. The data then tabulated and analysed. The research suggested that adaptation of traditional Malay house architectural elements would increase energy efficiency in terraced houses, thus conserved more energy. It also indicated that traditional Malay house could be easily adapted in the design of modern terraced houses and improved to meet the requirements of modern living.