Effectiveness of Passive Design Elements in a Malaysian Modernist Tropical Cottage

Abstract

When the general population could afford mechanical cooling, everything changed. Modern designs that were not appropriate for the tropical region are slowly introduced, and the best way to control indoor thermal conditions is by mechanical cooling. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of passive design elements in a tropical Modernist cottage on indoor thermal conditions by analyzing data obtained from fieldwork research. The building can be recognized by its simple cottage style, with a focus on practical functionality. Passive design principles are integrated into Modernist architecture to construct lasting, practical, and environmentally conscious buildings. The fieldwork research involves indoor thermal performance and ventilation data monitoring of three rooms within the cottage over an extended period. Through a comprehensive analysis, it is found that passive design elements within this Modernist cottage are effective for passive cooling during the day with closed windows and inactive fans. At night, it is advisable to open the windows for heat dissipation while keeping the fans switched off. It was observed that the ceiling fans kept the monitored room temperatures high as they circulate warm air downward instead of permitting it to flow through the ventilation blocks. Further, several design recommendations were made to improve indoor air flow and heat discharge for cooling. Although the fate of the studied Modernist tropical cottage is yet unknown, the knowledge gained through this study could improve the cooling of existing modern tropical houses through retrofits and strategic use of fans, while new houses should have suitable vents on the building envelope and roof for effective indoor cooling and less reliance on air-conditioning.