Passive architectural solutions to reduce energy consumption for chalets at the Kapas Island, Malaysia

• Main Authors: Yusof, Zeenat Begam, Abdullah, Fadzidah, Asif, Nayeem, Azmin, Aida Kesuma, Sanusi, Aliyah Nur Zafirah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: International Organization Center of Academic Research 2022
• Subjects: NA2542.36 Sustainable architecture
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/98565/1/98565_Passive%20architectural%20solutions.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/98565/; https://www.ocerints.org/darch22_e-publication/

Malaysia is one of the marine biological diverse countries. The marine ecosystem covers highly diverse habitats of coral reefs, with a record of 612 coral species, equivalent to 77% of known coral species worldwide. Marine Park Islands (MPIs) in Peninsular Malaysia are famous marine tourism destinations for local and international tourists. Tourism accommodations are mushrooming on the islands. The most significant issues on the islands are the lack of electricity supply due to off-grid from the mainland. Most of the tourism accommodations on the islands receive electricity by using diesel generators. Electricity received generally are insufficient, expensive, and causes adverse environmental impacts. Mainly, chalets operators on the islands turn off electricity during the daytime or schedule it according to a specific time limit to save energy. Energy limitations cause dissatisfaction among tourists in terms of thermal comfort. Generally, chalets on the MPIs are equipped with air-conditioners. Air-conditioners consume more electricity than other electrical appliances and contribute more greenhouse gasses. Therefore, this study aims to reduce energy consumption by recommending passive architectural solutions for chalets located on the MPIs. The objectives are to determine the existing architectural characteristics of the chalets, identify thermal comfort readings of the existing chalets, and recommend appropriate passive architectural solutions to reduce energy consumption. This study was conducted on Kapas Island, located at Terengganu, East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This study adopted a mixed methodology approach with several research techniques such as in-depth interviews, observation, and field measurement. Three chalets were chosen as case studies. The finding indicates that the position of the door and windows, layout, and orientation, building material, roof insulation, and height of chalets are the passive architectural solutions suitable for the chalets. Appropriate layout plans and sketches were recommended as passive architectural solutions for this study. The findings provide insightful information for chalets operators and architects to design appropriate chalets on the MPIs to reduce energy consumption. This study can be replicated on the other MPIs in Malaysia.