Exploratory survey of recessed window façade shading in Johor Bahru Malaysia

Abstract

The built environment is a major source of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially exacerbating the threats of climate change. With global rising temperatures, the energy requirements for cooling and ventilating buildings in tropical nations like Malaysia will soar geometrically. Scientists around the globe are exploring several technologies to address the challenges posed by building emissions and energy consumption. One of the main methods is the application of passive design strategies such as external façade shading or self-shading. Studies indicate one of the most practical self-shading technique is recessed window facades (RWF) which can easily integrate without reducing natural light and obscuring views. However, studies on the RWF are limited in literature particularly in Malaysia. This research aimed at carrying out an exploratory survey of recessed window façade (RWF) shading in selected buildings in Johor Bahru Malaysia. The RWF buildings characteristics namely; Window-Wall Ratio (WWR), Recessed Depth (RCD), Shading Ability (SHA), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Shading Coefficient (SC) will be examined. The results indicated that the values for solar heat gain and shading coefficient are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, the high shading ability of the buildings indicated that RWF might be responsible. Further studies are required to ascertain empirical correlations between the examined characteristics. This further study will potentially improve the design of more energy efficient, low emission and thermally comfortable buildings for the future.